When Can I Cook by Myself?

It depends on what you like to eat! Breakfast is usually the easiest meal to make. Kids as young as 5 or 6 may be able to get themselves a bowl of cold cereal or put cream cheese on a bagel. If you enjoy warmer things for breakfast, like oatmeal or whole-grain toast, you’ll need to use some kitchen appliances. Many kids can use appliances like a toaster or a microwave on their own by age 10.

But what if you want something that takes a few more steps, like freshly cooked eggs or muffins made from scratch? Talk with your parents about what you’d like to learn how to make, and what the easiest and safest way to make it would be. Even eggs and mug muffins can be made in a microwave. When your parents feel you’re ready, they may show you how to use the stove or the oven. With help from an adult, many kids start using the stove and oven around age 12.

How Can I Stay Safe While Cooking Hot Food?

You always need to be safe in the kitchen when working with heat. It’s easy to burn yourself by accident when using a microwave, toaster, stove, or oven if you’re not being careful. When using hot appliances:

• Keep a safe distance from steam and hot surfaces. Don’t touch steaming hot food with your fingers. Put on dry oven mitts to grab a hot dish.
• Make sure not to fill up dishes, pots, and pans too high because they could spill hot liquid or food when you move them.
• Wear short sleeves or roll up your sleeves when using the stove so clothing doesn’t catch on fire. Know where the fire extinguisher is and how to use it.
• Turn pot and pan handles inward so they’re not pointing out toward the edge of the stove. Otherwise you could bump the handle and knock the hot pan off the stove.
• Have younger siblings and pets stay at least 3 feet away when using cooking appliances.