A Common Kitchen Habit That Could Be Putting Your Family at Risk

In many households around the world, double gas stoves are a kitchen staple — convenient, efficient, and perfect for cooking multiple dishes at once. But according to recent reports and traditional beliefs in some cultures, cooking on the left burner of a double gas stove may not be as harmless as it seems.

Surprisingly, experts and practitioners in the fields of both home safety and traditional feng shui are warning against this common practice — and the reasons may surprise you.

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The Practical Reason: Uneven Heat and Increased Fire Risk

From a technical standpoint, some kitchen safety experts caution that using the left burner frequently may pose a higher fire hazard, especially in smaller kitchens.

According to Nguyen Thanh Phu, a Vietnamese home safety consultant, "Most households place their gas stoves near the wall or in corners, where the left side has less ventilation. This can lead to heat buildup or poor flame dispersion, increasing the risk of overheating or gas leakage."

In older or poorly maintained kitchens, the left burner may also receive less gas pressure, leading to inefficient combustion — which can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

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The Cultural Perspective: Bad Luck and Financial Drain

Beyond physical safety, in many Asian cultures — particularly in feng shui practice — cooking on the left burner of a gas stove is considered inauspicious.

“According to traditional beliefs, the left side symbolizes ‘fire’ and excessive fire energy can bring imbalance to the household,” says feng shui expert Lin Wei. “This imbalance may manifest as family conflict, declining health, or financial instability — no matter how wealthy the household is.”

In feng shui, the kitchen represents prosperity, and the stove is its core. Using the left burner too often is thought to create energy disruption, especially if the stove faces or is positioned near a water source, such as a sink — symbolizing the clash of fire and water elements.

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What You Can Do Instead

Whether you believe in traditional energy principles or prioritize modern safety, the message is clear: Don’t rely solely on the left burner.

Here are some recommended tips from safety and feng shui experts:

• Alternate between both burners to avoid uneven wear and energy imbalance.

• Ensure proper ventilation around your stove, especially on the left side.

• Avoid placing the stove directly beside the sink or under a window.

• Inspect gas lines regularly to prevent leaks or pressure issues.

• If you follow feng shui, consider placing metal or wood elements nearby to balance fire energy.