12 Items That Can Explode in Your Kitchen

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For most of us, a kitchen is the heart of the home. That’s where it’s common to find family gathered, meals shared, and mouthwatering aromas throughout. The joy of cooking conceals some unexpected dangers. In reality, there are plenty of common household items that, used wrong, could result in an explosive disaster. No, we’re not talking about overcooking your popcorn (and that’s a crime in itself). It turns out there’s more to kitchen appliances and everyday items than meets the eye.

Here are 12 items in your kitchen you probably didn’t know could explode to keep your cooking space safe and your eyebrows intact.

Aerosol Cans

That can of non stick spray or whipped cream may seem harmless, but when hit with extreme heat, aerosol cans are ticking time bombs. The pressure inside the can builds up if left by a stove or in direct sunlight and can make the can explode. These cans are always best when kept in cool, dry places away from heat sources.

Glass containers in the freezer

We’ve all been there, of having thrown leftovers into the freezer in a glass jar or container. The thing is, glass and extreme cold do not go together. So if the food inside expands then it will crack the glass and when you try to reheat it, boom! If you’re freezing liquids in glass, always use freezer safe containers or leave some room for expansion.

Overheated Microwave Popcorn

Photo credit: Frankieleon/ Wikimedia Commons

There’s nothing like the smell of fresh popcorn. The problem is, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds too long and you could have a fire hazard on your hands. If left unattended, overheated popcorn inside of a bag can cause a popcorn bag to ignite, with the result being flames or even an explosion. Pop that sucker in the microwave and keep an eye on the cooking time; don’t wander too far.

Boiling Eggs

Eggs in carton, carton of egg — Photo Credit: Pexels

If you’ve ever boiled eggs, you’ve likely done so, but did you know that boiling them for too long or too high a temperature can make them explode? When heated, the pressure inside the shell builds without somewhere to escape, and it will burst. To prevent a mess (and maybe a cut) when you’re cooking, simmer your eggs gently and don’t go off and leave them.

Pressure Cookers

If you use pressure cookers correctly, they are a great time saver and often provide fabulously flavored dishes, but they can also be dangerous. If the lid is opened too soon the intense pressure inside can cause an explosion, or if the steam release valve malfunctions. Make sure you always follow the instructions, and allow the pressure to drop naturally before opening the lid.

Carbonated Drinks in the Freezer

Drinks, soda, carbonated drinks — Photo credit: Cottonbro studio/Pexels

On a hot day, it’s tempting to toss a soda in the freezer for a quick chill. But leave it in there too long, and you’re in for a surprise. Carbonated drinks under freezing conditions can expand and cause the can or bottle to burst. Set a timer or stick with the fridge if you’re prone to forgetfulness.

Blenders Without the Lid Secure

Close-up Photo of Glass Blender — Photo credit: Cottonbro studio/Pexels

Blenders are convenient, but when the lid isn’t properly secured, blending hot liquids can lead to a mini explosion. The heat builds pressure, and without a firm lid, the contents can come flying out. Always secure the lid tightly, especially when blending soups or hot sauces, and use a kitchen towel to hold it down just in case.

Deep Fryers with Wet Food

Stainless Steel Fryer Basket — Photo credit: Khats cassim/Pexels

If you’ve ever been splattered by hot oil, you know how dangerous deep frying can be. Dropping wet or frozen food into hot oil is a recipe for disaster. The water instantly turns into steam, causing the oil to splatter, which can lead to burns—or worse, a fire. Make sure to dry your food thoroughly before frying it or opt for air fryers.

Canned Foods

Bacteria can get inside the can and produce gas that causes the can to bulge, and old or damaged cans of food can be dangerous. In extreme cases these cans can burst open. It’s always a good idea to check for swelling, rust, or damage of a canned good before using it and do not use a can with bulging seams.

Flour or Powdered Sugar Near Heat

Believe it or not, flour and powdered sugar can be highly explosive if exposed to an open flame or high heat. These fine particles can become airborne, and if there’s enough concentration, a spark can ignite them. It’s a rare occurrence, but worth keeping in mind if you’re baking near a gas stove.

Mason Jars in the Oven

So, not only have Mason jars become trendy for all sorts of purposes other than canning, they weren’t made to take high temperatures. Uneven heating can cause a mason jar to shatter if it’s put in the oven. When you’re baking or cooking something at high heat, always use oven safe glassware.

Non-Stick Pans Over High Heat

While non-stick pans are terrific for their non-stick properties, if you turn up the heat too high you run the risk of burning the coating and releasing harmful fumes. In extreme cases, the pan even warps or cracks or even overheats. For slow cooking, medium heat is my preference but if you need to sear or fry at high temperatures, then stainless steel or cast iron pans are your better option.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.