Over the years, kitchen appliances have proven their significance in simplifying food preparation and cooking. Our favourite kitchen appliances are now more energy-efficient and safer to use as a result of new technology and extensive testing. However, despite how safely these kitchen gadgets are made, it is still important to practise kitchen safety precautions, especially if you are a new home chef or exploring some recipes with your little ones.
Whether you are using a built-in oven, a microwave, or a blender, here are some important safety tips for worry-free and enjoyable cooking.
Don’t Touch Hot Surfaces
Many kitchen appliances, like kitchen hobs, ovens, and rice cookers, use heat to cook meals, so it’s important to practise caution when working near hot surfaces. When cooking with your kids, make sure that they don’t go near the cooking hob or hot pots to prevent the risk of injuries.
Kitchen appliances and cookware are designed with handles and knobs that are safe to handle. If you want a safer cooking solution, an induction hob is worth considering because it directly heats compatible cookware without using a flame.
Turn Off and Unplug Unused Appliances
One of the most common reasons for many fire-related accidents is forgetting to unplug kitchen appliances. While many countertop appliances, like an electric kettle and rice cooker, automatically turn off after use, many appliances require thorough attention during their operation. This might be a basic kitchen practice, but there have been many instances where kids or pets accidentally trip on plugs and cause bigger accidents. To prevent these unwanted events, make sure to turn off and unplug your kitchen appliances after use.
Don’t Overload Your Plugs
Aside from forgetting to unplug kitchen appliances, circuit overload is also one of the most common causes of fire accidents. When using multiple appliances, take note that some equipment, like the oven, will use more electricity than others. If you live in an older apartment, your electrical system may not be able to handle heavy electrical loads. Prevent circuit overload by following our first tip.
Some kitchen appliances that use the most electricity are the refrigerator, built-in oven, and microwave oven. Do not use these appliances at the same outlet to avoid overloading.
Don’t Let the Cords Hanging
Like leaving your appliances unplugged, hanging plugs can pose a hazard, especially if you have kids who can accidentally trip on appliance cords. This can be more dangerous if the kitchen appliance is positioned on top of a table and may fall off.
Place Your Appliances Far From Water Sources
We all know that electricity and water make the perfect recipe for disaster. Prevent electrical shocks or fire accidents by placing your kitchen appliances far from water sources like the sink. It’s always essential to be aware of your surroundings when cooking to avoid potential risks.
Don’t Use an An Appliance with Damaged Cords
Never use an appliance with damaged or exposed wiring. Electrical appliances with exposed wires have a higher risk of catching fire or receiving an electric shock. Morse, never touch an exposed wire when unplugging a kitchen appliance to avoid the risk of electric shock.
Don’t Leave Your Kitchen Appliances Unattended
Many house fires are caused by leaving the hob or kitchen appliances unattended. Some automatic appliances, like the rice cooker, can work with minimal attention. However, other appliances like your cooking hob and blender should be operated with proper attention. If you are cooking or baking with your children, it’s important to practise caution when handling appliances.
Don’t Use Extension Cords Permanently
Ultimately, extension cords and power strips are only meant to handle appliances that are hard to reach. However, they should not be used as a permanent power source since their capacity is more limited than that of actual power plugs. Extension cords can be very convenient when you have limited power supplies, but remember that they can’t handle high-voltage kitchen appliances like ovens and rice electric hobs.
Set the Right Oven Timer
It’s always important to be mindful when using a kitchen appliance, whether it is automatic or not. When cooking with an oven, always set the exact time needed for your recipe to avoid overcooking or fire hazards.
Always Read the Manufacturer Manual
It’s very easy to skip this step and try to figure out how things work on your own when you buy a new kitchen appliance. But knowing how to use and take care of your kitchen appliances will greatly reduce the risk of accidents.
Unplug Your Kitchen Appliances When Cleaning Them
Whether it is your refrigerator, oven, or range, make sure that your appliance is not connected to the power source when cleaning the surfaces. Even if you are only wiping down your appliance, this is important.
Do Not Put Liquid Containers on Top of Your Oven
Never use your oven as a countertop for liquid items like mugs of coffee or juices. Liquid can overflow or spill on your oven, which may cause it to short circuit.
Maintain and Clean Your Kitchen Appliances
Make sure that your kitchen appliances are in tip-top shape by cleaning them regularly. Also, periodically check the condition of your appliances, plugs, and sockets to make sure that you are not using defective or unsafe equipment.
Allow Proper Air Circulation Around Your Fridge
Compared to other appliances in your kitchen, the refrigerator will operate 24/7 with a higher energy requirement. Give it ample space to breathe by leaving some space between your wall and the back of your fridge.
Conclusion
Kitchen appliances truly make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Make the most of your kitchen appliances while maintaining the safety of your cooking area by following the simple tips that we listed above.
Looking for high-quality and certified-safe kitchen appliances in Singapore? Browse through our extensive collection of kitchen appliances from trusted brands online. From refrigerators to ovens and other medium-sized appliances, we have the best options for your cooking needs.