The “hottest” (as in, most widely used) oil of the twenty-first century is most likely coconut oil. For almost anything, some individuals swear by coconut oil as a miraculous remedy.
Is coconut oil flammable, though? In short, the answer is that coconut oil may catch fire. While each frying oil has a different smoke point, they are all combustible. It is still safe to use coconut oil. Just be mindful of its smoke point, cook with caution, and have backup plans.
Flammable only refers to something’s ability to catch fire, and that doesn’t tell us anything about it. I’m sure you’re curious to discover if that makes coconut oil safer or more beneficial.
However, be at ease! We are going to handle each of these queries and more.
Keep Reading : Is Super Glue Flammable?
Is Coconut Oil Flammable?
To be clear, all cooking oils, including coconut oil, olive oil, and vegetable oil, are flammable. That being said, we shouldn’t be afraid to cook with them.
It does imply that while using oil to cook, we should proceed with some caution. Actually, you should definitely use caution whenever you cook, particularly when using intense heat or open flames.
There is very little to no risk that your coconut oil will catch fire if you’re sautéing some fruit or veggies in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
You can be playing with fire if you start mixing oils with different smoke points, turn your burner on high, or broil oil in your oven.
Flame Point of Coconut Oil
The smoke point of refined coconut oil is 450 F, or 232 C. However, the smoke point of unprocessed virgin coconut oil is far lower, at just 350 F (177C).
The highest temperature at which an oil can be heated before it begins to smoke or burn is known as the smoke point. Oil that has been heated will boil, smoke, and burn. It can catch fire if exposed to excessive heat for an extended period of time.
When you blend different types of oil together, such mixing coconut oil and olive oil in a pot for deep-frying, the smoke points of the two oils change, increasing the likelihood of smoking, burning, and igniting. Examine each oil’s smoke point.
Methods for Controlling a Grease Fire
Home fires are mostly caused by cooking-related incidents. Therefore, knowing how to extinguish one in the event that a pot, pan, or oven were to accidently catch fire is a very beneficial habit.
Cooking oil that has been exposed to heat for an extended period of time might catch fire spontaneously. This typically occurs when you are distracted and forget to watch over your meal. Distractions are something we all have to deal with, so it’s important to be ready for everything.
First of all, never use water to put out a fire in the kitchen. A grease fire cannot be extinguished by water; on the contrary, it may spill or spread.
You can use a cookie sheet or a metal lid to put out a pot or pan fire; never use plastic or anything that will melt.
If a grease fire is reasonable in size, salt or baking soda will help extinguish it. Other than baking soda and salt, never try to put out a fire with anything else since it might get worse.
As soon as it is safe to do so, cut off the heat source once the fire has been confined.
You can put out a grease fire with a Class B fire extinguisher if you have one. It’s recommended not to use a fire extinguisher if you’re not sure what sort you have, though, since the wrong one might make the situation worse.
You should instantly turn off the heat if your oven is on fire. Avoid opening the oven door as this will let the fire spread. If the fire is tiny, leave your door closed and it will go out on its own.
At any stage, leave your house and notify the fire department if the fire grows too big to put out using short, easy steps.
Utilizing Coconut Oil Because of Its Flammable Properties
Not everything that burns is evil. One of the primary causes of humanity’s lengthy evolutionary history is fire. Coconut oil shouldn’t make you feel afraid if you’re responsible.
It can be a highly practical fuel source. You have likely seen firestarters before if you enjoy camping or grilling. These are frequently produced from combustible materials whose hazardous burden is, at best, debatable.
An incredibly effective fire starter may be made by soaking cotton balls, cotton pads, or tiny bunches of cedar chips in melted coconut oil, and then letting them cool.
You will need to keep them cool since any warming of the coconut oil will result in a melted mess.To ensure that the fire doesn’t escape you, start small—a few chips or pads at a time. When dealing with flames, whether outside or in the kitchen, follow standard fire safety procedures and guidelines.
To sum up
All cooking oils, including olive and vegetable oil, are combustible, therefore it’s reasonable to presume that is coconut oil flammable as well. Nonetheless, their smoke points vary from one another.
In addition, coconut oil may burn for a very long period when lit near a heat source. Fuel from this source is incredibly efficient.
Either way, you cook, whether or not you use coconut oil, exercise caution and know how to put out a grease fire for safety’s sake.
