Kitchen counter space is a prized commodity and counters are often overcrowded, especially in small spaces. If you have many appliances, along with condiments and ingredients, occupying luxury real estate near the stove, you may be inadvertently creating food or fire risks. Placing items that you regularly use, such as cooking oils and spices, nearby may be convenient, but it may not be the safest choice.

“When organizing your kitchen, especially near the stove, it’s important to think about shelf life, safety and convenience,” said registered dietitian nutritionist Tracee Yablon Brenner, the outpatient integrative dietitian project coordinator at Holy Name Medical Center.

Heat can decrease the shelf life and flavor of many ingredients. “Light, heat and moisture — all found near a stovetop — can accelerate the degradation of food,” says Jonathan Deutsch, certified research chef and professor of culinary arts and science at Drexel University. Keeping food or condiments in a pantry or a cool, dry and dark space is best, even if it’s not as convenient.

“It’s better for food quality to bring the ingredients to the stove when in use and store them farther from the stove when not,” Deutsch said.

Here are eight items food safety experts and registered dietitians recommend keeping away from the heat.

1. Cooking Oil

It may be convenient to have your cooking oil within reach of the stove, but high temperatures and oil don’t mix.

“If a bottle of oil is too close to an open flame or a hot burner, it can ignite and cause a grease fire, which is difficult to control,” said registered dietitian nutritionist Danielle Gaffen.

There’s also a risk of an oil spill that could lead to a fire or burns. “If a bottle falls while cooking, it could splash hot oil onto an active burner or flame, causing burns or even starting a fire,” she said.

Plus, heat can degrade the quality of the oil. “Heat can cause oil to oxidize more quickly, making it go rancid faster and impacting its flavor and nutritional value,” Gaffen added. “Over time, excessive heat exposure can also break down the oil’s chemical structure, leading to the formation of potentially harmful compounds.” A better place to store oil is in a cool spot, such as a cupboard.

2. Spices

A lot of modern-day kitchens build spice racks right into the walls next to the stove, but it’s not a wise move.

“Spices are particularly sensitive to heat and humidity, which can quickly degrade their flavor and color, especially when frequently exposed to warm, moist conditions,” said Kimberly Baker, director of the Food Systems and Safety Program Team at Clemson University.

Store spices in a cooler area so they last longer. “To preserve their freshness, store spices in a cool, dry place, such as a cupboard or pantry, away from the stove and direct light,” Baker advised.

3. Coffee

If you drink a cup of joe to jump-start your day, you might have a little coffee setup near your stove. Some people may keep coffee beans and grounds in the pantry, while others keep them in the freezer — those are fine options, but you should always keep coffee away from heat sources.

“Coffee contains volatile aromatic compounds that give it its rich flavor and aroma, but these compounds break down when exposed to high temperatures,” Gaffen said. “Storing coffee near the stove accelerates this process, leading to a stale or bitter taste much sooner than expected.”

Exposure to fluctuating temperatures and steam could also lead to moisture in your coffee grounds or coffee beans, which can get even grosser. “Steam and humidity from cooking can introduce moisture into coffee grounds or beans, causing them to clump together and even develop mold in extreme cases,” Gaffen said. “This is especially problematic if coffee is stored in an unsealed or partially open container.”

Coffee should be kept in an area where temperatures aren’t always changing. “Keep coffee in an airtight, opaque container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or a dedicated coffee station away from heat,” Gaffen said.

4. Fruit Bowls

If you have a small kitchen and keep your fruit bowl on the kitchen counter, make sure it’s not hugging the stove. Otherwise, your bananas, mandarins and kiwis may ripen too quickly.

“Heat and moisture from the stove can cause fruit stored nearby to soften and spoil more quickly,” Baker said. To keep your fruit fresh in the kitchen, place bowls far from the stove. If that’s not possible, consider keeping the bowl on a table elsewhere.

5. Medications And Supplements

Keeping your medications and supplements near the stove? Think again. The high temperatures could impact the ingredients and chemical structures.

“Heat and humidity from cooking can break down active ingredients, making medications less effective or even unstable over time,” Gaffen said, noting the concern also applies to supplements. “This is especially true for probiotics, fish oil and certain vitamins, which can lose potency when exposed to high temperatures.”

A cool, dry area free of temperature fluctuations is typically best, such as a pantry or medicine cabinet. Check the label of your medications and supplements for the best place to store them. And the fridge isn’t always a good bet, either. “Unless the label specifies refrigeration, it’s best to avoid storing them in the kitchen altogether to ensure their effectiveness and longevity,” Gaffen said.

6. Corded Kitchen Appliances

Whether you have a lot of kitchen appliances or the bare minimum, make sure the items and their cords are far from any heat sources. Pulling out the toaster from the pantry doesn’t scream convenience each time you need to use it, but, in some cases, that may be the safer option.

“Kitchen appliances should be kept at a safe distance from the stove to prevent cords from accidentally falling onto the hot surface, which could pose a fire hazard,” Baker said. “Store appliances in locations where both the appliance and its cord can be plugged in safely, allowing enough space for proper use on all sides.”

But it’s not only the electrical cords that could cause an issue. “These appliances can overheat, short-circuit, and could be damaged by the heat or from the splatter from cooking,” Yablon Brenner said. If you have space, store them on counters away from any heat sources or put them away in a cupboard.

“Ideally, place them farther down the counter or in a separate area where they can be safely plugged in and used without any risk,” Yablon Brenner added.

7. Paper Towels

Paper towels are a staple in the kitchen, whether to easily wipe down a spill or to dry off washed produce. Though it may be obvious, in a cramped kitchen or on an overflowing counter with limited space, the paper towel roll may end up too close to the heat.

“Paper towels are flammable and could potentially catch fire if exposed to open flames or hot surfaces,” Yablon Brenner warned. “Store them in a drawer, cabinet or dedicated towel rack that’s not near the stove.”

The last thing you want to deal with while cooking a meal is a fire.

8. Wooden Cutting Board

Do you hang your wooden cutting boards near the stove or prop them up nearby? Rethink your placement. “Wooden cutting boards naturally absorb moisture, and when exposed to high temperatures or steam from cooking, they can expand and contract, leading to warping or splitting,” Gaffen said. Splits or little cracks can be an issue for food safety, as small crevices can allow bacteria to grow, she said.

And of course, having wood near a hot surface — or a flame, if you have a gas stove — is never a good idea, unless you’re building a fire in a fireplace. “If placed too close to an open flame or burner, there’s a risk it could catch fire, creating a serious kitchen hazard,” Gaffen said.

So where should you keep your wooden cutting boards? “A cutting board rack, a countertop away from the stove, or inside a cabinet are all good options,” she said. “Storing it upright allows for proper air circulation, preventing moisture buildup and extending its lifespan.”