Today I was using my super handy 2000ml erlenmeyer flask to boil up some tap water to wash a batch of yeast on my glass top stove. I cranked it to full blast as I usually do and it began heating but no bubbles were forming. I thought it was strange but payed little attention to it. Then moments later, a blast of super hot water flew out the top of the flask! Lucky for me I was not next to it, so no injuries. Being the idiot I am I decided to let it sit for a moment and slowly try again being sure not to stand close while the cook top was heating. Sure enough it erupted again.
Anyone can correct me here but from what I've read this happens when the water has very little particulate and the heating vessel is very uniform. Then heated at a rate in which you pass the boiling point without actually boiling the liquid. Boom!
Look out and be safe when in your kitchen laboratory. Watch for very hot still water.
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