Appliance expert reveals why viral cooking trend could actually be putting you in extreme danger

By Lillian Gissen For Dailymail.Com 17:24 14 Oct 2024, updated 17:27 14 Oct 2024

Comments

Comments

An appliance expert has warned against a viral cooking trend - and claimed that it could actually be putting you in extreme danger.

Earlier this year, a woman who runs a TikTok account dedicated to reviewing popular home products went viral after she posted a video detailing an item that she described as a 'kitchen must-have.'

She gushed over a layered, metal rack that can be placed into your air fryer to cook multiple items at the same time.

Now, however, gadget guru Arun Shah has advised against using the product because he said it could pose as a 'major fire hazard.'

'If you've got an air fryer then stop scrolling,' the TikToker, who goes by the username ShopFinds2024, said in the video, which was viewed a whopping 2.5 million times.

'This has been a game changer at dinner time with fussy kids. This is a three-piece rack that allows you to layer the food so you can cook several different things at once in one air fryer.'

The TikToker explained that the food 'cooks evenly,' and described the product as a 'great kitchen must-have.'

'I find this really useful because it means I can really get the most out of both sides of the air fryer,' she added. 'We use it nearly every single day.'

But Arun, who serves as the director of purchasing at Australian-based eCommerce marketplace Kogan, wasn't convinced.

'While this is a time-efficient hack for busy individuals or parents with fussy kids, make sure to double-check that the rack material is heat resistant and air-fryer compatible first, otherwise it can pose a major fire hazard,' he warned.

'It's also important to be aware that while most common kitchen items like aluminum foil and baking sheets are suitable to use in most air fryers, you should avoid using items such as plastic or non-heat resistant silicone liners, porcelain bowls or plates, wax papers, and paper towels.'

Arun also slammed a few other popular TikTok cooking 'hacks' - like using a microwave to dry out fresh herbs and making flavored ice cubes in a countertop ice maker.

He explained of the latter that the 'residue left over from flavorings' could 'clog the machine' and ultimately 'cause damage.'

'Make sure that you clean out the water compartment and any removable parts thoroughly before and after use,' he suggested.

As for the microwave trend, he explained that every model has different settings, so it's important to make sure yours is 'adjusted' accordingly before following advice from the internet.

'While 20 seconds on high heat is an appropriate amount of time to leave a whole lemon for some, you may have to adjust the time or heat setting for yours,' shared the appliance expert.

'Otherwise, not only can this damage your gadget, it can also be a major fire hazard if left unattended.'

Comments

Comments