For most families, the kitchen is where meals are made, conversations happen, and everyone seems to gather at some point during the day. But some everyday kitchen items can become dangerous when exposed to excessive heat, pressure, or improper conditions.
Most of these risks are easy to avoid once you know what to watch for. Here are 11 common kitchen items that deserve a little extra care so you can cook without any surprises.
Aerosol Cans
Nonstick cooking spray, whipped cream, and other aerosol products can become dangerous if they’re exposed to high heat. Store these cans in a cool, dry spot away from your stove, oven, direct sunlight, and other heat sources.
Glass Containers in the Freezer
Glass containers can crack or break in the freezer if the contents expand as they freeze. Use containers labeled as freezer-safe and leave enough room at the top for liquids and food to expand.
Overheated Microwave Popcorn
Microwave popcorn can become a fire hazard if it’s left cooking for too long. Stay nearby while it cooks, follow the package timing, and stop the microwave if you notice smoke or a strong burning smell.
Boiling Eggs
Eggs can burst if they’re overheated or cooked under conditions that allow pressure to build inside the shell. Cook them gently, follow a reliable cooking method, and avoid leaving a pot of eggs unattended on the stove.
Pressure Cookers
Pressure cookers are useful kitchen appliances, but opening one before the pressure has fully released can be extremely dangerous. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wait for the pressure indicator to indicate it is safe to open the lid. This guide explains some common causes of pressure cooker accidents.
Related: Still Using These? 13 Kitchen Tools That Have Better Alternatives
Carbonated Drinks in the Freezer
A can or bottle of soda can burst if it’s left in the freezer long enough for the liquid to freeze and expand. If you need a cold drink quickly, put it in the refrigerator or set a timer so you don’t forget about it.
Blenders Without the Lid Secure
Blending hot liquids can create pressure inside a blender, and a loose lid can allow the contents to spray out unexpectedly. Make sure the lid is firmly secured and follow your blender manufacturer’s instructions for blending hot foods and liquids.
Deep Fryers With Wet Food
Water and hot oil are a bad combination because water can quickly turn into steam, causing the oil to splatter. Pat food dry before frying and lower it into the oil carefully to reduce the chance of burns or a kitchen fire.
Related: 10 Common Kitchen Mistakes That Make Food Go Bad Faster
Canned Foods
Damaged or spoiled canned foods can develop gas, causing the container to swell or bulge. Check cans for bulging, heavy rust, leaks, or damaged seams, and throw away any can that looks unsafe rather than opening it.
Flour or Powdered Sugar Near Heat
Fine particles such as flour and powdered sugar can become a fire hazard if they’re suspended in the air near a flame or other ignition source. Keep these ingredients away from open flames and avoid creating clouds of loose powder while cooking or baking.
Mason Jars in the Oven
Mason jars are useful for storage and canning, but most aren’t made to handle the uneven heat of an oven. This guide explains why putting ordinary Mason jars in the oven can cause them to crack or shatter, so use glassware that is clearly labeled for oven use instead.
Related: 15 Common Kitchen Habits You Should Stop Right Away
Nonstick Pans Over High Heat
Very high temperatures can damage the coating on nonstick cookware, causing it to break down or release fumes. Keep nonstick pans at the heat level recommended by the manufacturer, and choose cookware made for high-heat cooking when you need to sear food.
