Which type of extinguisher is recommended for kitchen fires involving oils and fats?

The recommended extinguisher for kitchen fires involving oils and fats is a Class K extinguisher. This type of extinguisher is specifically designed to combat fires that involve cooking appliances and the flammable cooking oils and fats commonly found in kitchens. When a Class K extinguisher is used, it employs a special wet chemical agent that not only cools the burning material but also creates a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen, effectively smothering the fire and preventing re-ignition.

This makes Class K extinguishers crucial for commercial kitchens and any environment where large amounts of cooking oil are used. In contrast, other extinguisher types, such as Class A, Class B, and Class C, are not suitable for kitchen fires of this nature. Class A extinguishers are designed for ordinary combustibles, Class B extinguishers are for flammable liquids, and Class C extinguishers apply to electrical fires. None of these are specifically tailored for the unique challenges presented by fires involving cooking oils and fats.