The increased popularity of batch cooking could be putting families at risk.
The warning comes from oven cleaning specialist Daniel Styles of Ovenu Worcester, who says the growing trend of cooking at home to save money during the cost-of-living crisis may be increasing the risk of kitchen fires.
This is due to grease, fat, and burnt food building up in ovens and other appliances, which can become a fire hazard if not regularly cleaned.
Mr Styles said: “People are understandably trying to make their money go further and one of the biggest changes for many households is simply cooking at home more often.
“I’m seeing signs of ovens and cooking appliances being used more heavily, whether that’s from batch cooking, meal prepping, or families spending less on takeaways.
“What many people don’t realise is how quickly grease, fat residue, and burnt food deposits can build up when ovens are being used day after day.”
Home Office data for the year to March 2025 shows cooking appliances were responsible for 44 per cent of accidental dwelling fires in England.
Separate analysis of domestic appliance fires found kitchen equipment such as ovens, cookers, microwaves, grills and air fryers accounted for more than three quarters of incidents.
Mr Styles, who covers the WR1 to WR5 areas of Worcestershire, said: “In some cases, excessive grease build-up can become a fire risk, particularly if appliances are left without a thorough clean for long periods.
“Dirty ovens can create smoke and unpleasant smells that affect the taste of food and reduce efficiency, meaning appliances must work harder to maintain temperature.”
He launched Ovenu Worcester in March 2025 after eight years as operations manager at a relocation company, where he helped families move into alternative accommodation following floods, fires and storm damage.
He previously spent over 20 years in London’s hospitality industry.
Mr Styles said: “Working in hospitality, cleanliness, hygiene, and safety were always hugely important, so that experience has transferred naturally into this business.
“It’s not just about restoring an oven’s sparkle, but proper cleaning and maintenance also help appliances operate more efficiently and safely.”
Ovenu’s cleaning process includes disassembling oven parts for cleaning with non-caustic, biodegradable products and also covers hobs, extractor hoods, and microwaves.
