Gransnet forums

Chat

Kitchen safety issues

(22 Posts)
gentleshores Sun 24-Nov-24 23:22:31

Part of why he's "reverted" is the amount of time I've been stuck in bed this year for periods at a time and he's gone into bachelor mode in the kitchen.

So I'm grateful he's here to do things for me but I wish he'd think more.

gentleshores Sun 24-Nov-24 23:20:58

Sorry I tried to quote @Madmeg's post as well and only one quote came out in my message.

Anyway another day. The steamer pan has arrived so that's solved that issue - I don't think I need to go as far as a cooker fence over the front of the hob.

But today we've been trying to get some changes done in the living room - which mostly went well until he kept asking me to go and fetch things when I'm not supposed to walk too much and now I'm stuck in bed for a few days. I need to pace myself.

He was busy sorting out one thing. And old habits kicked in - him in charge and sending me on errands. We both need to learn new habits. I need to say no I can't you need to do it - and he needs to think about me without me having to ask him to.

gentleshores Sun 24-Nov-24 23:17:42

welbeck

Your cooking methods sound a bit complicated.
Couldn't you use the microwave more.
I think it might be simpler and you'd have less worry.

Yep I think that is the issue! He said himself recently - I'm a bit old to start changing now. But he didn't used to be like this - I think he's just reverted a bit in his old age! Our lives have changed a lot too with me being so restricted and he'd got used to me doing absolutely everything at home.

It does sometimes feel like having a child in the house - although the child (teenager) listens and follows instructions!

I don't see what's complicated about use pans and an oven.

Madmeg Sat 23-Nov-24 22:03:23

He might NOT learn. I've been married for 52 years and DH still ignores my advice. Basically, he does things his way and will not change, even when the logic is explained to him - and he agrees! I am always tripping over stuff he has left on the floor or knocking things off the worktop. Stubbing my toe is daily.

welbeck Sat 23-Nov-24 21:58:58

Your cooking methods sound a bit complicated.
Couldn't you use the microwave more.
I think it might be simpler and you'd have less worry.

gentleshores Sat 23-Nov-24 21:33:38

Or rather doesn't listen or forgets 5 minutes later and just does what he's always done when he's on his own. Anyway it scares me. So I've sent for a steamer pan with two small handles at the side so no handle to stick out. It's just a basic safety thing.

gentleshores Sat 23-Nov-24 21:20:42

kittylester

I doubt he was deliberately disobeying your instructions. It's just not his natural habitat.

He has been doing vegetables for years - sometimes for himself or if I've been away in the past. No it's not deliberate he just ignores me!

gentleshores Sat 23-Nov-24 21:16:47

The other reason for going back to basics was a small kitchen and not enough cupboards for extra gadgets etc.

gentleshores Sat 23-Nov-24 21:15:44

Thanks. Yes my patience ran thin because I've mentioned it so many times. The pan handles don't get hot - they are just left sticking out and anyone walking past could knock a pan of boiling water all over them. I would have no idea what to do with an air fryer. I went back to basics a long time ago - most things cooked in the oven or on the hob.

Whingey Sat 23-Nov-24 17:20:32

Put tinned potatoes in microwave in a bowl with a plate over. Plate flew up in the air when spuds exploded.the Mess!You have to prick them with a fork😨

Delila Sat 23-Nov-24 17:17:41

It must be frustrating for you, but it takes time to acquire kitchen sense. Try not to make him nervous, bite your tongue, keep your eyes open for hazards, and show appreciation. Things will improve.

Judy54 Sat 23-Nov-24 17:09:24

You can buy covers for pan handles which means that you are not picking up a hot handle and makes it safer. Not sure where I bought mine from but try Amazon.

petra Sat 23-Nov-24 17:08:49

Buy an AirFryer. Problem solved.

NotAGran55 Sat 23-Nov-24 17:04:14

If he starts to microwave veg etc, please tell him to be careful not to burn himself removing the bowls or covering.

ferry23 Sat 23-Nov-24 17:00:35

Just put veg in a small pyrex with a little water and cover. Or a zip lock bag. (No liquid). Peas take little more than 2 minutes - root vegetables a bit longer. Yes you can do potatoes in microwave. If you're leaving the skins on it's a good idea to make a few slashes in the skin so they don't explode. About 3 - 4 minutes depending on how many.

OldFrill Sat 23-Nov-24 16:59:32

Be careful with the small handled pans as the handles will get very hot.

kittylester Sat 23-Nov-24 16:56:20

I doubt he was deliberately disobeying your instructions. It's just not his natural habitat.

gentleshores Sat 23-Nov-24 16:47:24

welbeck

I was going ro suggest steaming the veg in the microwave to avoid handles.

That is a good idea. I've never learned how to steam vegetables in the microwave. I think I had a go once with a plastic steamer that came with the microwave but they didn't come out very well. Will it do boiled potatoes as well?

I thought it was a basic safety thing not to have pan handles sticking out from the cooker.

gentleshores Sat 23-Nov-24 16:45:46

I didn't even see the grill pan as I didn't expect it to be there when reaching for the kettle.

welbeck Sat 23-Nov-24 16:40:28

Hope that bacon fat is not being washed down the sink ??
You he could put foil in the base of the grill pan.
Then just lift it out when cool.
Makes proper disposal easier also washing the pan.
You were at least as responsible as he was for walking too close to the protruding handle.
Health and safety is everybody's responsibility.

welbeck Sat 23-Nov-24 16:33:28

I was going ro suggest steaming the veg in the microwave to avoid handles.

gentleshores Sat 23-Nov-24 16:13:48

So - the last straw. Since I've been restricted in what I can do, OH is doing more in the kitchen - either helping me or doing things instead of me - like putting the pan of veg on.

I must have said umpteen times in the past year or so - make sure the pan handle is turned sideways. And he forgets, time and time again. It's so dangerous. I have explained how serious scalds are from boiling water if someone knocks against it. He did it again today, and I reminded him again.

The other thing is the grill pan. He says where shall I put it when the oven's on (and it has bacon fat in it). I say - in the sink. Because it needs washing! And because the sink is a safe place to put things so people can't get caught on handles.

Well today the grill pan handle was sticking over the side of the worktop (not in the sink and got caught in my pocket and came crashing down on the floor, narrowly missing my foot.

So - the last straw. I am not having pans with handles any more. I've ordered a steamer pan (don't need the steamer bits as already have those but never mind) which has two small rounded handles at the side (like a stockpot). As for the grill pan - I'll just have to keep an eye on it.

It's very frustrating when you've had decades of experience in a kitchen, are ignored and someone thinks they know better! But also frustrating that I can't do things myself so I know I have to be more patient and thankful I have someone to help - but he will not learn!