Top 10 Safety Tips for Using Your Cooking Range at Home

In the UAE, the kitchen is more than just a place to cook — it’s where families gather, where hospitality begins, and where most homes place their trust in strong, reliable appliances. Whether preparing daily meals, large weekend spreads, or festive dishes during Ramadan, your cooking range works harder than almost any other appliance in your home.

But with high heat, open flames, oils, heavy pans and long cooking durations, the cooking range also becomes one of the biggest sources of household risk. According to global fire-safety statistics, cooking remains the number one cause of home fires — and most of these incidents begin right at the stovetop.

As a brand committed to safer homes across the UAE, AFRA Appliances brings you the Top 10 Safety Tips to help you use your cooking range confidently, responsibly and safely.

1. Never Leave Your Cooking Unattended — Even for a Minute

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires worldwide. In the UAE, where frying, deep-frying, and simmering dishes are common, the risk increases if you step away for even a moment.
If you need to answer the door, check your phone, or attend to children — turn off the burner. Flames, oil and boiling liquids react fast, especially on high heat.

AFRA Tip: Use a timer when slow-cooking or boiling. It keeps you alert and prevents forgetfulness.

2. Avoid Cooking When Sleepy or Rushed

Late-night meals, early-morning breakfasts, or after-work fatigue can make you less alert. If you’re tired, stressed, or distracted, accidents happen more easily.
In many UAE households, cooking happens late, especially during Ramadan nights — so staying attentive becomes even more important.

AFRA Tip: If you feel drowsy, avoid frying or high-heat cooking. Opt for quick, low-risk meals instead.

3. Keep Your Cooking Area Clean and Clear

Oil splatters, crumbs, food spills and plastic packaging near the burners can instantly ignite. This is especially common in smaller UAE apartments where counter space is limited.

Before starting:

• Wipe the stovetop

• Clear plastic bags away

• Remove tissues, towels, and oven mitts

• Keep spice jars away from direct heat

AFRA Tip: Clean spills immediately. AFRA’s smooth-surface burners make cleaning easy after every use.

4. Turn Pot Handles Inward — Especially in Homes with Kids

With families living in close quarters, children often walk around the kitchen. Turning pot and pan handles inward prevents them from being pulled, bumped or knocked over.

Also create a “kid-free zone” of at least 1 metre around your cooking area.
This applies to pets too — especially in villas where cats may jump on counters.

AFRA Tip: Use lightweight cookware when possible. Heavy handles tend to stick out more and increase tipping risks.

5. Use Correct Cookware & Control Heat Levels

Oversized pans and under-filled pots are common in large meal preparations. However, mismatched cookware can cause uneven heat, spills, and instability.

• Use flat-bottomed pans

• Match pan size to the burner

• Never overheat oil (turn off heat if oil begins to smoke)

• Avoid overcrowding pans when frying

AFRA Tip: AFRA gas and electric cooking ranges distribute heat evenly, helping reduce flare-ups and burnt spots.

6. Learn How to Handle Small Cooking Fires Safely

In the UAE, where frying samosas, chicken, fish and parathas is routine, grease fires are among the most common kitchen incidents.

Here’s what to do:

If oil catches fire:

• Turn off the burner

• Cover the pan with a lid immediately

• Never pour water — it makes the fire explode

• Do not move the pan

If the oven catches fire:

• Turn off heat

• Keep door closed

If fire grows beyond control: evacuate and call Ambulance (998).

AFRA Tip: Always keep a fire blanket or Class K fire extinguisher nearby.

7. Ensure Strong Ventilation — Especially for Gas Ranges

Whether you live in Dubai Marina, Sharjah towers, or a villa in Abu Dhabi, ventilation is essential. UAE kitchens often have limited window openings, making range hoods crucial.

Good ventilation reduces:

• Smoke

• Steam

• Odors

• Gas emissions

• Carbon monoxide build-up

AFRA Tip: Always switch on your AFRA hood or exhaust fan while cooking, especially when frying or grilling.

8. Check for Gas Leaks & Install Detectors (For Gas Ranges)

If you use LPG cylinders (common in older buildings and villas), always check:

• Rubber hose condition

• Cylinder valve tightness

• Burner flame color (blue = good; yellow/orange = wrong)

If you smell gas:

1. Turn off burners

2. Switch off the gas cylinder

3. Open all windows

4. Do not press any electrical switches

5. Call your gas provider or building maintenance

AFRA Tip: Install a gas-leak detector — they are inexpensive and can save lives.

9. Maintain & Service Your Cooking Range Regularly

Sand, humidity, oil vapor and dust in UAE kitchens can affect burners and electrical components over time. Regular servicing improves:

• Burner ignition

• Heat consistency

• Gas efficiency

• Appliance lifespan

• Safety

AFRA Tip: Clean burners weekly and schedule professional servicing yearly — especially for gas models.

10. Install Working Smoke Alarms & Keep Safety Tools Ready

UAE safety laws require functioning smoke alarms in villas and apartments. Test them monthly and replace batteries yearly.

Your kitchen should also have:

• A fire blanket

• A multi-purpose (ABC) extinguisher

• A clear pathway to the exit

• Emergency numbers saved

AFRA Tip: Keep safety equipment visible, not hidden in drawers.

Final Thoughts

Your cooking range is central to your daily life — from quick breakfasts to family feasts. With proper safety habits, you can protect your home, your loved ones, and your appliance investment.

At AFRA, we design our cooking ranges with your safety in mind — stable construction, reliable ignition, strong burners, and durable materials. But even the best appliance needs responsible usage.

By practicing these top 10 safety tips, you create a safer kitchen environment for everyone at home.