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Does microwaved water taste different from water boiled on the stove?

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4 Answers
Mark Napier
Mark Napier, Urban and housing specialist
Based on a random sample of one person (myself, this morning, after our kettle gave up), water boiled in the microwave is very different if used to make coffee.  The coffee granules act differently and a fine froth forms on the surface.  It also tastes rather bad if you're used to kettle water.  Scientifically there may be little different (although I suspect there is a very big difference because of the molecular activity profile), but experientially it's chalk and cheese.
1.4k Views · View Upvoters
Jim Gordon
Jim Gordon, They're the intersection of my passion for Cooking and Food with my interest in Radio and Electronics.
Answered 357w ago · Author has 8.1k answers and 22.7m answer views
I find that boiled water (any method) loses its dissolved air and tastes different.  A vigorous rolling boil seems to pick up some air.  I think microwaved water is particularly flat-tasting and is unsuitable for tea, but my wife doesn't seem to mind the taste.
2.5k Views · View Upvoters
David Trauffer
David Trauffer, Christian chemical engineer
Answered 267w ago · Author has 536 answers and 502.2k answer views
In my vast experience with microwaves (at least 4 throughout the years) I have found that they often get dirty, and even if they are cleaned will sometimes still smell. Microwaves tend to release and then contain a lot of different gasses, vapors, etc, and some of these might be water soluble enough to affect taste.
1.2k Views · View Upvoters
Malcolm Sargeant
Malcolm Sargeant, Worked in water treatment industry for 40+ years
Answered 357w ago · Author has 14.6k answers and 12.8m answer views
No it should not. Water boiled by any method is still just water. If your kettle is furred up it may be adding a taste to the water or if the microwave oven has been previously used to cook strong tasting food you may be getting some difference in flavour. Using a clean kettle and a clean microwave and the same drinking cup there will be no detectable difference.
1.2k Views · View Upvoters

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