About StoveTop FireStop

One night back in 1972, our company’s founders were attending a neighborhood block party when they overheard someone talking about a recent grease fire. The neighbor stated, “I got distracted and left the stove on. Sure, I had a fire extinguisher and baking soda in the fridge. But since I wasn’t in the kitchen to use them, neither did me any good!”  Hearing this story became a revelation, and launched the design of the simple, automatic fire suppressor that is today known as StoveTop FireStop.

Stovetop Firestop Kitchen Fire Suppression Product Timeline

Providing simple, automatic cooking fire suppression to people is something we take very seriously. StoveTop FireStop has protected individuals and families from the deadly effects of cooking fires since 1972, and we want to do the same for you and your family.

Originally founded in 1963 by Bob and Della Williams, the company now known as WilliamsRDM has a knack for solving complex problems with simple solutions.

For more about WilliamsRDM, visit www.williamsrdm.com

  • “I rate the StoveTop FireStop in the same category as a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.”

    Robert Doke

    Fire Chief | Chickasha, OK

  • “StoveTop FireStop Automatic Fire Extinguisher is a unique device and I was amazed at its simplicity. I am personally glad to see such an item available to all homes and businesses where range hoods are used. It is easy to see why you are excited about this amazing product and I recommend it for all home use. StoveTop FireStop should become as common as the smoke detector.”

    Joe Benson

    Assistant Fire Chief | McAlester, OK

  • “…Call came in from complainant reporting that her stove was on fire. Responded within a few seconds and found smoke detectors in building sounding and smoke in apartment…. The complainant had run outside…I entered the unit with a [hand-held] extinguisher and saw lingering smoke from the stove, which was still turned on…. It was apparent that a StoveTop FireStop automatic fire extinguisher had opened up and put out the flames on the rear left burner.”

    Incident Report #220

    Washington Heights Security Department

  • “We were first in the state to get these devices and the save today was the seventh time these things have worked. We didn’t have to spray any water — it was a classic save.”

    Tim Vadnais

    Fire Chief | White Bear Lake, MN

  • “Since installing the StoveTop FireStop Venthood and Microhood products from Tri-Core Commercial Group across our portfolio, we’ve saved tens of thousands of dollars related to kitchen fire damage. This simple, effective and affordable product is an essential risk management tool for our growing business.”

    Dan Ford

    Freeman Webb Company

  • “I am a fire inspector in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 2009, I did some research on your product with a apartment complex owner who had suffered losses from both fire and fires extinguished by his buildings’ automatic sprinkler system. During this time, though I was directed by my supervisor to refrain from endorsing an unlisted product, I was supportive of their (your product’s) use.

    I have recently been informed that one of your Venthood canisters extinguished a grease fire at that very apartment complex. Extinguished so well if fact, that there was no fire department response.

    My recent promotion to Chief Fire Inspector allows me to be a vocal proponent of your product. That incident, allows me to be very vocal. If I can be of any assistance, please let me know. The apartment complex in question is located in the City if Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bayberry Pointe Apartments (616) 791-1948.”

    Dan VanderHyde

    Captain Dan VanderHyde, GRFD

  • “We recently completed an implementation the Venthood version of StoveTop Firestop across one of our large and geographically diverse insured’s with remarkable results. The average kitchen fire claim plummeted from $33k to less than $5k. Also key to our success was the role that Tri-Core played with co-marketing, distribution and other logistics. For us, this product has saved units and lives.”

    Tommy Normand

    CSP | Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc.

  • “In the fall of 2011, Federal Management made the decision to install fire suppression canisters in hood vents of all apartment units at Riverside Village. Although it was a costly undertaking, we felt that the possible prevention of fire caused by stove outweighed the initial cost.

    Over the weekend, a resident of our community was able to avoid a potentially dangerous grease fire on her stove when the suppression canisters extinguished the flames. We are grateful that no one was injured and the apartment suffered only minor damages.

    If you ever have questions from property managers or owners as to if they are worth the price of installation, please feel free to pass on my information for referral.”

    Caroline Fortin

    Property Manager | Riverside Village | Leominster, MA

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FAQ

How do I keep my StoveTop FireStop working?

A: StoveTop FireStop products require neither maintenance, inspections, nor repairs during their six year effective life. In the event of grease build-up, gently wipe off accumulated grease using a damp cloth. Be sure that no liquids come in contact with the fuse or the label.

What if StoveTop FireStop activates while I’m cooking?

A: StoveTop FireStop will only activate when the fuse comes in direct, sustained contact with a flame. You do not have to worry about false activations from typical cooking heat, steam, or smoke.

I’ve never heard of StoveTop FireStop. Is it a proven product?

A: Yes, in fact, StoveTop FireStop, is North America’s leading automatic indoor residential fire suppressor. Since 1972, StoveTop FireStop has successfully suppressed cooktop grease fires. Additionally, StoveTop FireStop has been independently tested, and is recommended by fire departments, property owners, and insurance providers across the United States, Canada, and the UK.

I’m concerned about the appearance of StoveTop FireStop over my stove; won’t it look funny?

A: The design of a traditional vent hood will usually hide (from across a room) properly installed StoveTop FireStop units. The StoveTop FireStop Microhood will be visible underneath the microwave. Because of this, we offer the Microhood in white and black so it will blend in with typical kitchen appliance color schemes. We also have a line of decorative covers available through our distributors or online here.

I already have a sprinkler system; why would I want StoveTop FireStop?

A: The StoveTop FireStop is an important supplement to sprinklers, which also effectively suppress fires, but may cause significant water damage when discharged. StoveTop FireStop can suppress a stovetop fire before it spreads and before it triggers the sprinklers, preventing larger fires and the collateral damage of sprinkler systems.

What if our vent hood is non-magnetic?

A: If magnets will not adhere to the venthood unit above the stovetop, but the distance between the stovetop and vent hood is within the specified range of 27-35 inches, order our alternative-fastener mounting kit here.

What if the Microhood covers the stove light when mounted?

A: To work correctly, StoveTop FireStop Microhood should be mounted over the front and back burners of a typical 4-burner stove. In a few microwave models, this places the unit directly under the lighting kit. This does not change the effectiveness of the Microhood and will not burn the plastic, but it may cause a slight melting or warping of the plastic if the light is left on for a long time. Therefore, if your stove light will be obstructed by the unit, please remove the light bulbs before completing the StoveTop FireStop Microhood installation.

Can I use StoveTop FireStop with a gas stove?

A: StoveTop FireStop has been successfully tested on electric and gas stovetops and can also be used on induction as well as ceramic / glass-top ranges. StoveTop FireStop products must be installed and used as described in our installation instructions for maximum effectiveness.

Please read our complete statement HERE regarding the use ofStoveTop FireStop with gas stoves.

How do I know whether my StoveTop FireStop units have exceeded their effective life?

A: StoveTop FireStop units have a six year effective life In order to ensure that our products are as effective as possible in suppressing cooking fires, we do not support the use of StoveTop FireStop products beyond their stated six-year effective life. If your units have exceeded the “replace before” date, it is important that you remove and/or replace the existing units now.

Why does my StoveTop FireStop have a 6 year effective life?

A: Based on the the research we conducted during the development of our STFS Plus product and on some proprietary changes to our fire suppressant powder, we now certify the effective life of all new StoveTop FireStop products one additional year (6 years from manufacturing date).

Does StoveTop FireStop have a return/refund policy?

Yes. Please click on the link to our STFS Return Policy for more details.

Will this product work for other applications such as putting out chimney fires, Christmas tree fires, or automobile engine fires?

A: No. StoveTop FireStop is strictly designed and tested for indoor residential stovetop grease fires only.

Is StoveTop FireStop UL Listed?

A: The short answer is, “No, we don’t have our UL certification yet, but it’s not from a lack of trying. And that doesn’t mean we’ve failed any tests; UL simply hasn’t been able to find a Standard to test StoveTop FireStop to!” The bottom line is: our product is unique. So unique, in fact, that no matter how much the engineers at UL like it (and they do really like it!), they simply don’t have a standard on the books that StoveTop FireStop fits into. It’s not a traditional, portable fire extinguisher. It’s not a liquid based, pressurized commercial system. It’s not a Halon or other synthetic “dry liquid” system. At the end of the day, our product conforms to “elements of UL 300A, 199, 711 and 1254,” but none of them completely. We’ve been selling StoveTop FireStop to both the US Government and its many agencies and to the private sector (all across the U.S., Japan and Canada) since 1972. We have confidence that eventually we’ll get this resolved, but for now, we will just have to refer you to the attached document and keep our fingers crossed on UL.

What are the kitchen hood code requirements?

A: Kitchen hood code requirements can be found in the building codes specific to your area. We recommend contacting your local fire marshal or municipal office.

Do the canisters need to be refilled, recharged or inspected?

A: StoveTop FireStop canisters cannot be refilled or recharged. Once a canister has deployed or exceeded its effective life, the canisters must be replaced or removed. The canisters are not pressurized so they do not require routine inspection. 

How often should I replace my fire suppression canister?

A: StoveTop FireStop’s fire suppression canisters have a six-year effective life. After six years from the manufacturing date, the canisters must be replaced or removed. The “Replace By” date is stamped on the label of each product.

What's the best fire extinguisher for my kitchen?

A: While a traditional handheld fire extinguisher is recommended for every home, StoveTop FireStop is an effective, automatic fire suppression system for residential range and/or cooktop fires. The canisters deploy when there is direct, sustained flame contact from a kitchen fire, quickly and safely depositing powder onto the cooktop that suppresses a fire in moments.

How do I dispose of my fire suppression canister?

A: Download and follow our detailed disposal instructions for assistance.

Where do put I my fire extinguisher?

A: It’s recommended that a hand held fire extinguisher be placed in a central location on each floor of your home. It should be easily accessible.

StoveTop FireStop is different from a traditional fire extinguisher. It is a cooking fire suppression device that is designed to be mounted above a residential four burner stove. When exposed to direct, sustained contact with a flame, the canisters will release a powder that suppresses the cooking fire. 

The Rangehood should be positioned at the midpoint between the center of the front and back burners on each side of the cooktop surface. Please read the entire User Manual before installing.

One unit of the Microhood should be positioned directly above the front and back burners on each side of the cooktop. The center of the rear canister must be over the rear burner. Please read the entire User Manual before installing

You can find more information here about each model’s specific instructions.

How do I test my fire suppression canister?

A: StoveTop FireStop products do not require testing or inspection in the home, as they are tested in our onsite testing facility.

What is a fire extinguisher canister?

A: Our canisters are cooking fire suppression devices. They are designed to be mounted above a typical residential stove’s four burners and release a stream of fire-suppressing powder when the canister is exposed to direct, sustained flame from a cooking fire. Our products are designed to be an effective and affordable way to address cooktop fires. 

Is vegetable oil flammable?

A: Vegetable oil itself is not flammable, but once it reaches a certain heat level called a flashpoint — around 600° F, it releases vapors that can catch fire and burn intensely. Autoignition can occur when the oil reaches a temperature of about 700° F. It is recommended to heat the oil slowly and never walk away from an active stove.

How do I mount my fire suppression canisters?

A: The StoveTop FireStop canisters are mounted either on the underside of the microwave or inside the range hood. They use magnets to stay in place but can be mounted with our adhesive mounting kit for nonmagnetic surfaces over the stove. The exception to this is the Microhood that uses brackets to attach to the back wall of your kitchen, directly below the microwave oven.

What's in a fire suppression canister?

A: Inside StoveTop FireStop’s canister is a proprietary powder that is blended specifically to be gravity fed onto a cooking fire. This type of powder allows the canisters to not be pressurized. Pressurized devices need to be inspected on a routine basis.

A Statement about Range Queen

If you have any of our automatic fire suppression products that bear the brand name RANGE QUEEN still in service, please note that those units were last manufactured in 1999. These devices have now exceeded their effective life and should be removed and/or replaced with new StoveTop FireStop units. Please contact us at 888-616-7976 or stfs@stovetopfirestop.com for assistance in placing an order for replacements.

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