Thanksgiving is the ultimate home-cooking holiday. From sunrise to dinner time, ovens run nonstop, stovetops bubble away, and deep fryers get rolled out of storage for their annual moment of glory.
But with all that activity comes a spike in household accidents many of which can lead to serious property damage and costly insurance claims.

Here are the most common Thanksgiving cooking mishaps that could harm your home, how to prevent them, and what homeowners should know from an insurance perspective.

1. Kitchen Fires: The #1 Thanksgiving Disaster

Thanksgiving has more home-cooking fires than any other day of the year. Grease buildup, unattended burners, and overcrowded stovetops make the perfect recipe for fire damage.

Common causes

• Forgetting something in the oven

• Oil or food spilling onto burners

• Leaving the stove unattended while multitasking

• Faulty or overloaded kitchen appliances

How to prevent it

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking anything on the stovetop.

• Keep flammable items (oven mitts, towels, packaging) away from heat sources.

• Use timers lots of them.

• Clean grease spills immediately.

Insurance notes

Most home insurance policies cover accidental kitchen fires, including damage to walls, appliances, and smoke-related cleanup. But insurers may investigate if negligence was involved, especially if the stove was left unattended.

2. The Infamous Turkey Fryer Fire

Frying a turkey can be delicious… and extremely dangerous. Turkey fryers are responsible for thousands of fire-related claims each year.

What goes wrong

• Using a fryer on a wooden deck

• Overfilling it with oil

• Dropping a partially frozen turkey into hot oil

• Putting the fryer too close to walls or vehicles

How to prevent it

• Always use fryers outdoors, far from structures.

• Fully thaw the turkey before lowering it into the oil.

• Measure the correct oil level beforehand.

• Keep a fire extinguisher ready—never use water on an oil fire.

Insurance notes

Damage from turkey-fryer fires is usually covered, but insurers strongly advise homeowners to follow safety guidelines. Some even recommend using an electric fryer or having a professional handle the job instead.

3. Smoke Damage From Burning Food

Even if a fire doesn’t break out, burnt food can leave a lingering smoke smell that’s difficult (and expensive) to remove. Smoke can seep into walls, furniture, and HVAC systems.

How to prevent it

• Keep oven temperatures within recipe guidelines.

• Use cooking thermometers to avoid overcooking.

• Ensure your kitchen has proper ventilation.

Insurance notes

Smoke damage is often covered, but homeowners may pay a deductible that’s higher than the cost of cleaning if the damage is minor. For severe smoke infiltration, professional remediation is typically required.

4. Water Damage From Burst Pipes or Dishwasher Overload

Thanksgiving means dishes… and more dishes. Dishwashers are run back-to-back, sinks stay full, and pipes get more pressure than usual.

Common mishaps

• Dishwasher overflows

• Pipes freeze in colder climates

• Garbage disposals clog and back up

How to prevent it

• Don’t overload the dishwasher; run smaller cycles if needed.

• Avoid dumping grease or turkey fat down the drain it hardens and clogs pipes.

• Run water while using the garbage disposal and feed scraps slowly.

• If you live in a cold climate, let faucets drip to prevent freezing.

Insurance notes

Sudden and accidental water damage is generally covered, but gradual damage or maintenance-related issues may not be. Homeowners should fix clogs and plumbing problems promptly to avoid coverage issues.

5. Appliance Overload and Electrical Fires

Ovens, slow cookers, microwaves, warming trays, air fryers… everything gets plugged in at once on Thanksgiving morning.

Risks

• Overloaded outlets

• Extension cords overheating

• Tripped breakers

• Older wiring failing under pressure

How to prevent it

• Spread appliances across multiple outlets and circuits.

• Avoid daisy-chaining power strips.

• Unplug appliances when not in use.

• Have an electrician inspect old wiring before the holiday season.

Insurance notes

Electrical fires are typically covered under standard home insurance, but insurers may deny claims involving improper use of extension cords or unapproved devices.

6. Slips, Trips, and Broken Floors

Spills are inevitable, but big ones especially oil or water can warp wood floors or seep under tile. Heavy cookware can also crack flooring if dropped.

Safety tips

• Clean spills immediately.

• Use thick, heat-resistant mats in front of sinks and stoves.

• Keep pathways clear of bags, groceries, and kitchen gear.

Insurance notes

Depending on your policy, damage to floors from accidents may be covered. However, insurers may not cover damage caused by long-term moisture exposure.

Final Thoughts: Cook Safely, Celebrate Fully

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and great food not emergency calls to your insurance provider. By taking a few precautions, you can enjoy a stress-free holiday and protect your home from common cooking mishaps.

If you’re unsure whether your current home insurance policy covers fire, smoke, or water damage from holiday accidents, consider reviewing your coverage before the big day. A quick check now can save a lot of worry later.