Your kitchen setup may seem convenient, but storing items near the stove can lead to degradation and even fires. Discover what to avoid!
8 Things You Should Never Store Near Your Kitchen Stove (But Probably Do)
While it might make sense to keep essentials at arm's reach, some kitchen items could pose risks that extend beyond mere inconvenience. If you've ever wondered why certain valuables should find a new home, the answers might surprise you.
Not only could you degrade your food, but you could potentially start a fire. Can you spot at least two from the list, can you? Kitchen counter space is a prized commodity and counters are often overcrowded, especially in small spaces. Cooking oils, spices, and other items placed nearby may be convenient but could drive food safety and flavor down the line.
“When organizing your kitchen, especially near the stove, it’s essential to think about shelf life, safety and convenience,” advised registered dietitian nutritionist Tracee Yablon Brenner. With heat lurking around the stovetop, items in its vicinity face accelerated degradation due to light, heat, and moisture. Keeping food or condiments in a pantry or a cool, dry, dark space is best, even if it’s not as convenient.
“It’s better for food quality to bring the ingredients to the stove when in use and store them farther from the stove when not,” suggested Jonathan Deutsch, a certified research chef. So, what should stay far from your beloved cooking space? Here are eight items food safety experts recommend keeping away from the heat.
1. Cooking Oil
It may be tempting to keep your cooking oil easily accessible, but this could invite disaster. High temperatures don’t mix well with oil.
“If a bottle of oil is too close to an open flame or a hot burner, it can ignite, leading to a grease fire,” warned registered dietitian Danielle Gaffen. The risk escalates further when you consider possible spills that may arise while cooking. Heat can also degrade the quality of the oil, making it go rancid faster and impacting its flavor. Opt for storing oils in a cool cupboard to preserve both their safety and quality.
2. Spices
Your spice cabinet should be a place of freshness, not one dominated by the effects of heat and humidity.
“Spices are particularly sensitive to heat and humidity, which can quickly degrade their flavor and color,” noted Kimberly Baker from Clemson University. Store spices in a cool, dry location away from direct light and the stove for optimal freshness.
3. Coffee
For avid coffee drinkers, proximity to the stove can ruin your morning ritual.
“Heat breaks down the volatile compounds that lend coffee its rich flavor and aroma,” Gaffen explained. Moisture introduced through steam from cooking may lead to clumping or even mold in extreme cases. The ideal storage place for coffee is an airtight, opaque container set in a cool, dark area, away from the stove.
4. Fruit Bowls
Your fresh fruit shouldn’t face the double jeopardy of heat and humidity.
“Heat from the stove can cause fruits to ripen too quickly,” Baker said. To maintain their freshness, ensure your fruit bowls are positioned far from the stove, or opt to place them on a table elsewhere.
5. Medications and Supplements
Having medications nearby may seem harmless, but the stove’s heat can hinder their effectiveness.
“Heat and humidity can break down active ingredients, making medications less effective,” Gaffen pointed out. A cool, dry area, like a pantry or medicine cabinet, is the appropriate storage solution to ensure potency and effectiveness.
6. Corded Kitchen Appliances
Kitchen appliances should not share a space with heat sources.
“Cords can accidentally fall onto hot surfaces, leading to fire hazards,” Baker warned. Ideally, store appliances in a safe zone away from the stove to prevent overheating or damage during cooking.
7. Paper Towels
While essential for daily tasks, paper towels can be dangerous when too close to heat sources.
“Paper towels are flammable and could catch fire if exposed to open flames,” cautioned Yablon Brenner. Keep them stored in a drawer or cabinet to minimize risks while cooking.
8. Wooden Cutting Board
If you place your wooden cutting boards near the stove, reconsider this choice.
“Wooden boards absorb moisture, and exposure to heat can cause warping or splitting,” Gaffen noted, which can lead to food safety concerns as bacteria may thrive in crevices. Store cutting boards upright in a dedicated space, allowing for proper air circulation, and keeping them safe from high temperatures.
The kitchen should be a functional yet safe space for culinary creativity. By choosing to move the above items away from the stove, you not only enhance the quality of your food but also reduce the risk of accidents. Become a vigilant organizer in your cooking space and enjoy the benefits of improved food safety and flavor longevity!