Stop Believing These Kitchen Fire Myths! A Fire Extinguisher Could Save Your Home.

February 12, 2025

Did you know that kitchen fires are the #1 cause of home fires? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking causes an average of 158,400 reported home structure fires per year. With just a bit of fire safety knowledge and the right fire extinguisher, you can stop a small kitchen fire from turning into a major disaster. Whether it’s knowing the right way to handle a grease fire or making sure you have the proper extinguisher on hand, a few simple steps can keep your home and loved ones safe.

Debunking the Top Kitchen Fire Myths

Myth #1: You Can Put Out a Grease Fire with Water

One of the most dangerous misconceptions about kitchen fires is the idea that water can extinguish a grease fire. This is far from the truth! Water makes grease fires worse by causing the fire to grow rapidly, spreading the flames, making it harder to contain. If a fire starts in cooking oil or grease, adding water will only make matters worse.

To properly handle fires involving grease, you should use a class K extinguisher, like Element. You can also use baking soda or a pot lid to smother the fire to deprive it of oxygen but the safest option is to use Element.

Myth #2: Turning Off the Stove Will Put Out A Fire

Another myth is that turning off the stove will automatically extinguish the fire. Unfortunately, stopping the heat source doesn't always stop the fire from spreading, especially if it’s already well-established. Kitchen fires can spread quickly, particularly if they involve flammable liquids or cooking oils.

To effectively put out a small fire in the kitchen, you should have an extinguisher within reach. Keeping a fire extinguisher in a drawer, cupboard, or mounted on your fridge is ideal, so you have easy access to it in case of emergency. A small fire extinguisher, like Element, is great for this reason!

Myth #3: You Can Leave the Kitchen Unattended if You Have a Timer

Leaving the kitchen unattended, even if you have a timer, is a risky move. Fires can start quickly, especially if you're cooking with grease, cooking oil, or other flammable liquids. Cooking equipment like stovetops, deep fryers, and ovens can easily spark a fire when you're not watching.

The best way to prevent a kitchen fire from getting out of control is to stay in the kitchen and remain focused on the cooking process. It's also important to have smoke detectors and a carbon monoxide alarm in place for additional fire safety. Although these don't prevent kitchen fires, it's always good to have them installed and tested frequently, alerting you if a fire does arise.

Myth #4: All Fire Extinguishers Are the Same

Not all fire extinguishers are created equal. Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to handle different types of fires. For example, an ABC fire extinguisher is designed to tackle common household fires, such as wood, paper, and fabric fires. But for a grease fire in your kitchen, you need a class K fire extinguisher, which is specifically formulated to handle fires caused by cooking oil or grease.

Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher for a specific fire can do more harm than good. A class K fire extinguisher works best in commercial kitchens and residential kitchens alike, as it’s designed to put out grease fires and oil fires. Want protection against classes A, B, C and K? Use Element!

Myth #5: Smoke Detectors Are Enough to Prevent Kitchen Fires

While smoke detectors alert you to a fire, they don't actually extinguish the fire or prevent it from spreading. In fact, relying solely on a smoke detector can be dangerous, as it only warns you after the fire has already started.

To truly protect your home from kitchen fires, it’s important to have the right fire extinguisher within reach at all times. Fire extinguishers are used to put out small fires before they escalate. You should have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and on every level of your home for maximum protection.

How to Protect Your Kitchen and Home from Fire - The Right Fire Extinguisher Matters

Kitchen fires can happen in the blink of an eye. By debunking these common kitchen fire myths, you can protect your home and loved ones.

Key Kitchen Fire Safety Tips to Remember:

NEVER pour water on a grease fire.
Don't leave anything cooking unattended.
Keep a class K fire extinguisher nearby. Having a fire extinguisher that is rated for other types of fire is also ideal, as kitchen fires are not always class K.
Ensure your smoke alarm/carbon monoxide detectors are installed correctly & test them regularly.

Element: The Best Kitchen Fire Extinguisher for Every Home

Protect your kitchen with advanced fire protection. Element is rated to handle grease, cooking oil, and other common kitchen fires, rated for classes A, B, C, and K. Element is a clean agent extinguisher that is non-toxic and safe for use around pets, children, and electronic appliances.

Unlike traditional extinguishers, Element E50 discharges for more than 5x longer. Element requires no maintenance, so it’s always ready when you need it. Compact and easy to store at just 10.75” long, it fits perfectly in your kitchen, whether tucked away in a drawer, mounted under a cabinet, or attached to a Magnetic Mount on your fridge. Best of all, it’s designed for simplicity with just 4 easy steps to use, ensuring you can act quickly in an emergency. Protect your home and family with Element!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Different Types of Kitchen Fire Extinguishers?

When it comes to kitchen fire safety, fire extinguishers come in several types, each designed for specific kinds of fires. The most common types of kitchen fire extinguishers are:

Class K fire extinguishers: Used specifically for grease fires or cooking oil fires, which are common in kitchens.
Class ABC fire extinguishers: Designed for fires involving solid combustibles (like wood and paper), flammable liquids, and electrical equipment.
Class B fire extinguishers: Suitable for fires involving flammable liquids, such as gasoline and paint.
Class C fire extinguishers: Used for electrical fires.

Can I Use A Pressurized Extinguisher On a Kitchen Fire?

It's best to avoid pressurized extinguishers in the kitchen. When pressurized, the thrust can push and spread the fire around - especially cooking fats and oils which will continue to burn when blown with a pressurized extinguisher. Element's vapor comes out without thrust, making it ideal for kitchen fires.

Where Should I Keep Fire Extinguishers in My Kitchen?

To ensure you can act quickly in case of an emergency, it’s important to keep your fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location. It’s recommended to store a fire extinguisher near the cooking equipment, but never too close to where the fire might start. This way, you will have access to your extinguisher and can quickly extinguish small fires before they become bigger problems.

If you have multiple levels in your home, make sure you have a fire extinguisher on every level for added protection. Fire extinguishers for your home should also be placed near common fire starting areas like the kitchen, garage, or near any potential fires involving electrical equipment.