This Viral Cooking Trick Could Be Deadly! See What Appliance Experts Are Desperately Warning About

In the age of social media, where viral trends can spread like wildfire, it's easy to get caught up in the latest cooking hacks that promise to make life in the kitchen easier and more efficient. However, not all that glitters is gold, and some of these popular tricks could be putting you and your family in harm's way.

One such trend that has been making the rounds on TikTok involves a layered, metal rack designed to fit inside an air fryer, allowing users to cook multiple items simultaneously. The product was hailed as a 'kitchen must-have' by a TikTok user, who runs an account dedicated to reviewing popular home products. Her video, which showcased the convenience of cooking various foods at once, quickly went viral, amassing over 2.5 million views.


The TikToker praised the rack for its ability to cook food evenly and described it as a game-changer for dinner time, especially for those with fussy kids. 'This is a three-piece rack that allows you to layer the food so you can cook several different things at once in one air fryer,' she explained, adding that it's a great way to maximise the use of the air fryer.


compressed-air fryer tip.jpeg
An air fryer cooking tip recently went viral, yet appliance expert Arun Shah discouraged home cooks in doing it at home. Image Credit: TikTok/Shop Finds 2024


However, Arun Shah, an appliance expert and the director of purchasing at Australian-based eCommerce marketplace Kogan, has raised serious concerns about the safety of this cooking hack. Shah warns that while the idea might seem time-efficient and convenient, it's crucial to ensure that the rack material is heat resistant and compatible with air fryers. If not, it could pose a major fire hazard.


Shah's advice doesn't stop there. He also cautions against other popular TikTok cooking hacks, such as using a microwave to dry out fresh herbs or creating flavoured ice cubes in a countertop ice maker. These practices, while seemingly innovative, can lead to damage to your appliances or, worse, become a fire hazard if not executed correctly.

For instance, the residue from flavourings in ice cubes could clog the ice maker, leading to potential damage. Shah recommends cleaning out the water compartment and any removable parts thoroughly before and after use to prevent such issues.

As for the microwave herb-drying trick, Shah emphasises the importance of understanding your microwave's settings. Every model is different, and blindly following internet advice without adjusting the time or heat setting for your specific appliance could not only damage the gadget but also create a fire risk if left unattended.


The takeaway from Shah's warnings is clear: always double-check the safety and compatibility of any new kitchen gadget or hack before incorporating it into your routine. It's also a good reminder to read the manual of your appliances and understand their limitations and proper usage.

At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the appeal of finding new ways to make cooking simpler and more enjoyable. However, we also prioritise the safety and well-being of our members. We encourage you to approach viral cooking trends with a healthy dose of scepticism and caution. If you're ever in doubt, consult with an appliance expert or reach out to the manufacturer for guidance.
Key Takeaways

  • Kogan's appliance expert Arun Shah cautions against a viral cooking trend that involves using a layered metal rack in an air fryer, as it could be a major fire hazard.
  • The TikTok trend was popularised by a video of a woman gushing over this rack, which she called a 'kitchen must-have' for cooking multiple items at once.
  • Arun Shah advises against using non-heat resistant or incompatible materials in air fryers and also criticises other TikTok hacks that could damage appliances or pose safety risks.
  • He emphasises the importance of checking appliance compatibility and settings and recommends cleaning any removable parts of the kitchen gadgets thoroughly before and after use.
Have you come across any cooking hacks that seemed too good to be true? Or perhaps you've found a safe and effective kitchen shortcut that you'd like to share with the community. Let us know in the comments below, and let's help each other stay safe while enjoying the culinary adventures that technology can offer.
 
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Bloody TikTok - I am sure there are some genuine "hacks" but some many are just rubbish, and the problem is people believe they are the Bees Knees
 
No such thing as a fussy eater with my parents if you didn't eat it the first time, you did the second. after that it would be cold.
 
Not every tip you put out works either
 
No such thing as a fussy eater with my parents if you didn't eat it the first time, you did the second. after that it would be cold.
Which of course was so much worse than the hot dish - so much gagging
 
Who in their right mind would take the advice of an "appliance expert" and the director of purchasing at a shambolic company such as Kogan.

Just like relying on a Muslim chef giving advice on the best way to cook a pork roast!
 
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Who in their right mind would take the advice of an "appliance expert" and the director of purchasing at a shambolic company such as Kogan.

Just like relying on a Muslim chef giving advice on the best way to cook a pork roast!
How would a Jewish chef go about giving advice on how to cook a pork roast?
 
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How would a Jewish chef go about giving advice on how to cook a pork roast?
He would adhere to the strict guidelines of kosher meat preparation and be authorised to do so. Anybody cannot prepare kosher meat but like halal, kosher does not allow pork. Kosher does not allow rabbit or kangaroo either.
 
He would adhere to the strict guidelines of kosher meat preparation and be authorised to do so. Anybody cannot prepare kosher meat but like halal, kosher does not allow pork. Kosher does not allow rabbit or kangaroo either.
I did study world religions quite a few years ago and I have to say I already knew the answer - I didn't expect you to reply to it in such a "matter of fact way"
 
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I did study world religions quite a few years ago and I have to say I already knew the answer - I didn't expect you to reply to it in such a "matter of fact way"
I knew some of what I posted but I wasn't aware of rabbit and kangaroo being off the Kosher menu until I looked it up.
 
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I knew some of what I posted but I wasn't aware of rabbit and kangaroo being off the Kosher menu until I looked it up.
Fussy eaters they are.... Porks is delicious as is rabbit.... don't know about kangaroo.
 
Fussy eaters they are.... Porks is delicious as is rabbit.... don't know about kangaroo.
Kangaroo fillet steak is delicious, hardly any different to beef.

But there is one important difference. It's all in the cooking. Cook it for 30 seconds too short and you will end up with a bloody mess and cook it too long and the resultant will be fit to make shoe soles and wallets.
 
I did study world religions quite a few years ago and I have to say I already knew the answer - I didn't expect you to reply to it in such a "matter of fact way"
Only thing not considered here though is the wording.....is it necessarily the 'best' way?
 
Only thing not considered here though is the wording.....is it necessarily the 'best' way?
Do Islamic terrorists slaughter their hostages according to Halal principles, based on the Qur'an or Koran?
 
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Do Islamic terrorists slaughter their hostages according to Halal principles, based on the Qur'an or Koran?
Oops - you know I have your back most if the time, but this is really a step to far in the conversation
 
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Oops - you know I have your back most if the time, but this is really a step to far in the conversation
Having seen uncensored footage of such practices, they go a bit further than the standard Halal preparation.

And what Iranian village elders do to someone accused of rape....now that is NASTY! :mad:
 
Having seen uncensored footage of such practices, they go a bit further than the standard Halal preparation.

And what Iranian village elders do to someone accused of rape....now that is NASTY! :mad:
Don't worry people! It does not involve any genital mutilation at all. If that's what you're thinking.
 
Kangaroo fillet steak is delicious, hardly any different to beef.

But there is one important difference. It's all in the cooking. Cook it for 30 seconds too short and you will end up with a bloody mess and cook it too long and the resultant will be fit to make shoe soles and wallets.
It's the cost that bothers me.....
 
How would a Jewish chef go about giving advice on how to cook a pork roast?
All the ones I sailed with, the same way that other cooks/chefs did.
 
Don't worry people! It does not involve any genital mutilation at all. If that's what you're thinking.
Not many people realise that Jewish people are the most optimistic people on the earth. They cut off two inches before they even know how long it's going to be.
 

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