Leaving the burners on high on an electric range when not in use is not safe and should be avoided. It poses several safety risks and is not recommended for the following reasons:
Fire Hazard: Leaving burners on high without any cooking vessel on them increases the risk of fires. If something flammable, like a kitchen towel or a piece of paper, accidentally comes into contact with the hot burner, it can catch fire quickly.
Energy Waste: Leaving burners on high when not in use wastes energy and can lead to unnecessarily high utility bills. It's more efficient to turn off the burners when they are not needed.
Accidental Contact: Hot burners can cause burns if accidentally touched, especially by young children or pets who may not be aware of the potential danger.
Overheating Cookware: If you leave an empty pot or pan on a hot burner, it can overheat and get damaged. It's also unsafe to heat an empty cookware, as it can lead to warping or even cause the pot or pan to crack or shatter.
To ensure safety and conserve energy, always follow these practices with your electric range:
Turn Off the Burners: When you finish cooking, turn off the burners immediately, even if you plan to use them again shortly.
Remove Cookware: Remove any cookware from the burners when you're done using them.
Use Appropriate Settings: Adjust the heat to the appropriate level while cooking. Cooking at excessively high heat can also lead to food burning and sticking to the cookware.
Be Mindful of Flammable Objects: Keep flammable items, such as kitchen towels, potholders, and plastic utensils, away from the range when it's in use or immediately after cooking.
Install Safety Features: Some newer electric ranges have safety features like automatic shut-off timers, which can be helpful in case you accidentally leave a burner on.
By following these safety guidelines, you can prevent accidents and ensure the safe use of your electric range.