Ways to Prevent Kitchen Burns
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Every year, thousands of people experience kitchen burns as a result of accidents while cooking or handling hot items. These burns can be painful and may require medical attention, sometimes leading to permanent damage. However, by following some simple precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of kitchen burns. Here are four ways to prevent kitchen burns and make your cooking experience safer:
1. Use Proper Cookware
Invest in high-quality cookware with heat-resistant handles that remain cool to the touch even when the pan is heated. This will help you avoid burns while using them on the stove. Additionally, choose oven-safe materials like glass, ceramic or metal for baking and roasting. Keep in mind that plastic containers and non-oven safe materials can melt at high temperatures, causing burns and potentially ruining your food.
2. Be Mindful of Heat Sources
When working with open flames or hot surfaces like electric stovetops, always be cautious about where you place your hands. Turn pot and pan handles inward while on the stove to prevent them from being accidentally bumped or knocked off the stovetop, causing dangerous spills of hot food. Additionally, keep flammable items like towels, oven mitts or paper products away from open flames and hot surfaces to minimize fire risks.
3. Wear Protective Gear
Make a habit of wearing oven mitts when handling hot cookware and use potholders for setting hot items down on countertops or tables. Avoid using wet or damp cloths as makeshift potholders since moisture can transfer heat faster and result in steam burns.
4. Practice Safe Cooking Techniques
Always stay attentive while you’re cooking to avoid accidents like grease fires or boiling liquids spilling out of pots and pans. If you need to leave the kitchen momentarily, turn off burners or reduce heat as needed to prevent accidents from unattended cookware. Additionally, exercise caution when moving pots full of boiling water or hot oil, and avoid high-risk cooking techniques like deep-frying if you’re not an experienced cook.
By implementing these four safety measures in your kitchen, you can significantly lower the likelihood of burns and other accidents. With practice and diligence, you’ll be able to create delicious dishes without putting yourself or others at unnecessary risk.