As Chemistry 101 reminds us, fire needs three elements to survive: a source of heat, a source of fuel and a supply of oxygen. Unfortunately, the average household contains all of these elements in abundance, especially in the kitchen. An overheated pan of cooking oil can quickly become a flash fire, or a gas burner can ignite a kitchen towel. Response time in these situations can mean the difference between a minor incident and a frantic 911 call.
When a small fire breaks out, many people instinctively seek out traditional fire suppressors such as water or a chemical fire extinguisher. Both of these options can actually make certain types of fires worse, which is why a third option called a fire blanket has become increasingly popular. A fire blanket is easy to deploy, is effective on a wide variety of fires and can even be used as protective personal gear to escape a larger fire.
We have created an updated shortlist of the best disposable fire blankets on the market today. Topping that list is the Inf-way fire blanket, an affordable and versatile set of single-use fiberglass cloths that work on all common household fires, from paper to grease to solvents.
What to know before you buy a fire blanket
How does a fire blanket work?
The goal of most fire suppression methods is to remove at least one element of the “heat, fuel, oxygen” triangle a fire requires. Chemical fire extinguishers or water-based sprinkler systems can smother flames or dilute the fuel, but they may not remove enough oxygen to slow the spread. A fire blanket physically smothers the fire by restricting the amount of oxygen it can receive. Without air, the fuel cannot re-ignite, and the heat source can be removed safely.
Fire blankets are constructed from fire-resistant materials such as fiberglass, which means they will not add to the situation by catching on fire themselves. This can happen with standard kitchen towels. Fire blankets can also protect people from the heat of a larger fire, allowing them to escape the area and protect their skin and eyes.
Common types of household fires
One challenge many homeowners face is finding a fire-suppression system that works equally well on all types of fires. Some household fires are caused by dry combustible materials, such as a kitchen towel contacting a gas burner, or a candle igniting paper. Others can be caused by liquids or chemical accelerants, like spilled paint thinner. Grease or cooking oil is also a common source of kitchen fires if they become overheated. Unlike a chemical fire extinguisher or water, a fire blanket is considered safe on all types of household fires.
Ease of use
Disposable fire blankets tend to remain in storage for long periods of time until an emergency situation arises. This means the homeowner should be able to locate them in a hurry and open the packaging without delay. Many fire blanket storage bags contain metal grommets, allowing users to hang them on an accessible wall near potential sources of fire. They might also be stored in cabinet drawers or near other fire suppression equipment. Ideally, the packaging should be easy to release and the fire blanket should be ready to use within a few seconds.
Other locations to consider
Although a household kitchen is probably the most likely place for a small fire to break out, there are other locations that could also benefit from a fire blanket. Boats and RVs, for example, may be miles away from professional firefighting services, so owners should have as many fire-suppression options as possible. Keeping a fire blanket in the trunk or glove compartment of a vehicle is also a good idea in case of an engine or passenger compartment fire. Workshops with flammable materials, heating elements and ignition sources should also contain at least one fire blanket.
Fire blanket features
Size options
In a typical kitchen-fire scenario, a fire blanket needs to be large enough to cover a 12-inch frying pan or a small electric fryer. However, there are times when a larger fire blanket can be wrapped around a child or pet to protect them from a more involved fire. Several fire blanket manufacturers offer size options for different locations or levels of protection. A body-sized fire blanket may work better for camping trips, while a smaller version can smother a burning pan without the need for a fire extinguisher.
Portability
Fire blankets take up very little space, and they are very lightweight. They are generally designed for single use, although some higher-end brands are strong enough for several applications. Transporting and releasing a fire blanket should be intuitive, and all members of the household need to be familiar with its deployment during an emergency.
Fire blanket cost
The retail price point of a disposable fire blanket depends primarily on its size more than its list of fire-retarding ingredients. Smaller fire blankets can cost as little as $10, while medium-size models run between $15 and $20. Large blankets for whole-body protection can cost $25 or more.
Fire blanket FAQ
How long should I leave a fire blanket on a kitchen fire?
A. The standard recommended time is at least 15 minutes. While the blanket may smother out flames within a few seconds of application, there is always the possibility of the fire re-igniting, especially if the heat source has not been eliminated. Eliminating the oxygen supply is a critical step, so resist the temptation to remove the blanket quickly.
Are fire blankets reusable?
A. Most fire blankets are not designed to be reusable, even though the damage may appear minimal after a small kitchen fire. The fabric may have absorbed flammable cooking oil or grease, and any chemical flame retardants could lose their effectiveness. It is better to replace a fire blanket after one emergency use.
Which fire blanket should I get?
Best of the best fire blanket
Inf-way Fire Blanket: available at Amazon
Our take: This single-use fiberglass fire blanket is ideal for homeowners with different fire-extinguishing needs in different rooms.
What we like: Fiberglass cloth works on both liquid and grease fires. Available in four sizes to handle small, medium or large fires. Package is easy to open with pull strips. Nontoxic ingredients.
What we dislike: Some reports of the storage bag being flammable. Blanket tears easily.
Best bang for your buck fire blanket
Tonyko Fiberglass Fire Blanket: available at Amazon
Our take: The Tonyko is a bargain-priced fiberglass fire blanket that fits well in RVs, boats and tiny homes without sacrificing effectiveness.
What we like: Affordable price point. Storage pouch is very compact, fits in tight spaces. Resists all types of kitchen fires, from dry to liquid.
What we dislike: Some users may have a reaction to the flame-retardant chemicals. Cloth can produce fiberglass splinters.
Honorable mention fire blanket
Hot Headz H-FIR-BLN100 Fire Blanket: available at Amazon
Our take: This fire blanket’s size and ease of use makes it ideal for camping trips where open grilling or campfires are possibilities and young children are present.
What we like: Generous 36-inch-by-36-inch dimensions. Can be used as a body wrap. Easy-to-open packaging. Works faster than a fire extinguisher on smaller kitchen fires.
What we dislike: May not smother some flames completely. Fiberglass can irritate skin, especially if the blanket is worn for protection.
Michael Pollick is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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