Since kitchen fires are the most common type of house fire, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends keeping at least one Fire Extinguisher in the kitchen. But you need to choose the right type of Fire Extinguisher to ensure a swift and effective response during such emergencies.
The Class K Fire Extinguishers are considered the best for both residential and commercial kitchens. But why?
If you are curious, keep reading to find out that. Also, discover the best available Fire extinguishers that you can choose between for ensuring your kitchen safety.
What Type of Fire Extinguisher for Kitchens?
If you are looking for a suitable fire extinguisher for your kitchen, go for the Class K type of fire extinguisher. These types of fire extinguishers are
- either ETL or UL-rated and
- are specifically designed for fires fueled by cooking oils, greasy particles, fats, and other elements that are commonly found in (household and commercial) kitchens.
- also provide greater firefighting and cooling effects than other types of fire extinguishers against kitchen fires.
However, if you need the fire extinguisher for a commercial kitchen (kitchen of a hotel or restaurant), it is recommended to have a suppression system with a Class K fire extinguisher. This will ensure maximum fire safety in the kitchen by minimizing the risk of potential injury and property damage.
Top 4 Fire Extinguishers That Are Best for Kitchens:
Here are the 4 popular Class K-type fire extinguishers that you can choose to use in your residential or commercial kitchen during an emergency:
This Wet Chemical extinguisher comes with an attractive stainless-steel cylinder, an easy-to-use hose, and a spray application nozzle.
This model of fire extinguisher is ideal for kitchen use because UL has tested and certified it for the Class K designation (which is reserved for restaurant kitchen risks).
| Features & Specs: | |
| Available in: | 6 liter or 2½ gal |
| Capacity: | 2.5 gallon |
| Power Source: | Hand powered |
| Discharge Time: | 107 seconds |
| Range: | 10-12 ft |
| UL and ULC Rating: | 2A: K |
| Warranty | 5 years |
The current trend of using more efficient cooking appliances and vegetable-based cooking oils requires a hand-portable fire extinguisher with a more significant fire-fighting capacity and cooling effect.
| Features & Specs: | |
| Available in: | 6 liter or 2½ gal |
| Capacity: | 2.5 gallon |
| Valve Type: | Stainless Steel |
| Discharge Time: | 107 seconds |
| Range: | 10-12 ft |
| UL and ULC Rating: | 2A: K |
| USCG Approved: | Yes |
The C262 model is ideal for such uses and provides an extra margin of safety for the kitchen.
This is a wet chemical portable fully charged and tagged fire extinguisher. It can be the ideal choice for commercial (restaurant kitchen) use due to its incredible fire-fighting power and user-friendly design.
| Features & Specs: | |
| Capacity: | 6 liter (1.6 gallon) |
| Available Class: | Class A and Class K |
| Included components: | Extinguisher and Wall-mounting hardware |
| Style: | Tagged |
| Pre-charged: | Yes |
| UL and ULC Rating: | 1A: K |
| Rechargeable: | Yes |
This lightweight fire extinguisher model from Kidde is particularly designed for grease (ideal for residential and commercial kitchen) fires.
| Features & Specs: | |
| Capacity: | 2.5 pound |
| Material: | Aluminum |
| Power Source: | Hand powered |
| Included components: | Extinguisher, Mounting Bracket, and Wall Hanger. |
| Coverage: | (6 – 8) square feet |
| Warranty: | 6 years |
| UL Listed: | Yes |
| Pre-charged: | Yes |
Kidde has already gained the reputation of being “the number 1 most installed fire safety manufacturer or brand in North America“. So, you can guess the quality this brand can deliver.
How to Install and Inspect a Class K Fire Extinguisher in a Kitchen?
To install and inspect the Class K fire extinguisher, follow the below instructions and ensure that your extinguisher is ready to use for any emergency:
- Find and select an easily accessible spot near the stove or cooking area.
- Make sure to follow the codes and regulations of your local fire department, fire marshal, or other local authorities.
- If you are not trained in how to use the fire extinguisher or your staff aren’t trained, make sure to train yourself and your people how to activate, aim, and discharge the fire extinguisher first.
- When wall mounting your selected fire extinguisher, use a bracket or wall hanger and position it at eye level. Ensure that the extinguisher is not blocked by any obstacles.
Once the installation is done correctly, inspect the following:
- Check the nozzle and verify that it is clear of any debris.
- Confirm that the pressure gauge is in the green and charged. If the indicator shows red, you need to either recharge the extinguisher or replace it.
- Verify that the hose is in the correct position and open.
- Make sure the pin is in the right place otherwise the extinguisher won’t function correctly.
- Don’t forget to check your extinguisher’s expiration date. Note that you need to inspect the extinguisher once a year and recharge it every five years. It will be better if you can inspect and test your extinguisher regularly.
What Type Of Fire Extinguisher For Kitchen – FAQs
Can I use a Class B fire extinguisher for my kitchen?
Yes. You can use a Class B fire extinguisher for kitchen fires, especially those involving flammable liquids.
However, you should also keep in mind that important Class ABC fire extinguishers are not suitable for commercial kitchens. So, if you are specifically considering a fire extinguisher for kitchen fires, you should go for Class K.
What is the distinction between a standard and a kitchen fire extinguisher?
The main difference between these two types of fire extinguishers is the type of fire they are best suited for.
Kitchen fire extinguishers (Class K) are designed to put out fires that start from cooking oils and fats. On the other hand, regular fire extinguishers are available in A, B, C, and D classes. Class A type extinguishers are ideal for fires fueled by ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, or cloth, while the Class B type is more suitable for flammable liquid fires such as gasoline and oil.
Similarly, Class C type is ideal for fires that are caused by electrical shocks while Class D can be used on flammable metallic substances such as sodium and potassium.
What size fire extinguisher do I need for my home kitchen?
The recommended fire extinguisher size for household or residential kitchens is (2.5 to 10) lbs. but not more than 20 lbs.
Sources:
https://www.quora.com/What-type-of-fire-extinguisher-is-best-for-kitchen-fires
https://www.kidde.com/home-safety/en/us/products/fire-safety/fire-extinguishers/for-home
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/home-safety/21015032/how-to-choose-and-use-fire-extinguishers
https://www.brothersfireandsecurity.com/blog/class-k-fire-extinguishers-for-kitchens
https://www.brothersfireandsecurity.com/blog/class-k-fire-extinguishers-for-kitchens
