Should you use a fire blanket or extinguisher in the kitchen?

Author: Prof. Haylie Altenwerth I  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Every fire safety class I've been forced to sit through said that a blanket is the best option for a cook top fire. Aiming an extinguisher correctly for a grease fire can be tricky and you can actually spread the fire rather than extinguish it. The blanket is less prone for error.

Is a fire blanket better than a fire extinguisher in the kitchen?

If you can react swiftly and calmly, you could prevent a small fire from turning into a big one. That's one of the major differences between a fire blanket and a fire extinguisher; you can only put out a small fire with a blanket, as opposed to covering a larger area.

Do you need a fire blanket in a kitchen?

Nearly two thirds of all household fires start in the kitchen. It highlights the importance of having fire safety equipment in there. A fire blanket is a handy item to have in the kitchen area as it can quickly stop a small pan fire from spreading.

What is the best fire protection for kitchens?

The best type of fire extinguisher for home kitchens is a Class K fire extinguisher. Class K extinguishers are specifically designed to combat fires that involve cooking oils and fats, which are common in kitchen environments.

Should I have a fire extinguisher in my kitchen?

These are not required, but are highly recommended. Kitchen – The kitchen is the likeliest place you will have a fire. Protect your home with a 711A extinguisher in the kitchen area. Electrical – Ideal for tackling fires involving energized electrical equipment with a rating of 1-A: 10-B:C.

Do Fire Blankets Really Work? Testing Fire Blankets on Real Fires!!

What kind of fire extinguisher for kitchen?

Silver class K fire extinguishers are meant exclusively to handle kitchen grease fires. They utilize a foam-forming agent that prevents persistent kitchen fires from reigniting.

Where not to use fire extinguisher?

Aiming the extinguisher directly at a burning liquid while you are near it. Directly aiming the extinguisher at a burning liquid while standing near it can be a dangerous course of action. When a liquid is on fire, it may create a pool of flames that can quickly spread to other surfaces or even engulf the entire area.

Can I use an ABC fire extinguisher in the kitchen?

For a kitchen fire, an ABC fire extinguisher is recommended. This type of extinguisher is suitable for fires caused by flammable liquids, electrical fires, and fires caused by combustible materials such as wood and paper.

How do you fireproof a kitchen?

How to prevent kitchen fires
  1. Clear broilers and the stovetop area. ...
  2. Clean pots and pans. ...
  3. Make sure your smoke alarm works. ...
  4. Don't cook when you're impaired. ...
  5. Enforce a “kid-free” zone. ...
  6. Cook carefully. ...
  7. Check food regularly. ...
  8. Turn off all heating appliances when done.

Where to mount a fire extinguisher in the kitchen?

Wondering whereabouts should the Class F fire extinguisher be placed in the kitchen? Our recommendation would be to place it at the entrance of the kitchen rather than at the far end of the kitchen.

When should you not use a fire blanket?

They are ineffective for large fires exceeding the blanket's size, as they can't cover or smother more major flames. If the fire is too intense or you can't safely approach it, a fire blanket won't help. Additionally, they are not suitable for electrical fires or fires involving flammable gases or metals.

Where is the best place to put a fire blanket in the kitchen?

Fire blankets should be located in or near a kitchen but not too close to the fire hazard, as a fire may prevent you accessing the fire blanket. They are best fixed to the wall in an easily identifiable location. Fire blankets should be installed as an additional precaution alongside an appropriate fire extinguisher.

What are the disadvantages of a fire blanket?

One disadvantage of the fire blanket, and a dangerous one, is that it requires you to get up close and personal with the fire. The fire blanket must be correctly applied, and this means getting close to the flames.

What is a fire blanket extinguisher not used for?

This type of extinguisher is used for fires caused by various organic materials including fabrics, textiles, coal, wood, cardboard and paper among others. It should not be used for kitchen fires, fires caused by flammable gas and liquids as well as fires that involve electrical equipment.

What is the best alternative to using a fire extinguisher on a kitchen fire?

Bicarbonate of soda/salt

Sprinkle a large amount of bicarbonate soda or salt over the fire and this should be enough to extinguish it, or at least give you time to get to your fire extinguisher. Don't use water on these types of fires, as it doesn't mix well with oil and can actually make the fire worse.

Should a kitchen have a fire extinguisher?

Additionally, we heavily recommend domestic kitchen fire extinguishers. We recommend that commercial premises have two fire extinguishers in their kitchen. An extinguisher capable of tackling Class F fires and another capable of Class A,B & C. This is so that you can quickly and easily put out most fires.

What are 2 things you should not do if a kitchen fire occurs?

What to Do If a Kitchen Fire Starts
  1. If a small fire starts in a pan, do not try to move it.
  2. Use an oven mitt to carefully slide a lid over the burning pan. ...
  3. Never throw water on a grease fire.
  4. If a fire starts in the oven, toaster oven or microwave, turn off the heat and keep the door shut.

What is the best fire extinguisher for a kitchen?

The answer is you can use either a dry powder fire extinguisher which has a blue coloured label,or a CO2 fire extinguisher which has a black label. Both fire extinguisher types are suitable to use on electrics which many people have in a kitchen so both are a good example to use if your toaster was to catch fire!

What kind of fire extinguisher is not allowed in the kitchen?

Dry chemical fire extinguishers are not sufficient to put out kitchen fires involving vegetable-based cooking oils, which carry a high risk of re-flash fires. These extinguishers should be removed from the cooking area.

Where not to use ABC fire extinguisher?

It's important to note that while ABC extinguishers are versatile, they are not suitable for fires involving cooking oils and fats (Class K fire extinguishers are suited for this) or combustible metals.

When not to use a red fire extinguisher?

Red – Water Extinguishers

These water extinguishers work by cooling the flames and reducing the fire's temperature to extinguish it effectively. It's important that these types of fire extinguishers are not used on any electrical fires, kitchen fires, flammable liquids, or gas fires.

What should a fire extinguisher never be used on a person?

If you must use a fire extinguisher, remember to never use a co2 based extinguisher on a person. A Co2 fire extinguisher works by covering the target with a layer of carbon dioxide gas, which can cause frostbite, mild to extreme respiratory problems, and suffocation or death in some instances.

How does a fire blanket work?

A fire blanket removes the element, Oxygen. It is used to smother a fire by cutting off the supply of oxygen and therefore starving the flame. The blanket is made of fire-resistant materials and is designed to be gently placed over a fire.

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