Buying guide for Best stove knob covers
It’s no wonder stoves are magnets for young children. They involve three things that intrigue children — dials, flames, and food. Many stove knobs are located within most toddlers’ view and possibly their reach, making them even more enticing.
Experimenting with stove knobs can quickly turn tragic for the whole household. A child fidgeting with knobs on a gas stove can fill your living space with dangerous fumes. Thirteen percent of range fires are caused by children unknowingly turning on burners, according to studies from fire safety experts. Sometimes, these fires only damage property. Many times, they injure the child and many others.
Stove knob covers vary in their design depending on whether they are intended for electric or gas ranges. They also have different release mechanisms, color options, and styles.
Certain knob cover designs work more effectively with different stoves. Keep reading to learn how to best protect your family. When you’re ready to buy, check our recommendations for the best stove knob covers on the market.
Key considerations
Gas or electric
Stove knob covers for gas and electric stoves have slightly different designs.
On an electric stove, a knob cover only needs to provide enough space for the user to turn the knob. This is a relatively simple process, giving you quick access to the knob.
Knob covers that work with gas stoves, however, aren’t as simple. They must prevent a child from both releasing gas and igniting the burner, plus, they must allow an adult to do both. If you have a gas stove, check carefully to make sure the covers you select will work with your specific knob size or model.
Knob size and placement
While all stove knobs are round, not all are the same size. Measuring to get the correct size — both in diameter and height — makes all the difference. A knob cover that’s too large may rattle when gripped. This movement can attract baby’s attention and entice them to keep fiddling, possibly even breaking or defeating the cover. If your knob covers are too small, they may not fit well on your knobs or allow you to use the stove when they’re opened.
In addition to the knob size, consider how closely your knobs are installed. Will the additional width of the covers obstruct the knob next to it? Knobs along the front of your stove may be more evenly spaced than knobs grouped between countertop burners.
Release mechanism
When it’s time to cook, there’s no need to remove the whole cover. Simply press the release mechanism. This should allow the top to flip up on a hinge, letting you light and adjust the stove. Some knob covers release with a single pressure point — simplifying a process some find complex. Other cooks appreciate the security of a double-release mechanism. Whichever you choose is a matter of personal preference.
Color
There’s no right or wrong when it comes to stove knob color. Most stove knob covers are either clear or translucent black.
Clear knobs are transparent, so you can easily see your settings while you cook. And it’s simple to tell from the outside whether they’re in the “off” position. They stand out more, though, and draw extra attention to the front of your stove.
Dark-colored knob covers can be challenging to read from the outside. They do, however, blend in more easily with most stove designs. This means children will be less likely to notice them or try them.
Expert Tip
When cooking, try to open your knob covers so that your child can’t watch. If they see you, they may see this “fun” new challenge and persist in trying to figure it out.
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Features
Heat resistance
No matter what kind of stove you own, stove knobs should always be made from materials that don’t melt. Countertop knobs will be exposed to heat laterally from the burners themselves. Front knobs are further from burners but are exposed to heat from the oven.
Ease of removal
You don’t want your child to remove the knob covers easily but you don’t want to struggle yourself. Your knob covers will eventually need cleaning, and with a baby in the house, you can’t afford to waste time. Look for models that can be easily removed by parents when it’s time to cook.
Dishwasher safe
Stove knobs collect grease and grime over time. You’ll need to remove them periodically for cleaning. Look for models that are dishwasher safe for quick, simple cleaning.
Did you know?
More than 10% of range fire injuries are caused by children fidgeting with knobs.
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Essential accessories
While you’re shopping for stove knob covers, there are a few other safety items you may want to consider to baby- or toddler-proof your home.
Cabinet lock: Because some cabinets are off limits, period, consider a set of cabinet locks.
Plug covers: When it comes to babyproofing, outlet covers are a must.
Monitors: Keep an eye and ear on baby wherever you go.
Expert Tip
Many knobs can be used to secure controls on your outdoor grill as well as your stove top.
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Stove knob cover prices
Inexpensive
Stove knob covers come in multipacks, and the least expensive of them start around $1.40 per knob cover and cost up to $2. In this price range, most knob covers are heat resistant, clear, and smaller in size — between 2 and 2.75 inches in diameter.
Mid-range
The next tier of knob covers generally costs between $2 and $2.75 per knob cover. Most items in this range are clear and may be a little wider. In addition, knobs in this range often have better heat resistance than lower-priced knob covers.
Expensive
The most expensive knob covers generally cost $2.75 to $3.50 per knob cover. They may be clear or black. Some are smaller in size, while others may be nearly 3 inches in diameter. Most stove knob covers in this range are deeper to accommodate push-in stove knobs.
Tips
- Stove knob covers occasionally block oven doors from opening and closing. If this happens, try installing the knobs covers in slightly offset positions and make them higher than normal so you can use your oven without complications.
- Some stove knob covers use adhesive to help keep them in place. When it’s time to take them off, these adhesives can be easily removed with the help of a hair dryer or adhesive remover.
- Stove knob covers usually come in multipacks, but not all packs have the same number of covers. Check carefully to make sure you’re getting what you need in the pack you choose.
FAQ
Q. How soon will I need stove knob covers in my kitchen?
A. If you’re expecting or have a newborn, there’s no rush. Babies don’t start standing up until they are between eight and ten months of age. Most don’t stand unsupported until around 12 months, so depending upon your child’s height, you probably have at least a year. Some parents say it’s easier to have knob covers in place before baby is walking. If you order covers after they’ve played with the knobs, the safety items themselves could be seen as an intriguing development in the kitchen.
Q. When can I stop using stove knob covers?
A. It depends on the child. You can safely remove stove knob covers when your youngest is old enough to follow instructions and understand the danger posed by the stove. In most children, this occurs by age six. By this age, most children are in school and are able to take specific instructions and modify their behavior based on a teacher’s or parent’s direction.
Q. My child hasn’t lost interest in the stove, even with knob covers. Now what?
A. If your child is under age three, all you can really do is redirect them. Hand them a spatula or a pot and a wooden spoon and see if they move on. Children ages three to five can get involved in a safe kitchen task, like washing vegetables, mixing room temperature ingredients, or sprinkling sugar on desserts. Rather than scolding them, make it a positive experience. That way, they might just forget about the stove the next time they’re in the kitchen.
