Can you use a propane stove inside? Yes, but you probably should not do it. At this early in the article, we already answered the biggest question of all. That is because we know that even though there is a high risk of bad things that will happen if you use a propane stove inside, you will still do it, right?
We came to that conclusion since a lot of people really use their propane gas stoves indoors. Some persevered while others are now in a hospital, or much worse, their house has already burned down. That is why the answer to the question, “Can you use a propane stove inside?” should not only be answered by a yes or a no. There should always be a warning connected to it.
That is precisely what we are going to discuss in this article. We will tell you why you should exercise extra precaution in using a propane gas indoors. At the same time, we will give tips and tricks on how to use it inside properly.
Itching to find out how to execute operation “cooking with propane stove indoors?” Read on to find out.
Why Using Propane Stove Indoors is Harmful: The Facts
We already said that you can cook with it indoors, but what is the fuss about taking precautions? The problem lies not in the propane stove per se, but actually with the effects of the gas to our surroundings and your body. In short, it can either start a fire or kill you.
Scary stuff, right? However, do not dwell on these because there are actually propane gas stoves that were made to be used indoors. The catch is, even though they were made that way, you still have to exercise extraordinary diligence in making sure that you are using it right.
One of the effects of cooking inside with propane gas is the release of carbon monoxide. This chemical is extremely harmful to humans, especially when ingested in large doses. The problem is, it is odorless and colorless. Therefore, we cannot detect it. We tend to keep on breathing it in without realizing it. It is already too late to know if you took in a lot of it once we feel the negative symptoms that come with it, like nausea, vomiting, and headache. Imagine falling asleep while you are slowly cooking stew inside your home?
Another disadvantage of cooking inside with a propane stove is that it can cause a fire. Propane gas can be finicky. At times, it can maintain a low heat, but most of the time, it has its own way of producing a large flame. This is the cause of a lot of fire incidents. The flame will just abruptly be too strong that it reaches a flammable area, and the rest is history.
Can You Use a Propane Stove Inside: How to Safely Do It
Here is the section of this article that all you propane stove users are waiting for. We will enumerate some tips in order to cook safely or at least minimize the chances of you being exposed to carbon monoxide.
- Only cook indoors with a propane stove if it expressly states in the label that you can use it indoors. Some indication of this is a certification from the UL or Underwriters Laboratories, or engraved words in the stove itself. Do not cook inside if you do not see a label.
- Before cooking, turn on a fan or the vents to have proper air circulation. It also does not hurt to open the windows.
- Cook at a place where there is an open space or an open window. Thus, never push the propane stove against a wall.
- If possible, install a carbon monoxide detector. This will effectively tell you how much carbon monoxide is in the area.
- If you do not have a detector, you can detect high carbon monoxide levels with the taste in your mouth. It will usually taste a bit of metallic.
- When setting up your stove, you should place it on a counter or table that has nothing on top of it. Ideally, only the propane stove should occupy that space.
- Put away flammable materials near your cooking area like plants, books, trinkets, etc.
- Do not use it consistently for long periods of time. By doing so, it will decrease the build-up of carbon monoxide. If you really have to finish a long list of recipes, give the stove a rest with every finished dish and air out your space.
- Never use a propane grill indoors. The logic is the same, however, for propane grills, they tend to expel carbon monoxide more, so it will take a short time for your kitchen to be filled up.
What to Do if You Did Not Take Precautions: The Tips
In such a case where you did not heed our advice for some reason or another, and you are already feeling dizzy or there is already an ensuing fire, here are things that might help you out:
- When a fire starts, before you start putting it out, turn off the stove first. If possible, take out the propane gas canister.
- If the fire is too big already, do not try to put it out and just rush outside. Let the fire department do the rest.
- In terms of carbon monoxide poisoning, if you are just starting to get dizzy, stop cooking. Then, turn off the stove and leave the house.
- In the event that you fell asleep and you recently woke up, try not to fall asleep again and leave the house. Carbon monoxide poisoning will make you extremely drowsy, so you have to battle that drowsiness.
Summary
There you have it. Only cook indoors if the propane stove expressly says so. Always exercise precaution and follow the tips that we gave you so that no harm will befall your home and most especially you. In cases like this, it is extremely right to follow the saying “Better safe than sorry” because it is your house and your life that we are talking about. That is why in the first place, we said that you probably should not do it. If you are simply doing it out of sheer laziness to move the stove, then it really is not worth the risk.