When can I use the oven and stove?

With an adult supervising, a lot of kids start using the oven and stove at around age 12. By the time they are 14, most kids can use both the oven or stove on their own. But you need to have a parent's permission first. And it helps to know some general kitchen safety rules. Your mom or dad can show you how to properly operate your oven and stove. Some are electric and some are gas-fueled. You'll want to understand how yours works before you start cooking.

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: July 2010