Cooker Safety Tips You Can Use Right Now

We all love cooking, but a careless moment can turn a tasty meal into a nightmare. The good news? Staying safe around your cooker takes just a few simple habits. Below are the top tips that keep fires, burns, and gas leaks out of your kitchen.

Keep the Area Clean and Clear

Spills are more than a mess – they’re fire fuel. Wipe up oil, butter, and food bits as soon as they appear. A greasy surface can ignite the next time you heat the burner.

Never place towels, oven mitts, paper bags, or curtains next to the heat. Even a small piece of cloth can catch fire in seconds. Store these items safely away from the stove when you’re cooking.

Use the right size pan for each burner. A pan that’s too small leaves the flame exposed, which can scorch the pan and start a flare‑up.

Handle Gas and Electricity the Right Way

If you have a gas cooker, give the knobs a quick turn before you light anything. You’ll hear a soft “whoosh” if there’s gas leaking – that’s a clear sign to stop and ventilate.

Never use a lighter or matches to light a gas stove if you smell gas. Open a window, turn off the gas at the valve, and call a professional.

For electric hobs, keep the surface dry. Water conducts electricity, so a wet hob can give you a nasty shock. If a spill gets into the controls, unplug the unit and let it dry before you use it again.

Regularly inspect cords and plugs for wear. Frayed wires are a fire risk, and a loose plug can cause intermittent power that damages the hob.

Now, a few quick habits that make a big difference:

• Never leave cooking food unattended. If you must step away, turn the heat down or switch the burner off.
• Keep a fire blanket or a small kitchen‑type fire extingisher within arm’s reach. It’s easier to tackle a small flame than to fight a big one.
• Teach kids to stay back from the cooker. If they need to help, give them a safe task away from the heat, like washing veggies.
• Schedule a professional service once a year. A technician will check gas connections, clean burner ports, and make sure the controls work properly.

Finally, remember that a cooker is just one part of a safe kitchen. Good ventilation, a working smoke alarm, and clear exit routes complete the picture. Follow these tips, and you’ll enjoy your meals without worrying about accidents.

Got a specific worry? Maybe a stubborn smell or a burner that won’t ignite? Give your local repair pro a call – a quick check can save you from a costly repair later.