Crisco is a popular choice in the kitchen. But have you ever wondered about the risks associated with it? No, not just the health risk. Have you asked what is the danger of Crisco near flames? Is Crisco flammable?
Being a shortener, Crisco will catch on fire when you overheat it. After all, shortening is just fat that’s solid at room temperature. Fats will first start to boil, then smoke, and finally catch fire when you heat them up too much.
However, that’s a short answer on is Crisco shortening flammable. If you want to get to the bottom of the topic and learn more about the fire hazards of Crisco, you should keep on reading.
What Is Crisco and the Flammability of Crisco?
So, if you want to understand the fire hazard revolving around Crisco, you need to know the product’s composition. Crisco comes in different forms. For example, you can get it as a shortening and cooking spray.
No matter the type, Crisco is typically made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils at the core. And the reason why this product can catch on fire is because the vegetable oils inside it are combustible.
Can Crisco Catch Fire at Room Temperature?
As mentioned earlier, Crisco will only catch on fire when you overheat it. To be exact, its burning point is 250 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s around 121 degrees Celsius.
The room temperature is 20 degrees Celsius, which is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. So, in short, Crisco will not catch on fire when it is at room temperature.
What Factors Affect Crisco’s Flammability?
Want to know more about the things that can make Crisco catch fire? Here are the contributing factors explained in detail –
Temperature
First, the temperature that Crisco is exposed to must be considered. As discussed earlier, this product’s ignition point is 250 degrees Fahrenheit. So, while handling it, make sure that the cooking temperature is below this point.
Contact Open Flames
Even when the temperature is below the ignition point, Crisco will catch fire if it comes in contact to open flames. Although, you can not see flames on it right away.
Exposure to Air
You should store Crisco in an enclosed container. When it’s exposed to air, the product oxidizes. Afterward, it becomes more flammable.
What Should I Do If Crisco Catches Fire While Cooking?
Take immediate action to prevent the fire from spreading if Crisco catches fire while cooking. Here are the steps –
Turn off the Heat Source
Before anything else, you should turn the burner off. However, if the flame on the stove is too high and you can not turn the burner, try to get the pan away from the stove.
Cover the Pan
Get yourself a metal lid and cover the top of the pan. Even a cookie sheet will work in this regard. Wondering why should you cover the pan? You will smother the fire and prevent it from spreading. However, do not use ceramic or glass lids for this.
Use a Fire Extinguisher or Baking Soda
Put some baking soda on the fire to put it out. But note that baking soda will only work when the fire is small and contained.
Does the fire seem uncontrollable? Use a fire extinguisher! Do not use flour, water, or other substances. They will not help.
Safety Precautions While Using Crisco
Don’t want to get into a situation where you have to deal with a fire initiated by Crisco? Keep these simple tips in mind –
- Keep Crisco away from open flames and direct heat sources
- Make sure that you are storing the product in a dry and cool place
- If you are using a Crisco spray, do not use it near open flames
- Make sure that the cooking area is well-ventilated
- Keep the product away from children and pets
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it safe to burn Crisco as a candle?
Crisco can be used as an emergency candle. However, you need to be extremely careful while making this DIY candle. It can catch fire very easily. Also, do not let it burn too long.
2. Is Crisco vegetable oil flammable?
Yes, Crisco vegetable oil is flammable. And the flash point of Crisco vegetal oil is 250 degrees Fahrenheit. So, while using it, keep the ignition temperature in your mind.
3. What happens if Crisco is heated too high?
When Crisco is heated too high, it will automatically catch on fire. Remember, the flash point of this product is 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the temperature below this mark if you do not want to deal with a fire incident.
4. Can Crisco be used as a fire starter?
You can use Crisco as a fire starter. For example, you can soak small cotton balls with this product and use it while trying to start a fire.
5. How to dispose of Crisco safely?
To dispose of Crisco used twice or more in cooking, place it in a plastic container and in the trash. For a container of Crisco that has expired or cannot be used, secure the lid and place it in the trash.
Final Words
Is Crisco flammable? To recap, all Crisco products are made of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. And oils are both combustible and flammable. That naturally makes Crisco flammable.
So, while we are on the subject of cooking fat/oil, you may also want to know about castor oil’s combustibility and canola oil’s flammability. Well, we covered both. Check them out!
