Australia's Science Forum

Hi Labbies
I have tried to find the recipe to make agar in the microwave and can not find it:( Does someone have a tried and true recipe as everyone seems to want everything today!
thanks

I would not recommend making agar in the microwave.
Teacher should be more considerate and give you more notice!!!!! Rushing is a recipe for accidents!!!!!!
Cheers
Mother

I heat the water for the agar, in the microwave it really does save a lot of time, much quicker then on the hot plate.

I use the microwave all the time to make agar. I use a schott bottle placed in bowl in case of boil over. I zap it for 4 minutes, then carefully give it a swirl. Then zap it for another 2 , swirl, then another 2 minutes - done!.
Cool then pour. I usually do it in two batches, so one is cooking while the other is cooling/pouring.
I have no problems.

Yes I use the microwave just like Sunray18, I have never had a problem. It quick and easy but as sunray says use the Schott bottles, they are the best.

I think the cooling is the bit that takes time so what I have done as a tip from here is very carefully cool it in the sink with cold running water until at pouring temperature!

That's a great idea Rae, so simple, well done.

I just boil the kettle, it is even easier for me, as the microwave has to be in another room here.

Heat water in Microwave, weight out your agar, when water is hot enough, add agar to the water, making sure it has disolved, put in the Schott bottle and back in the Microwave, as Sunray has detailed. Good luck.

What size bottle and how full is it?

I have a 1 Litre bottle and also a 500ml bottle, only half fill it, before putting it in microwave. or as Sunray does put a bowl in. Good luck