Fire extinguishers are, next to smoke detectors and sprinklers, the most essential tools for preventing kitchen fires. With an alarming increase in the number of home fires in American Homes, installing a fire extinguisher in your kitchen is only reasonable.
According to statistics, approximately 365,500 residences experience structural fires each year, comprising about 26% of all documented fires nationwide—an immense figure. While you may perceive your home as impervious to fire, it would be unwise to dismiss the occurrence of accidents. Taking proactive measures presents an excellent chance of safeguarding your loved ones and property.
A mere matter of seconds can transform a small fire into an inferno. Thus, time becomes a critical factor. Swiftly extinguishing a fire before it causes further destruction is paramount. Fortunately, Fire extinguishers do a great job of putting out different types of flames.
Fire extinguishers, like most fire safety products like Carbon monoxide detectors, are often overlooked despite their necessity. Kitchen fires are not uncommon, considering that cooking accidents are one of the leading causes of home fires.
The good thing is that all fire extinguishers are subjected to several tests before being sold. There is no lousy extinguisher; however, deciding which one to purchase can be challenging, with many options available. We have reviewed and compiled a list of some of the best fire extinguishers to help you make an informed decision.
Read on to find out the best fire extinguishers for kitchen safety today.
Importance of Having a Fire Extinguisher in The Kitchen
The kitchen is where all the cooking happens. And undeniably, the area involves fire and flammable materials like grease and cooking oil. Either of these can quickly start a kitchen fire that, if not promptly contained, can spread into other rooms and cause injuries and damage.
One of the most fundamental reasons to have an extinguisher is that the law requires you to have at least one in your kitchen. However, there are more reasons why it is recommended.
Here is why a fire extinguisher is an excellent investment.
- Complying With Fire Safety Legislation
A few laws may require you, as a homeowner, to install an accessible fire extinguisher in your building to help contain small fires. The ideal locations to place a fire extinguisher are high-risk areas such as kitchens. Therefore, whether or not you find a good reason to have an extinguisher for fire safety, you may still have to comply with several laws.
Additionally, it is necessary to conduct fire risk assessments and ensure that everyone in the building can safely escape the fire.
- Fighting Small Fires
Small fires, such as grease flare-ups, can be quickly put out without requiring the fire department. Fire extinguishers are useful for putting out small fires before they become massive blazes. This prevents further damage, injuries, and even loss of life. We recommend situating the extinguisher somewhere it can be accessed quickly to extinguish the fire in the shortest time possible.
- Immediate Fire Safety
Imagine a fire extinguisher as a pen knife you carry around for protection. You’d feel safer knowing you could protect yourself in a fire outbreak. Fire extinguishers are designed to help put out fires before they become unmanageable. Therefore, with easy access to one, you can quickly respond to a fire outbreak in your kitchen or home. Remember that time is your biggest enemy, so you should be able to take the shortest time to extinguish the fire or evacuate the place.
- Preventing Property Damage
A kitchen fire caused by a grease flare-up can quickly turn into a giant flame and damage a lot of property within minutes. Fire extinguishers allow you to put out a small fire before it spreads to other rooms, saving you a lot of money in costs and repairs.
- Protecting Home Occupants
Whether you’re a homeowner or renting, fire safety should be your top priority. Putting out a fire before it escalates allows you to protect your loved ones and family members. Fire extinguishers quickly put out fires to prevent further injuries and smoke inhalation.
- Supplement Other Fire Safety Measures
While other fire safety products like smoke detectors help in early fire detection and prevention, fire extinguishers are great additions to your home fire safety system. An extinguisher gives you more control over the situation before it becomes disastrous.
What are the Common Causes of Kitchen Fires?
Most kitchen fires result from negligence and errors, which can be avoided. Knowing what can cause a kitchen fire can help you reduce risks and prevent them when they occur. Here are the most common causes of kitchen fires.
- Unsupervised Cooking
With the bit of time it takes for a fire to start and spread, leaving your cooking unattended can lead to a kitchen fire. This could lead to a flammable material catching fire, overheating, or burning. If you must leave the kitchen, have someone watch over your cooking or turn off the stove.
- Flammable Objects Near a Heating Source
Leaving flammable materials such as paper towels, plastics, dish clothes, and curtains near heating sources can ignite a fire. Additionally, cooking with baggy clothes can be equally dangerous.
- Children Curiosity
Out of curiosity about cooking appliances, children can accidentally start a fire in your kitchen. Allowing your children to access a stove or other cooking equipment can pose a fire risk. If you use a fuel source such as LPG, you can cut off the supply when you are not cooking to avoid such accidents.
- Electrical Malfunctions
Malfunctions in kitchen appliances such as ovens, toasters, microwaves, deep fryers, or faulty wiring increase the risks of a kitchen fire. Similarly, overloading circuits and improper use of electrical devices in the kitchen can result in short circuits and electrical sparks that can cause a fire. Let a professional handle all the wiring in your home to reduce the risk of an electrical malfunction.
- Grease and Oil
Cooking oil and grease are flammable products that could quickly start a fire in your kitchen. When cooking oil burns for too long and overheats, boils, and starts smoking increases the chances of a fire. Grease build-up on stoves and cooking equipment can further increase the risks.
Top 5 Best Fire Extinguishers for Kitchen
#1. Kidde FA110 Multipurpose Fire Extinguishers
Consider the Kidde FA110 Multi Purpose Fire Extinguisher if you are looking for an extinguisher to fight several flames. They are designed to function efficiently on Class A (trash, wood, and paper), Class B (liquids and gases), and Class C fires (energized electrical equipment), which are all possible in most kitchens.
The fire extinguishers are built using lightweight aluminium to ensure they are easy to lift and use promptly. However, the Kidde extinguisher has a rigid aluminium valve assembly for durability.
The Kidde fire extinguishers also have easy-to-pull safety pull pins to prevent tampering and accidental discharge. To back it up, there is an easy-to-read pressure gauge that lets you know when the fire extinguisher is charged and ready for use.
You can easily mount the Kidde extinguisher thanks to an included mount that is easy to install. The package also includes a fire blanket. They don’t do much, but they can be helpful in putting out grease and cooking oil fires.
Pros
- Easy-to-read pressure gauge
- Built to last
- Works of several fire types
- Easy-grip handle
- Recommended by the NFPA
Cons
- Requires maintenance
#2. KITCHEN5 Fire Extinguisher
KITCHEN5 Fire Extinguishers are produced by Fire Alerts, making them one of the best fire extinguishers for kitchen in the market, considering the company’s reputation. Their small, portable design makes them perfect for small rooms.
Compared to traditional fire extinguishers like the Kidde extinguishers, the KITCHEN5 is very lightweight, weighing about 2.7 pounds. It is, therefore, easy to hold and use on small fires. Additionally, the compact design gives it an edge over other extinguishers as it does not take up too much storage space.
If you wish to mount your fire extinguisher on a wall, the KITCHEN5 has a plastic mount. There are also manufacturer’s instructions on the extinguisher’s body explaining how to use it. Additionally, it has a strong metal pull pin that prevents accidental discharges.
Suppose you wonder whether a compact fire extinguisher like this will suffice for your kitchen. In that case, it is UL-rated 5 B: C and can fight flames, including electrical and flammable liquid fires.
Pros
- Has written instructions
- Compact size that enables it to fit in cabinets
- Fights flammable liquid and electrical fires.
- Great for small rooms
Cons
- Lacks hose to aim
- Needs frequent refills
#3. EZ Fire Spray
Also manufactured by Fire Alert, the EZ Fire Spray is one of the most portable fire extinguishers. It is ideal for small spaces like kitchens and can fight small fires, preventing them from spreading.
This fire extinguisher is more accessible to use than most traditional extinguishers, considering it borrows from a typical aerosol spray. Its compact size makes it lightweight and easy to carry, and it discharges the extinguishing agent promptly. Additionally, the EZ Fire Spray can discharge four times longer than other fire extinguishers, giving you about 32 seconds of firefighting time to ensure that the flame is quickly extinguished.
This portable extinguisher gives you control over the situation with a nozzle with comprehensive coverage. It can also fight small fires from wood, paper, cooking oil, fabric, and electrical devices. If you are pro-environment, the extinguishing agent is nontoxic and biodegradable. You do not have to worry if it stains your surfaces, as the form can easily be wiped using a damp cloth.
Pros
- Very portable thanks to its compact size
- Easy to use than traditional fire extinguishers
- Discharges 4 times longer than traditional extinguishers
- The extinguishing agent is nontoxic and biodegradable.
Cons
- Limited capacity
#4. Firexo Cooking Pan Fire Extinguisher Sachet
The Firexo Cooking Pan Fire Extinguisher Sachet is an excellent addition to your fire safety system. Additionally, it is a great alternative to fire extinguishers and fire blankets, as it works very efficiently in the shortest time possible.
If you frequently have flair-up fires when cooking, you should consider buying these sachets. They are easy to use—as easy as throwing one sachet in the pan without opening it. It is designed mainly for oil fires up to 3 litres. Once the sachet is placed in the pan at arm’s length, the fire will rapture the sachet, allowing it to dispense its contents, which puts out the fire.
Additionally, the Firexo Cooking Pan Fire Extinguisher is compact, easy to use, and safer than other fire extinguishers. Firexo Cooking Pan Fire Extinguisher Sachets are environmentally friendly as they are made of natural components.
Pros
- Compact and can be placed in drawers and cabinets
- Biodegradable and non-toxic
- A safer alternative to fire extinguishers and fire blankets
- Easy to use
- Works in a few seconds
Cons
- It can be irritating to the eyes and skin
- Not suitable for most types of fires
#5. DIBBATU Fire Blanket
Fire blankets are essential for firefighting and especially in kitchens. If you are hunting for the best fire blankets, you should consider the DIBBATU Fire Blanket because of its ease of use, high quality, and sturdiness.
The DIBBATU FireBlanket does not require prior training to use. You only need to pull the blanket and slowly throw it over the fire. These blankets are compact enough to fit inside drawers and cabinets that can easily be accessed.
In addition to extinguishing kitchen fires, you can wrap a DIBBATU Fire Blanket around your body to protect you or your family from fire injuries.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Compact and can be placed on the kitchen counter
- It can protect you from fire injuries
- Ideal for small flames
- Reusable if undamaged
Cons
- Cannot extinguish large flames
How to Choose the Right Fire Extinguisher
- Identify the hazards you might face in your kitchen: using the wrong fire extinguisher may reignite or fail to work. It is essential first to assess the risks and know what hazards you might face.
- Know the ABCs of Extinguishers: different fire extinguishers are designed to fight different types of fires. When choosing a fire extinguisher for your kitchen, you must pick the right one from the Class A, B, and C extinguishers.
- Choose the right size for your needs: depending on the size of your kitchen, choose a fire extinguisher that will work best. For instance, consider a five-pound fire extinguisher like the KITCHEN5 if you have a small space.
Maintenance and Proper Usage Guidelines
Here are a few guidelines to help you care for your fire extinguisher.
- Choose the Right Fire Extinguisher
There are many types of fire extinguishers in the market. And while they all work well, choosing the right extinguisher suitable for kitchen fires is crucial. We recommend looking for a Class K extinguisher specifically made to be used to fight kitchen fires. A few options to consider include KITCHEN5 Fire Extinguisher and the EZ Fire Spray.
- Accessible Placement
It is essential to install your kitchen fire extinguisher in an accessible location. Time is of the essence during fire outbreaks. If you cannot access your extinguisher within seconds, the flame may quickly turn into a massive blaze that is difficult to contain.
If it is mountable, mount the fire extinguisher where everyone can see it and at a height that is easy to reach. Compact fire extinguishers like the EZ Fire Spray can be placed in a standard drawer, cabinet, or kitchen counter.
- Frequent Inspection
You do not want to pick up your fire extinguisher and aim it at a fire only to realize it is not working. Ensure you perform regular inspections to ensure your fire extinguisher is in good working condition. Most fire extinguishers have an expiration date, so check that too. You can inspect for leaks, extinguishing agent level, damage, or corrosion. Replace or refill your extinguisher in case of any issues.
- Understand how it Works.
You cannot use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire if you do not understand how it works. Similarly, not all fire extinguishers function the same way. For instance, to use a Kidde FA110 Multipurpose Fire Extinguisher, you will need to pull the pin, which will break the seal, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent, and sweep from side to side until the fire dies.
On the other hand, to use a Firexo Cooking Pan Fire Extinguisher Sachet, you only need to place a sachet in the pan, and the fire will rapture it, allowing it to discharge the extinguishing agent. To familiarize yourself with a fire extinguisher’s usage, you can read the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Pressure Gauge Check
For fire extinguishers with a pressure gauge, it is essential to check regularly to ensure it is within the acceptable range. If it does not, this may mean it is time to service or refill the fire extinguisher.
Kitchen Fire Safety Tips
- Invest in Fire Safety Products
A kitchen fire can happen anytime, so it is good to be prepared for when it does. An excellent way to stay proactive is to invest in fire safety products such as fire extinguishers and sprinklers to help put out a fire, smoke sensors to detect fires before they cause extensive damage and Carbon monoxide detectors. Together, all these products can help save lives and prevent property damage.
- Create a Fire Escape Plan
A fire escape plan is a detailed drawing of your home outlining the safest way to escape a fire. A fire escape plan saves time and ultimately minimizes fire injuries. If you are a homeowner, creating an escape plan and frequently practising drills is essential to familiarize yourself with the plan.
A good fire escape plan shows your home’s structure, the safest route outside the building, and the meeting point. Ensure that all members of your household are involved and that they understand the importance of the fire escape plan.
- Never Leave Your Cooking Unattended
Since kitchen fire can start and spread quickly, it is advisable never to leave your cooking unattended. Avoid distractions and leave the kitchen when cooking, increasing the fire risk. If you cannot focus on cooking, you’d rather have someone else do it or order takeout.
- Keep Flammable Materials Away
Flammable materials such as plastics, fabric, and paper towels should be placed away from heat sources as they easily ignite. To minimize the risk of accidents, we recommend keeping your workspace clutter-free. We also advise against cooking in loose or baggy clothes, as those, too, can catch on fire.
- Do Not allow Children to Access Heat Sources.
Children can accidentally cause a kitchen fire out of curiosity about cooking appliances. You can avoid this by cutting off the heat or fuel supply while not cooking. Additionally, turn off all cooking appliances when not in use.
Conclusion
Preventing fire hazards can be tricky since they are never expected. However, products such as fire extinguishers help you contain fires before they become huge and disastrous. Since the kitchen is a high-risk area, as most cooking happens there, we recommend keeping a fire extinguisher nearby. Consider options like the EZ Fire Spray and Kidde FA110 Multipurpose Fire Extinguisher, as they are among the best extinguishers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: How do I use a fire extinguisher?
We recommend using the PASS method to put out a fire using a fire extinguisher. Ensure that you are standing at least 6 feet from the fire. Proceed by pulling the pin to break the seal, aiming at the base of the fire, squeezing the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent, and moving the nozzle or hose in a sweep motion to extinguish the fire. However, note that different extinguishers are used differently so ensure to read the instructions.
FAQ 2: Are fire extinguishers rechargeable?
There are different fire extinguishers, with some designed for single use. Once you use them, you will need to replace the unit. Others are rechargeable after use, but ensure that a certified supplier does it.
FAQ 3: How many extinguishers should I have in my kitchen?
One extinguisher is enough for your kitchen. Ensure you place or install it in an accessible location.
FAQ 4: Which features should I look for in a kitchen fire extinguisher?
Some of the feature to consider in this case include:
- The size and weight of the extinguisher: consider purchasing small-sized with less weight extinguishers. These are easy to handle and use.
- Ease of use: choose extinguishers which are simple to operate and do not need much expertise.
- Maintenance and Expiration: you may prefer ones which takes longer to expire and need less maintenance.
There are other features to consider including UL rating etc.
FAQ 5: How many fire extinguishers should I have in my kitchen?
The number of kitchen fire extinguishers to have depends on your kitchen. The size and the layout of your kitchen plus the budget. It is advisable and a responsibility to have at least one fire extinguisher in the kitchen. You can as well more extinguishers if your kitchen is larger or if it has many exits.
FAQ 6: Do fire extinguishers expire?
The answer is YES. Just as other products, fire extinguishers also expire. Most of them take about 5 – 15 years to expiry. I would advise you to keep check on your extinguisher and ensure you are not using an expired one.
It’s great that this post addressed the issue of not picking up your fire extinguisher and aiming it toward a fire just to discover that it is ineffective. Make sure you regularly examine your fire extinguisher to make sure it’s in good operating order. Check the expiration date as well, as most fire extinguishers have one. You may check for leaks, corrosion, damage, and extinguishing agent levels. I own a family restaurant in the downtown area, and I was considering purchasing fire extinguishers for the structure shortly since I’m concerned that a kitchen fire may start if we’re not careful. As I hunt for commercial fire prevention companies to get in touch with regarding the goods we need shortly, I’ll keep this in mind.