If you’re someone who loves marshmallows, you must be looking for new ways to roast them much easier all the time. In the hunt for a quick and easy hack, you might’ve thought about using a lighter or even a candle to cook the marshmallows.
However, playing with fire is never safe and that raises the question Is it safe to cook a marshmallow using a lighter?
We don’t recommend using a lighter to cook marshmallows. There are a few reasons for this. The biggest one is safety. Since lighters were never really made to cook marshmallows, using them, for this reason, can take a toll on them. If you hold down on a lighter for too long it can even explode.
So what about something other than lighter? Something else that’s small and lying around your bedroom, maybe a candle? In this article we will talk about all of that, so you don’t burn yourself cooking your constant campfire candies.
How Much Heat Do You Need To Cook a Marshmallow?
Marshmallows are most known to be the best campfire candies. When we were young almost all of us had roasted marshmallows during camping trips.
Now, it’s our turn to cook them ourselves, and for that, it’s important to know what kind of heat you might need to cook a marshmallow.
Marshmallows usually start to roast at around 180 F. For the perfect roast, it’s recommended to hover the marshmallows over the fire or the charcoal heat for around 4-10 mins. The campfire heat helps the marshmallows roast perfectly which can be harder to replicate with a pocket lighter.
The fire we usually build for campfires produces a lot of heat. This heat allows the marshmallows to cook evenly. For this reason, using a lighter can be dangerous.
As we know lighters produce a low amount of heat. Hence, you would have to hold the lighter above the marshmallow for a while, which can be very dangerous as the lighter can explode.
Why You Shouldn’t Cook a Marshmallow With a Lighter
Cooking a marshmallow with a lighter is dangerous. Simply put, it’s more trouble than it’s worth. Lighters are mainly made to light a cigarette or candles etc. But cooking something for an extended period is not something it’s designed for.
For this reason, you would probably face some problems trying to cook the marshmallow with a lighter. Here are a few reasons you shouldn’t cook a marshmallow with a lighter:
1. Hazardous
Lighters were designed to be lit for a short amount of time. Holding it on for too long can in some cases cause it to explode. Even if it’s a shorter lighter, it can still cause damage to your hand and surroundings.
2. Marshmallows Won’t Cook Evenly
To cook a marshmallow properly you need to produce a certain amount of heat. This is why we love how the marshmallows taste in a campfire. Your lighter can not produce such an amount of heat.
3. Possible Toxic Fluid
A lot of lighter companies use certain fluids for their lighters to work. Roasting your marshmallows with a lighter containing these fluids can lead to the marshmallows becoming toxic to eat.
4. Takes a Lot of Time
Marshmallows need the right amount of heat to cook properly. If you attempt on cooking the marshmallow with a lighter, it will take a lot longer for it to cook. This is because to produce the needed heat you would have to hold the light for a lot longer. This is extremely dangerous.
In short, cooking a marshmallow using a lighter is not safe. You’re better off using other methods to cook your marshmallow which can be much safer.
Is It Safe To Cook a Marshmallow Using a Candle?
Another handy product that you must’ve thought of is to cook a marshmallow. Since you don’t have to hold a candle in your hand and it won’t explode with time, it must be safe right? Not really.
There are still some complications here, especially since candles are also arent made to cook marshmallows either. However, here’s what you should know:
1. Toxic and Nontoxic Candles
By toxic candles, we mainly mean scented candles. Scented candles use certain fumes which help give off that beautiful scent you love.
However, when you cook a marshmallow using a scented candle it can toxify the marshmallow. Eating the marshmallow afterward can harm your health.
2. Use Candles Made Out of Soy Wax or Beeswax
These types of candles usually don’t release any harmful fumes which can change the taste of your marshmallows. If you decide to cook your marshmallows using a candle anyway these are the candles you should go for.
In short, you can kind of cook marshmallows using a candle. But there are some things you need to know first. Being careful is very important when it comes to food. If not, you might face a lot of danger.
Can You Roast Marshmallows on a Stove?
Now for the final hack, you can use it at home to cook the marshmallows. Using a stove can work as long as you have even ventilation in your kitchen.
There are a few things you need to be careful of and roasting marshmallows at your home will become a lot easier. Let’s have a look at what you need to know:
1. A low flame
Keep the flame low and let the marshmallow roast slowly and steadily. Try to replicate the campfires, notice how campfires usually burn the marshmallows slowly with high temperatures. But don’t let the flame get too high as it can be dangerous.
2. A bowl of water
In case the marshmallow catches on fire you need to take immediate action. Keeping a bowl of water right beside you is a safety measure.
3. Even ventilation
The most important part is to have proper ventilation. If you don’t have good ventilation a lot of smoke can cover the house which can lead to discomfort for you and everybody in the house. If there are any windows in the kitchen keep them open.
The kitchen stove doesn’t produce enough chemicals or fumes to be toxic. Because of this roasting marshmallows using it isn’t that risky and could be a fun little hack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is It Safe To Cook Marshmallows With Lighter Fluid?
Unless you’re certain the fluids aren’t toxic, it is not safe to cook marshmallows with the lighter fluid.
Q. What Is the Best Stick for Roasting Marshmallows?
Plain wood is the most economical option for roasting marshmallows.
Q. What Is the Best Way To Make Marshmallows?
A stereo is the best way to make marshmallows.
Conclusion
Marshmallows are amazing, and nobody can judge you for wanting them at all times. But it’s very important to be safe first. In looking for homemade hacks we sometimes put ourselves in danger but it’s always important to be cautious.
I hope you learned something new from this article and I hope you can cook delicious marshmallows safely in your home now. Thank you for reading. Goodbye!
