Class K extinguishers are filled with an agent designed to prevent burning grease from splattering and spreading. These types of fire extinguishers are the ones most often found in home kitchens. Since most kitchen fires are small and in a tight area, Class K fire extinguishers use a high-volume, low-velocity spray.
Many people ask what is the best fire extinguisher to use in the 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.
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.
WinnerKidde ABC Multipurpose Home Fire Extinguisher
Fast and very effective, this extinguisher really works. Its powerful spray put out both the grease fire and the towel fire right away, though it left a big cloud of fumes each time.
When it comes to kitchen fires, it's recommended to use a fire extinguisher specifically designed for Class K fires. These extinguishers are designed to combat fires involving cooking oils, fats, and greases commonly found in kitchens. They use a special extinguishing agent that helps smother and cool the fire.
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.
Yes, you can use an ABC fire extinguisher in the kitchen, but it may not be as effective on grease fires as a Class K extinguisher, which is specifically designed for that purpose.
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.
The best overall home fire extinguisher is the ABC Dry Powder. This is simply due to how versatile this fire extinguisher is. There are many pros to purchasing a dry powder fire extinguisher.
Easy and safe access aside, placing the fire extinguisher at the entrance of the kitchen also allows everyone in the household to have a quick check on the pressure gauge whenever they head to the kitchen.
Use a Class B extinguisher when the fire's fuel source is a combustible gas or liquid such as gasoline, ethanol or propane. These flames can burn out quickly if the fuel source is removed, but they can also spread fast. Keep this type of fire extinguisher in places like your garage, workshop or shed.
First Alert Heavy Duty Professional Grade Fire Extinguisher, 5 lbs | Costco.
Wet Chemical Extinguisher
They may also be used on Class A fires in commercial kitchens. A Wet chemical fire extinguisher is identified by its all red cylinder and yellow band that runs around the top of the tank.
As a good rule of thumb, you should plan to replace your disposable fire extinguisher every 12 years. If you aren't sure how old your extinguisher is then you can check the pressure gauge on a monthly basis to ensure it's still functional.
Most fire deaths are not caused by burns, but by smoke inhalation.
Class K extinguishers are filled with an agent designed to prevent burning grease from splattering and spreading. These types of fire extinguishers are the ones most often found in home kitchens.
Difference between foam and powder
Powder extinguishers contain a fine powder that forms a layer over the flames and smothers them. A foam extinguisher contains water-based foam that smothers and cools the fire. Foam and powder are generally considered to be equally effective at extinguishing fires.
The average home should have a multi-purpose ABC-type extinguisher on each story of the home, plus an extinguisher (BC type) for the cooking area. BC-type extinguishers cause less damage to appliances and furniture finishes and are preferred for kitchens.
A high percentage of small home fires can be put out with a small, portable extinguisher. So, keeping a fire extinguisher in your kitchen can make the difference between a close call and a disaster.
Class K Fires: Grease Fires or Cooking Fires
Class K fires involve flammable liquids, similar to Class B fires, but are specifically related to food service and the restaurant industry. These common fires start from the combustion of liquid cooking materials including grease, oils, and vegetable and animal fats.
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.
The Kitchen
Kitchen fire extinguishers should be installed near stoves and other cooking appliances, but not so close to impede access in the event of a fire. If you have a smaller kitchen, you might need to mount the kitchen extinguisher on a wall in a closet, as long as it is accessible from the kitchen.
A Class K fire extinguisher is not just an addition to your fire safety plan—it's an essential tool for keeping your kitchen, your home, and your loved ones safe from the potentially devastating effects of a kitchen fire.