Grease fires, while scary, can be put out safely if you act quickly.
A chef shares how to stop a grease fire, plus what not to do.
But Im ready to branch out.
After all, who knows the subject better than a chef who works with grease on a regular basis?
What Not To Do With a Grease Fire
Lets address a few misconceptions.
While most fires can be dulled and/or extinguished with water, grease fires cannot.
Chef John Manion is the head chef at El Che Steakhouse & Bar in Chicago, Illinois.
Do not use water, emphasizes Manion.
Additionally, while many home cooking blogs suggest smothering a fire with flour, Manion advises against it.
Flour, sugar, and baking powder will most likely catch fire and make matters worse, he warns.
For starters, youll want to know where your fire extinguisher is.
(TheKidde Kitchen Fire Extinguisher with Easy Mount Bracketis a popular option.)
Using your extinguisher should be a last resort, says Manion.
A clean sheet pan or lid quickly covering the fire is the best way to smother it.
Nordic Ware Naturals Baker’s Half Sheet $13.00
Another option is to use approved dry goods.
Salt and baking sodanot baking powderin large quantities, dumped on the fire will also work, says Manion.
Chef John Manion is the head chef at El Che Steakhouse & Bar in Chicago, Illinois.
Grease fires are primarily resulting from cooking oil overheating to the point where it combusts, Manion says.
These have high smoke points and will take longer to combust than other oils.
If your oil is smoking, turn it down or take it off the flame, he says.
Lastly, confirm that youre working in a clean, clear cooking area.
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