Small Kitchen Appliance Safety for the Teen Cook

Teens who are learning to cook should know how to safely use both small kitchen appliances as well as the range.

Teach teens the ins and outs, and the basic instructions for each of the following small kitchen appliances.

Small Kitchen Appliance Safety for the Teen Cook

Toaster

The toaster is the number one small kitchen appliance that teens should know how to use. Toasters are all very different, and each one develops its own quirks with age. Teach your teen cook which settings are best for making toast, poptarts, bagels and English muffins in your toaster. Write the settings down and keep them posted.

If your toaster has a "one slice" slot, show the teen where it is.

Also teach teens about how to empty the crumb tray. Be sure to tell the teen the importance of unplugging the toaster before attempting to dislodge food that is trapped in it.

Toaster Oven

Describe the difference between the toaster oven is preferable to the toaster. Also explain when the toaster oven is a better choice than the oven. The toaster oven is well suited to heating small items for 10 minutes or less. It also works well for melting cheese on items, when used with a toaster oven tray.

Popcorn Popper

One of the most fun small kitchen appliances that your teen, and maybe even your pre-teen will enjoy is the popcorn popper. Be sure the teen cook knows not to over-measure the popcorn kernels, to keep the cover on, and to have the empty bowl ready before the popper starts popping.

Microwave

Teens need a lesson on how long to cook certain foods. Make a list with your teen of the types of foods they will be cooking or re-heating in the oven, and write down the settings and cooking times. Advise the teen cook to cover the foods and to wipe down the microwave when done (we can try, can't we?).

Blender

Teens may like to use the blender to make milkshakes. Teach them about the different settings. Also show them how to take apart the blender to clean it, and tobe careful of the sharp blade.

Garbage Disposal

Teen cooks should also know what can and cannot go in the garbage disposal, and to run the water while its on

George Foreman Grill