PanSafe vs. Fire Blankets: Kitchen Fire Safety Showdown
Our independent testing reveals surprising differences in kitchen fire suppression effectiveness, user safety, and success rates between PanSafe and traditional fire blankets.
Key Testing Results
Kitchen fires account for 48% of all home fires in America, with cooking oil fires being particularly dangerous due to their high temperature and tendency to splatter. Two popular solutions have emerged: traditional fire blankets and the newer PanSafe technology.
Our comprehensive testing involved real cooking oil fires up to 3 liters in volume, simulating common kitchen emergency scenarios. We tested both trained and untrained users under simulated panic conditions to provide real-world performance data.
What We Tested
PanSafe System
- • BSI PAS tested technology
- • Single-use suppression sachets
- • 120ml fluid per sachet
- • Designed for up to 3L cooking oil fires
Traditional Fire Blanket
- • Fiberglass or wool construction
- • Reusable (if undamaged)
- • Various sizes (1m x 1m to 1.8m x 1.2m)
- • Oxygen-starvation suppression method
Head-to-Head Test Results
| Performance Metric | PanSafe | Fire Blanket |
|---|---|---|
| Extinguishment Speed | 5 seconds | 10-30 seconds |
| User Safety Distance | 2-3 feet | 12-18 inches |
| Re-Ignition Risk | None | High |
| Oxygen Flare Risk | None | High |
| Success Rate (Untrained Users) | 100% | 60% |
| Cookware Outcome | Salvageable | Often Ruined |
| Cleanup | Easy | Difficult |
How Each Method Works
PanSafe Method
- 1. Simply drop the sachet: Place the unopened sachet directly into the burning pan
- 2. Automatic activation: Heat triggers the sachet to release suppression fluid
- 3. Chemical suppression: Fluid congeals the oil, removing heat and oxygen
- 4. Cool and remove: Once cooled, remove and dispose of the sachet
Key Advantage: Can be deployed from a safe distance without getting close to the fire.
Fire Blanket Method
- 1. Turn off heat source: Must first turn off burner (dangerous when fire is present)
- 2. Careful approach: Get within 12-18 inches of the fire
- 3. Drape over pan: Cover completely without gaps to starve oxygen
- 4. Wait and monitor: Leave in place for extended period to prevent re-ignition
Key Risk: Requires close proximity to fire, risk of oxygen flare if blanket lifts or has gaps.
Safety Analysis
Critical Safety Finding
Fire blankets require users to get within 12-18 inches of a grease fire, significantly increasing burn risk. PanSafe allows deployment from 2-3 feet away, providing much better user protection.
Fire Blanket Risks
- Oxygen flare when blanket lifts or has gaps
- Requires dangerous proximity to fire (12-18 inches)
- High re-ignition risk if removed too early
- 40% failure rate under stress conditions
PanSafe Advantages
- Safe 2-3 foot deployment distance
- No oxygen flare risk - chemical suppression
- Zero re-ignition risk - oil congeals permanently
- 100% success rate even with untrained users
Our Recommendations
For Most Homes: PanSafe System
Based on our testing, PanSafe offers superior safety and effectiveness for typical kitchen fire scenarios. The ability to deploy from a safe distance and the 100% success rate make it ideal for untrained users under stress.
Fire Blankets Still Have a Place
Fire blankets remain useful for:
- • Clothing fires (wrap around person)
- • Small grease fires when PanSafe isn't available
- • Camping and outdoor cooking scenarios
- • Budget-conscious households (lower upfront cost)
Kitchen Fire Prevention Checklist
Daily Prevention
- Never leave cooking unattended
- Keep pot handles turned inward
- Clean grease buildup regularly
- Check smoke detector batteries monthly
Emergency Preparedness
- Keep PanSafe or fire blanket accessible
- Know how to turn off gas/electric quickly
- Practice emergency response with family
- Have escape route planned
Bottom Line
Our testing clearly demonstrates that PanSafe offers superior performance in speed, safety, and reliability for kitchen fire suppression. The 3.6x faster extinguishment time and 100% success rate make it the clear winner for most households.
However, the most important factor is having something available for kitchen fire emergencies. Both solutions are vastly better than attempting to handle cooking oil fires with water (which can cause explosive spreading) or traditional fire extinguishers (which create extensive cleanup damage).
Emergency Reminder
Never use water on a grease fire. It can cause the fire to spread explosively. Always turn off the heat source if safely possible, then use appropriate suppression methods.