Buzz
Between spatchcocking turkeys and air frying cheesecakes this holiday season, my focus has been entirely on placing food into a heat source and taking it out again. It wasn’t until a recent air-frying adventure that I realized how unprepared I was for a kitchen emergency. The near-disaster nearly made me panic, but more importantly, it got me thinking. As holiday gatherings ramp up, take these simple kitchen safety steps to ensure 2022 ends with joy—rather than an unfortunate mess (unless it's from uncontrollable laughter).
Invest in a fire extinguisher
Full disclosure: The culprit was fire. My boyfriend and I almost turned our air fryer into a mini inferno, and while it lasted mere seconds, nothing warps time like flames you can’t control. That’s when I realized our tiny Brooklyn apartment desperately needed a fire extinguisher. Even seasoned cooks forget about these essentials. No matter how comfortable you are in the kitchen, it’s a space filled with high heat and unpredictable elements. Plus, if you live in an apartment, your safety precautions extend to your neighbors, whether you intend them to or not. This article from Apartment Therapy breaks down the ideal type and size of extinguisher for your situation. At the very least, there are even compact, hairspray-sized options that easily fit in a cabinet or accompany you to the rooftop grill.
Use baking sheets to prevent messy spills
A little molten cheese dripping from your casserole is no big deal—just a hint of burnt cheese in the air, and the night goes on. But when your tarte tatin releases eight ounces of butter, or your lasagna knocks over a ramekin of garlic confit, things get messy fast. While rare, pools of oil can become a fire hazard. To prevent spills and keep dishes stable, always place smaller baking dishes on larger sheet pans. Most ovens fit up to four quarter-sheet pans, giving you plenty of space for your casserole magic. (If you’ve already had an oil spill, check out this article for cleanup tips.)
Slow down in the kitchen
When hosting a holiday party, time is precious, but with drinks flowing and sequins shedding from Gatsby-inspired outfits, it’s best to take it easy. No one will mind if the pear puffs arrive a few minutes late. Rushing in the kitchen rarely leads to good results—you’re more likely to break something, skip steps, cut corners, or worse, cut yourself.
Take a moment to clean up spills
When spills inevitably happen while preparing a holiday feast, stop, place everything down safely, and clean up immediately. The thought of “I’ll get to it in a minute” could be one minute too late. With friends, family, or children wandering in and out of the kitchen, an unchecked spill can lead to a bigger mess—or even an injury. This is a classic “stitch in time” situation, so take a breather and clean as you go. Chances are, you needed the pause anyway.
Deep-fry large meats outdoors
Thanksgiving may be over, but many households still serve up turkey for Christmas. Whether it’s turkey, chicken, ham, or even boar, if you plan to deep-fry a large cut of meat, do it outside. Taste of Home provides a detailed guide on deep-frying turkey safely, and much of the advice applies to any big protein. Since the biggest risk is the large vat of hot, bubbling oil, frying outdoors keeps your home safe from potential fires and away from distracted guests sipping on holiday drinks.
Test your carbon monoxide detector
Carbon monoxide incidents occur every year—frightening, yet preventable. Any appliance that burns fuel can produce carbon monoxide, including gas stoves and ovens. (For more details on sources, risks, and detection, read here.) Keep heat-generating appliances clean and serviced as needed. Invest in a carbon monoxide detector that suits your space and test it regularly to ensure it’s working. Options range from battery-powered to hardwired units, and some smoke detectors include built-in carbon monoxide detection.
Opt for slow cookers
Rather than keeping mulled wine and cider warm on the stovetop, switch to a slow cooker. While stoves have a low setting, they still require an active burner, often left unattended. Slow cookers, on the other hand, are designed for safe, unattended use and come with timers and auto shut-off features. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile year-round—you can use them for everything from warming glögg to baking a carrot cake. Cook with ease, enjoy the moment, and keep your kitchen safe, my friends.
