Why Microwaving Alcohol is Extremely Dangerous and Should be Avoided

Why You Should Never Microwave Alcohol

Putting alcohol containers in the microwave sounds harmless enough. However, this innocent act can actually turn deadly within seconds. Read on to understand the dangerous chemical reactions that occur when alcohol meets microwave radiation.

Alcohol Molecules and Microwaves Do Not Mix

Microwave ovens generate intense heat by causing water molecules in food to vibrate rapidly. Alcohol has a much lower boiling point than water. So those rapidly vibrating molecules cause alcohol to boil extremely quickly.

As the alcohol boils, alcohol vapor fills the closed container fast. In as little as 10-15 seconds, built up vapor causes an explosion sending scalding liquid and dangerously sharp pieces of glass or plastic flying.

Consequences of Microwaving Alcohol

Heating alcohol in the microwave poses two significant dangers:

1. Containers exploding with enough force to cause serious burns or injuries
2. Released flammable alcohol fumes igniting resulting in a large fireball erupting when you open the microwave door

Both risks stem from super-heated ethyl alcohol evaporating and rapidly expanding inside a capped bottle, jug or other sealed vessel not suited for microwave use.

Why Alcohol Bottles Have No Place in Microwaves

Common containers like wine bottles, beer bottles, flasks, jars, etc. are thick glass or plastic not intended for microwave heating. As pressure mounts exponentially inside, they will invariably fail explosively.

On top of this, alcohol itself has a much lower boiling point than water. Exposed to microwaves, alcohol comes to a boil almost instantly, turning bottles into virtual grenades.

Examples of Alcohol Related Microwave Mishaps

There are unfortunately many real life examples of the gruesome effects of trying to speed up chilling a cocktail or shot via microwave:

The Boiling Flask

In one case, a college student put some Everclear grain alcohol into a thick-walled chemistry flask before capping it and placing it into a lab microwave for 30 seconds. The sealed environment enabled vapor pressure to skyrocket resulting in an earth-shattering kaboom. Shattered glass shards caused multiple lacerations requiring around 100 stitches and months of physical therapy to regain use of tendons severed by flying debris.

Microwaving Booze Ends a Party

A group of underage drinkers eager to get their liquor chilled fast put some Bacardi rum into a freezer jar and zapped it. Moments later, the emergency room staff was removing glass fragments from everyone's face and hands. One girl lost vision in one eye. Two party goers are permanently disfigured from second-degree burns making contact with erupted scalding alcohol.

Flaming Jello Shots

Hoping to quick-thaw some Jello shots, a college kid put the tray into the microwave for just 45 seconds. Opening the door released enough hot alcohol fumes that they immediately ignited into a fireball that lit his face and body on fire causing excruciating second and third degree burns. In his panic, he also spilled the flaming jelly to reignite the fire several times as he rolled around his apartment kitchen.

Why Alcohol Expands So Fast in Microwaves

Water and alcohol both absorb microwave radiation which agitates their molecules. Liquids heat up as those molecules bang around faster and faster.

The rate of heating depends on a liquid's:

• Loss tangent - how well a substance absorbs microwaves
• Heat capacity - the amount of energy needed to raise temp 1 degree
• Dielectric constant - how well molecules interact with electric fields

The combination of alcohol's molecular properties paired with most containers used to hold it enables dangerous rapid superheating.

Alcohol Loses Heat Slower Than Water

Additionally, the hydrogen bonding occurring between water molecules allows heat to transmit quicker through water than alcohol. This makes alcohol retain heat energy longer. So while water-based liquids will boil, the vapor bubbles can escape easier to prevent explosions. But alcohol heats faster while retaining heat energy longer, quickly amping up pressure.

Most Containers Can't Handle Alcohol Boiling

To top it off, the thick glass or plastic walls of containers alcohol comes in hinder steam venting, enabling vapor pressure to swell exponentially. Like a dry leaf clogged in a drain, the narrow bottle mouths prevent expanding alcohol steam from escaping quickly enough to stop unchecked pressure growth.

Safe Alternatives to Microwaving Booze

Instead of using the microwave, chill or gently warm spirits using these safe methods:

Frosty Freezer

Simply store your sealed beverage in the freezer to quick-chill it if desired. While alcohol won't freeze solid, it becomes nicely ice cold around 20F.

Simple Cold Water Bath

To gently warm an alcohol container, fully submerge it in a bath of plain tap water at your desired temp. The water transmits warmth slowly and evenly through the glass or plastic. Stir the bath occasionally and monitor until reaching optimal serving temperature.

Stovetop Hot Water

For quick heating, put water in a pan on the stove stopping before it simmers. Turn off the heat before slowly lowering in the alcohol vessel to gently warm surrounding liquid. Use thermometers to avoid overheating and remove immediately once reaching the target temp.

How to Treat an Alcohol Related Microwave Explosion

If you or someone else microwaves alcohol resulting in any injuries:

Evacuate and Call Emergency Services

Get everyone out of the building in case alcohol vapors still linger to prevent possible fire/explosion/poisoning risks. Call emergency responders to assess and treat wounds.

Apply First Aid Basics

If an eye injury, loosely cover both eyes to limit movement without putting pressure on tissues/fluids. Carefully remove glass shards but leave embedded pieces for professionals. Apply loose sterile bandages to bleeding wounds using clean gloves.

Treat Burns and Shock

Cover widespread burns loosely to protect blistering skin. Do not pop bubbles or remove charred tissue. Have the victim lie down comfortably and loosen any constrictive clothes/accessories. Keep them warm with blankets avoiding alcoholic beverages.

Stay with the injured person talking reassuringly until EMTs arrive. Give them all pertinent details about what happened, materials involved, injuries present and vitals observed.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.