"How can people not know how to make tea?"
Over half of Gen Z are ditching the kettle and making their tea in the microwave, and the internet is not okay with it.
According to new research by energy comparison site Uswitch, a staggering 58% of 18 to 27-year-olds say they’ve used the microwave to make tea, with one in six admitting they do it every single day.
Millennials aren’t far behind. Nearly a third of 28 to 43-year-olds have confessed to microwaving their cuppa.
Gen Xers (aged 44–59) take third place with 15%, while only 10% of Boomers and 6% of the Silent Generation heat their tea this way.
For many Brits, known worldwide for their tea-making pride, this brewing behaviour has triggered genuine horror.
When American creators post videos of microwave-made tea, the comment sections often descend into chaos.
One viewer wrote: “I think I just witnessed a crime”, while another said: “How? How can people not know how to make tea?”
Someone else simply called it an “absolute violation”, and another added:
“Things that should be illegal but aren’t!”
But the controversy doesn’t stop people from doing it, especially students. And there may actually be a reason behind Gen Z’s shift in brewing.
Natalie Mathie, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said:
“It’s possible that many younger people use a microwave because kettles are often banned in student accommodation, but this is a trend that’s growing with each passing generation.
“While it seems like an affront to basic tea-making traditions, if it works for people, who are we to argue?”
“However you’re boiling your water, make sure you only put in the amount of water you need, as heating excess water can waste a lot of electricity.”
Microwave vs Kettle: What’s Cheaper?
When it comes to cost, your microwave habits might not actually be that bad.
According to Uswitch, boiling water for tea, whether by kettle, hob or microwave, usually costs around 1p per cup.
But if you’re really trying to save every penny, using a covered pan on a gas hob is technically cheapest at just 0.74p.
The cheapest way to make a cup of tea
- Gas hob (covered pan) – 0.74p (in 217 seconds)
- Gas hob (uncovered pan) – 0.84p (in 245 seconds)
- Microwave – 1.03p (in 180 seconds)
- Electric kettle – 1.11p (in 52 seconds)
So, whether you’re team kettle or team microwave, one thing is clear: the debate over how to make the perfect brew is far from over.
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