The little aerosol fire spray in the kitchen drawer may not last as long as homeowners expect. According to Consumer Reports, the cans carry only about a three-year shelf life — far less than the six to twelve years of a traditional extinguisher — and they have no pressure gauge, so there is no way to confirm one is still charged. The date is printed on the can; note it and replace on schedule.
The sprays do have real virtues. There is no pin to pull, just point and spray, and they are rated for grease and cooking-oil flare-ups, which makes them easy to grab in a hurry. But they are a backup, not a replacement. The label itself states the spray does not meet NFPA 10, the standard for a true fire extinguisher.
Briefs and quick reads selected and edited by The Smart Reader’s editorial team.
