Even with limited kitchen space, it's still possible to utilize the area around the kitchen in a more suitable way - Photo: AI
These factors can reduce food quality, cause plastic to degrade quickly, oxidize cooking oil which affects health, and even increase the risk of fire and explosions, even in small kitchens where maximizing storage space is quite common.
According to Eating Well , here are some items you should avoid placing on top of your stove.
Oil
Many people have a habit of keeping olive oil, coconut oil, or other cooking oils right above the stove for convenience. However, high temperatures accelerate oxidation, causing foods high in fat, such as cooking oils, nuts, seeds, or whole grain flour, to quickly become rancid. If food develops an unusual smell or taste, it should be replaced and stored in a cool, dark place, such as a kitchen cupboard.
Dried spices and herbs
Keeping spices near the cooking area makes them easier to use, but they shouldn't be stored directly above the stove.
The heat and steam from cooking can cause spices and herbs to dry out quickly, losing their aroma and flavor, making them less effective when used.
Instead, it should be stored in a drawer or cupboard near the stove, but away from direct heat sources.
Dry food
Foods like rice, dried noodles, beans, biscuits, and coffee don't need refrigeration, but they're also not suitable for placing on top of a stove. Moisture can seep into the packaging or containers if they aren't airtight, causing the food to clump together, lose its crispness, or become soggy.
For products packaged in cardboard boxes, a humid environment increases the risk of mold or bacteria growth. It's best to store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.
Paperware or cookbooks
Experts also advise against leaving cloth towels, cooking gloves, paper towels, or cookbooks above the stove.
These are all highly flammable materials, especially if hung or placed near a heat source. Storing these items elsewhere will help reduce the risk of fire in the kitchen.
Plastic container
High temperatures above the stovetop can cause plastic to deform, degrade, or lose durability over time. A consistently hot and humid environment also accelerates the aging process of many materials, so plastic containers and lids should be stored in a cooler area of the kitchen.
Small household appliances
Infrequently used appliances such as coffee grinders, waffle makers, blenders, mixers, air fryers, food processors, or slow cookers should not be placed on top of the stove.
Heat, moisture, and grease can adhere to surfaces and components, reducing equipment lifespan and increasing the need for cleaning and maintenance. For battery-powered devices like electronic scales or thermometers, frequent exposure to heat and humidity can further reduce battery life or damage components.
What can be stored above the stove?
Experts recommend avoiding storing food or flammable items in this area. Instead, it can be used to store lightweight, infrequently used, and heat-resistant items such as large trays or bowls, guest tableware, ceramic baking trays, turntables, cake molds, or seasonal serving utensils.
If kitchen space is limited, you can still utilize the area around the stove in a safer way. You can install racks for stainless steel pots and pans instead of non-stick pans, as high temperatures can degrade the non-stick coating more quickly.
A rack system with hooks is suitable for storing metal utensils, while wooden utensils or cutting boards should be placed elsewhere to avoid absorbing moisture.
Additionally, you can install magnetic knife holders and utilize the cabinet height by stacking baking trays or molds vertically, combined with cabinet dividers, to increase storage space.