How to prevent Microwave Overflow & what causes it!! !

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I mentioned on a WP post about how Bob from Day Program attempted to prepare a Kraft Mac and Cheese individual-serving cup in the microwave only to succumb to messy overflow of the contents!! !

So I decided to Google what causes overflow in microwaves and I learned that there is a scientific reason behind it, which is very fascinating:

Overflow is caused by a chemical reaction of the water and starches in the cheese packet

More accurately, it's the result of a process called "super-heating" where the microwave heats the water past the boiling point but without actually reaching "boiling stage"

This causes the bubbles to foam up and escape the container

I very rarely experience this problem but that might be because I have NEVER attempted to cook a Kraft Mac & Cheese cup and honestly I'm too scared to even try!

However, I have read that there are ways to successfully mitigate the issue with overflow (put a plate underneath to catch the spillage, cook in increments instead of full amount of time all at once to allow air bubbles a chance to re-distribute, stirring before cooking etc) but it just seems like too much of a hassle and waste of money to attempt!

What do you guys think?


EDIT: Should this be moved to the "Science" forum?

There must be instructions on the cup explaining how to microwave the contents properly.

I nearly always try to put a plate under whatever I put in a microwave to catch any spillover.

Exceptions:
1) Boiling water
2) When whatever I put into the microwave is already in a plate.
3) Baked potato (if a potato boils over, something is very wrong).
4) Things that in my experience don't boil over.

That said, I don't try to cook much in a microwave -- I usually only use it to occasionally thaw out frozen foods before cooking them on the stove, to heat leftovers, and to boil water in the winter for the hot chocolate mix.

I made boxed mac 'n cheese all the time in the microwave. I overflowed a couple of times before figuring out to not follow the directions for how much water is needed. Cover the pasta with water; don't drown it. One can always add water while cooking. (Also, use the starch water in lieu of some of the butter & water/milk added for the cheese.) One could also boil the water in the microwave, then add the pasta & futz as necessary. I'm on the side of overcooking vs cleaning overflowed gunk tho.

Actually, I rarely use the recommended microwave times & cook power. The one time I followed the directions on a microwave popcorn I ended up setting the bag on fire in the microwave, & it still had a good five mins to go "officially". The instructions seem to be written for underpowered microwaves.

Microwaves hate me and feeling is mutual... (frozen - still frozen - frozen - cold - charcoal...)
Never use the bloody thing on microwave.

Don't know the kraft stuff, I just pour boiling water in cup noodles. Sister likes microwaving meatballs in tomatoes but can't stand the smell. (was never a fan but now... either they got worse or me more sensitive)

I know... not much help... Not much choice in shared kitchens (and program kitchen sounds like an office kitchen)

Most microwave instructions I've seen on packets state 1000w microwave cook times.
I dont think I've ever used a kilowatt version. The 3 I've owned have been 900, 850 and 790 w

I generally have to add 30% to the kilowatt cook times.