One little thing I always wanted to know?

Question

Why is it that a teabag with a staple in it can go into the microwave? Why doesn't it arc like other metal objects? Does anyone know?

I'm asking this in seniors, because of their wisdom, and their life experience.

Answer 1

I don't have the answer but others do. You are right about Seniors here. But I know that a lot of younger people who come here are smart about things too. To me they are welcome here. My daughter is 33 and is a smart young woman about many things. Never say you are sorry for coming on board. You don't have to give an excuse to be here.  Poppy

Answer 2

It's because there is enough other non-metal material in there (the whole teabag) or the microwaves to "concentrate" or focus on.

I was once watching a cooking show that said you can put ground beef in aluminum foil in the microwave if you had the correct ratio of ground beef in comparison to a small enough amount of foil. I don't remember how many pounds of meat, and was never brave enough to try it.

btw I'm 34 not a senior yet, saw your question on the main page for Society and Culture

Answer 3

I'm not really a senior but I frequent this category because of the wisdom and life experience so I'll answer your question.

The teabag staple is very tiny and surrounded by the liquid and cup so it is OK.

I suppose you don't know this then :

foil can be placed on protrusions like leg ends of chickens so they don't burn to a cinder in the microwave.

Answer 4

There is a process known as 'Rking Destabilising Ratio' ........

it's quite complicated but basically it has to do with the ratio of tannin in the dessicated tea and the anions that it gives off when in the microwave oven.

I think that you would find that if you put the teabag in the oven without opening the box from which the tea bag comes out of ..... it is the breaking of the seal on the box that activates the Rking Distabilser - the tea bag and the staple would explode.

Best not to try that though.

Enjoy your tea!

love life

and friends

and tea!

Answer 5

That's a good question. I've never understood it either.  I have a microwave that has a metal rack (like ovens have) in the center. How does that work ?  Also I've wondered about the body of the microwave. If the "waves" go through dense food, why doesn't go through the plastic lining of the interior and into the metal "guts" ?   This could be a routine that Gallagher (the comedian) could use.

Answer 6

You put the water in the cup or mug first, boil it in the microwave, then put the tea bag in.  That way there's no chance of the staple causing problems.  Better safe than sorry.

Answer 7

Isn't the staple usually under water?  I would think that would keep it from catching fire.  

Answer 8

Well, I don't suppose the microwave would blow up or anything, but you'd sure have a lousy cup of tea.

To make a proper cup of tea, bring fresh water to a full rolling boil.  Use loose leaf tea in your pot or cup (be sure the vessel has been preheated).  Take the pot to the stove and pour the water over the leaves.  Allow to steep 1 to 5 minutes depending on the leaves used.  Decant the tea into another pot (that has also been preheated) so that the tea doesn't become bitter.  The easiest way to accomplish this is to use a Chatsford pot which has a removeable filter for the leaves.

If you are steeping a green tea, bring the water to a full boil, but allow it to cool a couple of minutes before adding it to the teapot so as not to scorch the leaves.  Water temperature should be about 180 degrees.  For white teas, the temperature should be about 170 degrees.

Answer 9

I heat the water in the microwave and add the tea bag after it's done.

I don't know what metal does as the instructions say not to put metal in the microwave, so I don't.

Answer 10

The few times I drink tea I nuke the water then take the cup out and put the teabag in.

Answer 11

Wow.  I quit putting teabags with staples in the microwave.  I'd done it for years and then one day I did get an arc.  I don't know what I did differently that time.  But it startled the heck out of me.

Now I put the cup of water in for two minutes, take out the cup and add the tea bag.  

Answer 12

Love the question Cheryl but I don't put the teabag in the microwave. I heat my water and then add the tea to let it steep.

Answer 13

Hey good question  -  I hope someone knows the answer

because you have me intrigued now!!

Cheers CC x

Answer 14

There are different types of metal, and I suspect the staple is one that isn't bothered by the microwaves.

My microwave has a big metal shelf in the center, and it never arcs.

Answer 15

I don't know the answer but I thought that was a very good question.

have a star.

Answer 16

Cheryl, I just wanted to share this information that I received.

It's not the answer you asked for, but be careful boiling water in the microwave.

Microwaving Water!

A 26-year old man decided to have a cup of coffee. He took a cup of water and put it in the microwave to heat it up (something that he had done numerous times before). I am not sure how long he set the timer for, but he wanted to bring the water to a boil. When the timer shut the oven off, he removed the cup from the oven. As he looked into the cup, he noted that the water was not boiling, but suddenly the water in the cup 'blew up' into his face. The cup remained intact until he threw it out of his hand, but all the water had flown out into his face due to the build up of energy. His whole face is blistered and he has 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face which may leave scarring.

He also may have lost partial sight in his left eye. While at the hospital, the doctor who was attending to him stated that this is a fairly common occurrence and water (alone) should never be heated in a microwave oven. If water is heated in this manner, something should be placed in the cup to diffuse the energy such as a wooden stir stick, tea bag, etc.,(nothing metal).

It is however a much safer choice to boil the water in a tea kettle.