Fire under electric stovetop element
I was cooking and I saw flames shoot up from under the oven element ... why might this be, and what can I do to prevent this? I wasn't too concerned because it wasn't the food that was on fire but rather just something under the element, and fortunately the stove is metal, so there shouldn't be a huge fire hazard ... correct?
Best Answer
It might be a grease-fire
Take a good look under the heating element - there might be some pooled drippings or other food-gunk. You might need to clean it or just replace the whole unit - as some of the electrical insulation might have burned-off.
Either way, I wouldn't use ANY of the burners on that stove again until you're SURE what caused it.
You should be worried anytime there's a fire you didn't intend to make.
Friendly safety reminder: You do have a working fire-extinguisher in your kitchen right? And your smoke-alarm has fresh batteries\is tested regularly?
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Why did my stove element catch fire?
It might be a grease-fire You might need to clean it or just replace the whole unit - as some of the electrical insulation might have burned-off. Either way, I wouldn't use ANY of the burners on that stove again until you're SURE what caused it.Can a stove element catch on fire?
When the heating element is not functioning properly, a fire may occur. If you witness sparks or flames coming from your heating element turn the stove off. Once the danger of a fire has been subdued, you will need to call your local appliance repair company to replace the defective element.Can electric stove coil catch fire?
Electric stoves can catch fire and explode if the coil range element on your stove becomes loose, cracked or damaged in anyway. and deviates from its original position. These should be replaced as soon as possible because they can lead to sparking and electrical fires.Why would an electric stove catch fire?
Can Electric Stoves Catch On Fire? Yes. Electric stoves can overheat and catch on fire, just like any electric appliance or device. The most common reason any electrical product catches on fire is a short circuit or a large burst of voltage.How to fix an electric stove burner for free! Hotpoint GE stove/range diagnosis and quick fix
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Answer 2
Are you talking about a gas hob? I don't know how common they are around you but if that's what it was then you have nothing to worry about unless the cooker is poorly maintained
Answer 3
Some electric ovens have an exposed electric element on the top which can be used as a grill (electric broiler). If you haven't cleaned your oven lately then you can get grease flaring up when the element gets very hot. Although most of the time this just makes some smoke these can turn into full-blown kitchen fires so I wouldn't ignore it. I'd suggest cleaning your oven with an over cleaning product, and then running your oven's self-cleaning cycle if it has one.
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