It might seem convenient to keep your bottle of oil close to where you cook, but it’s not a great idea. Oil stored near heat sources like a stove can easily become a fire hazard. A bottle too close to a burner or open flame could catch fire or spill and trigger a grease fire. These are tough to manage and can spread fast.
There’s also the long-term issue of quality. Heat exposure speeds up oxidation, which makes oil go rancid faster. This not only ruins the flavor, but it also affects the oil’s safety and shelf life. To avoid these problems, store your oil in a cool, dry cupboard instead.
2. Spices
Even though spice racks built into kitchen walls may look sleek, having them right next to the stove is not ideal. Spices are sensitive to heat and moisture, and keeping them close to a hot, steamy area causes them to lose flavor and color more quickly. If you use your spices often, this can add up to a lot of wasted money. You’ll get the most out of your spices if you store them in a dark, cool cabinet or pantry where the temperature doesn’t fluctuate as much.
3. Coffee
Placing coffee beans or grounds near the stove can seriously mess with their flavor. High temperatures break down the aromatic compounds that give coffee its taste and smell. Over time, this leads to a stale or bitter brew. And there’s another issue: steam. If moisture seeps into your coffee, it can lead to clumping and even mold—especially if your container isn’t fully sealed.
The best way to store coffee is in an airtight, opaque container kept somewhere cool and dark, away from heat or changing temperatures.
4. Fruit Bowls
Fruit might look great sitting on the counter, but placing your fruit bowl too close to the stove is a recipe for quick spoilage. The heat and steam can cause fruit to soften, over-ripen, or rot faster than it normally would. Even durable fruits like apples and oranges can be affected.
If space is tight, consider moving the bowl to a nearby table or another cooler corner of the kitchen. This helps keep your fruit fresher for longer and cuts down on food waste.
5. Medications and Supplements
Are you one of those who like to keep vitamins or medications in the kitchen for daily convenience? You should think again. Heat and humidity from cooking can break down active ingredients, which reduces effectiveness and might even make them unstable. This applies to common supplements like probiotics and fish oil, too.
A better place is a cool, dry spot with a stable temperature. Always check the label for storage instructions, and unless refrigeration is recommended, avoid storing them in the kitchen altogether.
6. Corded Kitchen Appliances
Many of us tend to leave appliances like toasters or blenders near the stove. It saves counter space, right? But have you considered the fact that cords can slip or get knocked over onto hot burners, which can start fires? Even if the appliance isn’t on, the surrounding heat can damage the wires or internal parts. Grease and food splatter from cooking can also gum up the machines.
A safer bet is to plug them in away from the stove or store them when not in use. Ideally, give them their own space on a separate counter or cabinet to keep things organized and safe.
7. Paper Towels
They’re in nearly every kitchen and are used all day long. But paper towels and heat aren’t a safe mix. In smaller kitchens, it’s easy to place the roll right next to the stove just for convenience. That small move could be a big mistake. If exposed to heat or open flames, paper towels can easily ignite, especially in a rush when you're cooking on multiple burners.
Instead, keep them tucked in a drawer or hung from a rack well away from any source of heat. It’s a simple shift that can prevent a kitchen accident.
8. Wooden Cutting Boards
Wood doesn’t belong anywhere near your burners. When exposed to the heat and steam from cooking, wooden cutting boards can expand and contract. That constant stress warps the board and can cause cracks to form. Those tiny splits? Perfect for bacteria to settle in. And since it’s flammable, it’s not something you want propped up next to an open flame.
Store it upright inside a cabinet or on a rack at the far end of your counter if you're short on space. It’ll last longer and stay safer.
9. Canned Goods
Canned foods are meant to be stored at room temperature, and most people assume that means anywhere in the kitchen is fair game. That isn't wise because placing them above or next to the stove can raise their internal temperature much higher than you think. According to food safety guidelines, when canned goods are exposed to temperatures above 100°F, the risk of spoilage goes up. It's better to move your canned beans and soups to a cool pantry or cabinet instead of that shelf above the stove.
10. Dish Towels and Oven Mitts
They’re used right at the stove, so it feels natural to keep them nearby. However, you must remember that towels and mitts are usually made from fabrics that catch fire quickly if they accidentally fall onto a hot burner. Instead of leaving them draped on the oven handle or tossed beside the stove, find a drawer or basket to store them in. Keeping them out of the heat’s reach can help prevent unexpected flare-ups when you’re moving fast in the kitchen.
