The kitchen can often be the heart of the home, but it can also be a place of potential danger. Fires can occur unexpectedly, turning a peaceful meal preparation into a hazardous situation. That’s why it’s crucial to have best kitchen fire extinguishers on hand and know how to use it. This guide will help you understand the different types of fire extinguishers, where to place them, and how to maintain them for kitchen safety.
Understanding Fire Extinguishers and Their Classes
Fire extinguishers come in various classes, each designed to combat a specific type of fire. These classes are:
- Class A: For ordinary combustibles like paper, wood, and cloth.
- Class B: For flammable liquids and gases, such as grease, gasoline, and oil.
- Class C: For electrical fires, involving appliances or circuit breakers.
- Class D: For flammable metals, typically found in industrial settings.
- Class K: Designed specifically for kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats, mostly used in commercial settings.
What Type of Fire Extinguisher Should Be Used in Kitchens
the best fire extinguishers for kitchen use are those that can effectively handle Class K (cooking oil) and Class C (electrical) fires. Here are two types of fire extinguishers that are commonly recommended for kitchen fires.
- Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers (Class K) Wet chemical fire extinguishers are specifically designed to tackle cooking oil and grease fires. They contain a potassium acetate-based agent that creates a soapy foam, which helps to smother the fire and cool the hot oil. Look for extinguishers labeled “Class K” or “Kitchen Use” when purchasing a wet chemical fire extinguisher.
- ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers (Class A, B, C): ABC fire extinguishers are versatile and can handle a variety of fire types, including Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (electrical) fires, which are common in kitchens. These extinguishers contain a dry chemical powder (usually monoammonium phosphate) that helps to extinguish the fire by smothering it and interrupting the chemical reaction. Ensure that the ABC fire extinguisher you choose is labeled for Class B and Class C fires.
For most home kitchens, a multipurpose extinguisher that can handle Class A, B, and C fires (often labeled as ABC) is typically recommended. This covers a broad range of potential fires, including the grease fires (Class B) that are common in kitchen scenarios.
Commercial kitchens, such as those in restaurants or hospital dietary areas, often deal with larger volumes of cooking oils. In these settings, a Class K extinguisher is typically needed alongside an ABC extinguisher. Class K extinguishers are designed to combat large, high-temperature oil and grease fires.
For a grease fire in the kitchen, a Class B or K extinguisher would be the most effective.
Efficient Size and Location for Kitchen Fire Extinguishers
The ideal size for a home kitchen fire extinguisher is typically a 5-pound model. This size provides a balance between ease of use and sufficient fire-fighting capacity. For commercial kitchens, larger extinguishers may be necessary, and local fire codes should be consulted.
As for location, the extinguisher should be readily accessible in an emergency. It’s wise to place it near an exit and away from potential fire sources like the stove. For commercial kitchens, the placement of extinguishers should meet local fire code requirements. Remember, different regions may have specific regulations regarding fire safety.
Choosing and Buying Best Kitchen Fire Extinguisher
When selecting a Kitchen fire extinguisher, consider factors like its ease of use, weight, and fire-fighting capacity. Fire extinguishers can be purchased from various sources, including home improvement stores and online retailers. Always ensure that the extinguisher you choose is rated by a recognized testing laboratory.
Based on research, here are some top-rated fire extinguishers suitable for kitchen use:
- Kidde FA110 Multi-Purpose Fire Extinguisher: This ABC fire extinguisher is suitable for use in the kitchen and can handle Class A, B, and C fires. It has a compact size, easy-to-read pressure gauge, and a durable metal construction.
- First Alert KITCHEN5 Kitchen Fire Extinguisher: This kitchen-specific fire extinguisher is designed to tackle cooking oil and grease fires (Class K). It features a biodegradable formula that creates a blanket of foam to smother the fire. It also includes a metal mounting bracket for convenient storage.
- Amerex B260, 6L Wet Chemical Class K Kitchen Fire Extinguisher: If you prefer a larger, commercial-grade fire extinguisher, the Amerex B260 is an excellent option. It is specifically designed for kitchen use, providing effective suppression of cooking oil fires. It has a stainless steel cylinder and comes with a wall bracket.
- First Alert PRO5 Rechargeable Heavy Duty Plus Kitchen Fire Extinguisher: This ABC fire extinguisher is ideal for the kitchen and can handle flammable liquid and electrical fires. It has a durable metal construction, a pressure gauge for quick status checks, and a rechargeable design.
Maintenance and Usage of Kitchen Fire Extinguishers
Regular maintenance of your kitchen fire extinguisher is crucial for it to function properly when needed. This involves checking the pressure gauge monthly, ensuring the pin and tamper seal are intact, and replacing or servicing the extinguisher after use or as indicated by the manufacturer.
Using a Kitchen fire extinguisher correctly can be summarized with the acronym PASS:
- Pull the pin.
- Aim at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever.
- Sweep from side to side.
Disposing of kitchen fire extinguishers should be done in accordance with local waste disposal services.
Tips To Avoid Kitchen Fire
Here are some tips to help prevent kitchen fires and kitchen safety
- Never leave cooking unattended: Most kitchen fires start because of unattended cooking. Whether you’re boiling, frying, grilling, or broiling food, stay in the kitchen. If you must leave the room even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- Keep flammable items away from the stovetop: Keep items such as dish towels, oven mitts, recipe cards, and curtains away from the stovetop. These items can easily ignite if they come into contact with an open flame or a hot burner.
- Wear appropriate clothing: Avoid loose clothing and dangling sleeves while cooking. Loose clothing can catch fire if it comes into contact with a gas flame or electric burner.
- Regularly clean your stove and oven: Built-up grease and food particles can catch fire in the oven or on the stovetop. Regularly clean these appliances to prevent this from happening.
- Always turn pot handles inwards: Turning pot handles inwards prevents them from being knocked over, preventing spills of hot food or liquid that could cause a fire.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby: Keep a fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen. Make sure you know how to use it before a fire breaks out.
- Avoid overheating your oils: If you’re frying or sautéing, heat the oil slowly and add food gently to prevent oil from splattering. Never heat oil or fat to the point that it smokes, as this is a fire risk.
- Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen: While you don’t want a smoke alarm in the kitchen, as it could be triggered by normal cooking, having one nearby can alert you quickly if a fire does start.