Consumers are being urged to exercise caution when using portable gas stoves, as a recent safety report from the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) has highlighted the risks associated with mishandling the devices.

Portable gas stoves see increased use in winter for hot pot and barbecue dishes and serve as vital tools in the aftermath of natural disasters, when many lifelines such as gas and electricity are unavailable. However, they contain flammable gas, and improper use can lead to serious accidents.

Between the fiscal year beginning April 2014 and fiscal 2023, NITE recorded 91 cassette stove-related incidents. In 86 incidents where investigations were fully completed, it was revealed that 38% — or 33 cases — were caused by user error or negligence.

The most common issue was improper canister placement, leading to overheating and rupture, resulting in fatalities, burns and property damage.

One notable incident occurred in December 2020 in Kagawa Prefecture, in which a fire destroyed four buildings and left a woman in her 80s with burns. Investigators suspect a gas canister was not securely attached, allowing gas to leak and ignite from ignition sparks.

In another case in April 2017, an outdoor cooking accident in Miyazaki Prefecture left six people injured when a gas canister exploded. Two stoves were placed side by side, with one trivet flipped upside down. Large iron plates placed on both stoves caused the canister in the stove with the upside-down trivet to overheat, leading it to rupture and explode.

A similar accident occurred in August 2018 in Kanagawa Prefecture, when a man in his 70s left a gas canister near a lit commercial stove. The heat caused the canister to overheat and explode, igniting a fire that left nine people with burns.

In the report, NITE warned against forcing gas canisters into place and emphasized the importance of following manufacturer guidelines. Users should also avoid placing multiple stoves close together, as excessive heat can lead to them rupturing and exploding.

Proper storage of gas canisters is also important. Canisters should also be removed after use and stored indoors in a cool location below 40 degrees Celsius, away from heat sources, to prevent potential accidents.