Cooking in small apartment kitchens or basic kitchens can be challenging, but rewarding if you enjoy cooking for yourself and others. The most important thing is to keep your apartment kitchen safe.

Keep kitchen counters clean, uncluttered, and clutter-free. Unplug small appliances after use and put away knives, potholders, cookbooks, etc. If you use matches or a lighter to light your stove, make sure they are also stored in a safe place.

Take special care when cooking on the stove. Never leave the stove unattended, keep the pot handles turned inside and do not cook with long sleeves or fabrics that cover and can get close to the heat. Make sure the range hood fan is running and use it regularly, or open doors or windows to ventilate. Make sure your apartment has working smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

Use your microwave correctly, never put metal inside, and keep an eye on food cooking inside the oven. Always make sure the microwave, stove burners, or hot dishes are turned off before leaving the kitchen. Do not try to repair a gas stove yourself. Call a professional. If you smell gas, report it to the gas company immediately.

Keep the stove and oven clean. Take special care when cooking with butter or oil, watching what is cooking and regulating the heat. Never use water on a grease fire. Use a fire extinguisher or baking soda. Safety first is the motto in all kitchens, but especially in apartments.