EMF Field Guides: The Beginner’s Guide to
Common EMF Sources in Kitchens
In this EMF field guide, we’re going to explain common EMF sources you may have in your kitchen.
Exposure time with kitchen sources may be lower than other parts of the home, but it’s important to be aware of these.
Let’s get started:
Common EMF Sources
Found in Kitchens
This section covers common EMF sources found in kitchens.
People can spend a lot of time in kitchens cooking and doing food prep, so it’s important to be aware of where there can be elevated EMF levels. In some cases, simply moving 2-3 feet in one direction can lower your exposure drastically.
This can be important, too, if you and your family eat meals at the counter or in a “breakfast nook.”
As with all our sections, we’ve included a recommended solution for most of these. Some of these outbound links may be affiliate links to help our mission of EMF education.
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01
Microwave Ovens
As the name implies, these ovens use microwaves to heat food and beverages.
Unfortunately, these ovens don’t entirely shield the microwaves inside the oven enclosure. Because of this we always recommend that people move far away from microwave ovens when in use.
We feel this is especially important with children.
Below is a video from Bill Cadwallader that shows some of the microwave exposure:
A Low EMF Solution
When in use, don’t stand create a lot of distance between these ovens and yourself. Leaving the room entirely is a good precautionary step.
A low-EMF home won’t have these ovens at all.
02
Refrigerators
Some refrigerator models can produce elevated AC magnetic fields.
Test with a gaussmeter to make sure, but, in general, we don’t recommend having desks, seating or food prep areas right next to or behind refrigerators.
Many of the newer models are also of the “smart” variety. This means that they are wi-fi enabled and will produce RF fields.
A low-EMF home will forgo these.
A Low EMF Solution
Give your refrigerator some distance and buy the non-smart varieties.
03
Stoves, Ranges & Ovens
These can have elevated magnetic fields due to their heating components and their digital displays.
Measure with a gaussmeter to ascertain the best food prep areas in your kitchen.
A Low EMF Solution
If there are elevated magnetic field levels, find a better spot for food preparation.
04
Dishwashers
Similarly to ovens, dishwashers can have elevated magnetic fields due to the digital displays. These may be more problematic though, as they are often located under the counter and may be directly below a frequently used counterspace.
Have an EMF consultant do a survey of your kitchen for you or purchase a gaussmeter or an EMF meter that includes a gaussmeter to ascertain your kitchen and dishwasher’s magnetic field levels.
A Low EMF Solution
The Trifield TF2 is a good entry level meter that has gaussmeter funtionality. Read our review of the Trifield TF2 here.
05
All Smart Appliances
Smart appliances are appliances that have the ability to communicate with the internet via wireless or over-the-wire capabilities. It is functionality that fits in with “The Internet of Things” (also known as IoT).
Author Jacob Morgan defines the Internet of Things as:
Simply put, this is the concept of basically connecting any device with an on and off switch to the Internet (and/or to each other).
Kitchen appliances, along with thermostats and security devices, seem to be on the frontline of this tech rollout.
Having an RF chip in every appliance in the kitchen (and elsewhere) isn’t the way to achieve a low-EMF home.
There will be products in every category of kitchen appliances that will have this capability, so be aware of this when you are buying or replacing these products.
A Low EMF Solution
We recommend rejecting the novelty of the IoT and keeping it simple with “Non-Smart” appliances.
Kitchen Countertop & Other Assorted Appliances
Mixers/Blenders/Processors
Mixers, Blenders & Processors
The motors in these can kick up elevated magnetic fields.
These don’t tend to be long exposure periods for people, but it’s worth knowing if you are sensitive to these types of EMFs.
If so, simply create space from these devices when in use.
Toasters & Cookers
Toasters & Slow/Pressure Cookers
The heating element will produce magnetic fields and the cords may have elevated electric fields.
It’s prudent to put these on counter in a spot away from where people sit for long periods of time.
Coffee & Espresso Machines
Coffee Makers & Espresso Machines
The heating element in coffee makers and espresso machines can produce elevated magnetic fields and their cords can produce electric fields.
Just something to be aware of and distance yourself from, if you are sensitive.
Tea Kettles
Electric Tea Kettles
These are similar to the toasters with their magnetic and electric field exposure. Play it safe and put these away from where people sit, too.
Garbage Disposals
Garbage Disposals
These aren’t on for very long periods of time, so it’s just something to be aware of if you’re sensitive to magnetic fields.
Ice Maker
Ice Makers
These are becoming more common. Just make sure they aren’t directly adjacent to where family members sit for long periods of time.
Common Tech Found in Kitchens
Phones & Tablets
Phones & Tablets
People often charge their phones or use them for music or entertainment in the kitchen. Remember to use airplane mode, as much as possible.
Cordless Phones
Cordless Phones
Cordless phone base stations can often be found in kitchens. We recommend switching these out for corded versions.
Bluetooth Speakers
Bluetooth Speakers
Bluetooth speakers are a common fixture in kitchens. We recommend getting a non-bluetooth speaker that you can plug your phone straight into.
Phone Chargers
Phone Chargers
It’s rare to not find phone chargers somewhere in the kitchen. Due to the AC electric fields try to distance these from areas where people frequent.
Televisions
Televisions
These are often smaller sized to accommodate smaller areas, but they may be wi-fi or bluetooth enabled. Get a model that isn’t or one where you can turn off this functionality.
Smart Speakers
Smart Speakers
These are commonly found in kitchens. If you have to have one of these, find a one that has an ethernet port and the ability to turn wi-fi and bluetooth off.
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