Whether you’re cooking indoors or outdoors… grease fires are a reality of life, and could happen to anyone. In fact, cooking-related fires account for nearly half of all residential fires.
So with grease fires being an ever-present reality, it’s important to know how to prevent them! In this article, you will learn how to prevent an outdoor kitchen grease fire, what you should have on hand in case a grease fire breaks out, and other outdoor kitchen safety tips you need to know.
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How do I Prevent an Outdoor Kitchen Grease Fire?
The best way to prevent an outdoor kitchen grease fire is to ensure all of your outdoor cooking appliances are regularly cleaned and properly maintained. Gas grills in particular are susceptible to grease fires, as fat from your food drips and accumulates into your grill rather than getting immediately burned off.
Always make sure your cooking grates are cleaned off between cooks, and regularly clean your flame tamers and drip trays. For the flame tamers and drip trays, give them a thorough cleaning at least every few uses.
Another prevention step is to ensure your grill is never left unattended. It’s deceptively easy to get distracted and forget about the grill for a few minutes… but that’s all it takes for a potential fire to break out. Always make sure someone is watching the grill at all times, so if something does go wrong, it can be snuffed out quickly.
What Should I Have on Hand in Case of a Grease Fire?
Even with the best prevention, sometimes, the unexpected can still happen. So it’s good to be prepared!
In the unfortunate event of a grease fire, it’s a good idea to store a large box of baking soda, salt, or sand near your outdoor kitchen. (Just make sure it can’t get wet!) All of these can be used to smother a grease fire if one breaks out. Baking soda in particular tends to be the best, as when it is heated it emits carbon dioxide, which helps further tame the flames.
The Other Outdoor Kitchen Safety Tips You Need to Know…
Now that you know how to prevent an outdoor kitchen grease fire and what to have on hand in case a fire does break out… what are some other outdoor kitchen safety tips you need to know? A grease fire isn’t the only potential safety hazard involved with outdoor kitchen ownership!
Thankfully, we have an in-depth guide to help you explore all aspects of outdoor kitchen safety. Our Safety Resources page is full of rich information to help ensure your outdoor kitchen is safely constructed, and safe to use.
