Can you microwave milk?

Milk heats fine in a microwave, but it behaves badly if you leave it alone. Proteins and fats concentrate at the surface and form a skin that traps steam underneath, and when that lets go the milk climbs the mug in seconds. The base and sides also run hotter than the middle, which scorches the milk solids and gives the burnt taste. Stirring every 20-30 seconds solves both problems.

How to do it properly

1. Use a mug or jug at most two-thirds full
2. Heat for 20-30 seconds at a time at 50-70 percent power
3. Stir between every burst to break up the skin and even the temperature
4. Stop when it is steaming, not when it is bubbling

What goes wrong

• It boils over without warning and coats the turntable
• Overheating scorches milk solids and ruins the flavour
• Do not use this method for infant bottles — see microwaving breast milk

Other "can you microwave" questions

• Can you microwave styrofoam? It depends — Only if the container is labeled microwave-safe, and most takeout foam is not.
• Can you microwave aluminum foil? No — No — foil reflects microwaves and the edges arc, which can start a fire.
• Can you microwave plastic containers? It depends — Only ones labeled microwave-safe — cold-storage tubs are not among them.
• Can you microwave eggs? It depends — Beaten or pricked eggs, yes. A whole egg in its shell will explode.
• Can you microwave Tupperware? It depends — Yes, if that specific piece carries the microwave-safe symbol on its base.
• Can you microwave paper plates? It depends — Plain white paper plates are fine; anything with metallic trim or a foam layer is not.
• Can you microwave metal? No — No — metal reflects microwaves, arcs at edges, and can damage the oven or start a fire.
• Can you microwave breast milk? No — No — microwaves create hot spots that scald a baby even when the bottle feels cool.
• Can you microwave takeout containers? It depends — Only if the container is marked microwave-safe — most are not, and metal-handled ones never are.
• Can you microwave cardboard? It depends — Plain dry cardboard is usually fine briefly; anything with glue, staples, wax or foil is not.
• Can you microwave glass? It depends — Yes for ordinary heatproof glass; no for leaded crystal, and never straight from the freezer.
• Can you microwave water? It depends — Yes, but very clean water can superheat and erupt when you move the cup.