Can You Roast Marshmallows on a Gas Stove? Is It Safe?
The joy of roasting marshmallows over an open fire is like no other. It’s super fun and nostalgic. But what if you don’t have access to a campfire or the weather doesn’t allow you to make one? Don’t worry – all you need is a gas stove!
So, can you roast marshmallows on a gas stove? Is it safe? Yes, you can roast marshmallows on a gas stove as long as there is good ventilation and you follow some basic safety precautions. Simply put the marshmallow on a skewer, set the stovetop burner on low heat, and roast the marshmallow to your desired doneness.
Read on to find out how to roast marshmallows on a gas stove, whether it is safe, the best way to do so, and much more.
Is It Safe to Roast Marshmallows on a Gas Stove?
For times when you don’t have access to a campfire and want to roast marshmallows, you can easily do so on a gas stove. As long as you follow a few best practices, there shouldn’t be a problem at all.
There are two basic rules that you need to follow:
- Make sure the area is properly ventilated.
- Hold the marshmallows at least an inch or more above the flame.
Although the gas in a gas stove doesn’t produce a substantial amount of harmful fumes or chemicals, it does emit carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ultrafine particles which require proper ventilation to minimize your exposure.
You can open a nearby window, turn on the ceiling fan, or turn on the fan in your range hood for ventilation.
You also need to be aware of the risk of the marshmallows catching on fire so that you are prepared for how to deal with it. Be mindful of the marshmallow goo dripping as you cook it.
Marshmallows are flammable, and if they catch fire, it might startle you, especially if you are not expecting it. You may drop the burning marshmallow creating a fire hazard.
To avoid these issues, make sure that the marshmallows don’t get too hot while you’re roasting them, and never hold them too close to the flame as they can easily catch on fire.
How to Roast Marshmallows on a Gas Stove?
Roasting marshmallows over a gas stove is a simple and easy way to enjoy this delicious camping treat without building a campfire.
All you have to do is follow a few safety precautions to avoid any accidents and keep the marshmallows from burning. Here’s what you’ll need to make the best roasted marshmallows on a gas stove:
- Metal skewers or long-handled forks
- Jumbo marshmallows
Avoid using wooden or plastic skewers due to the risk of burning or melting. Metal skewers are durable, affordable, and very easy to clean. Just be mindful of the fact that they can get very hot if exposed to heat for a long time.
Also, make sure the metal skewers are long enough to allow you to spear one or more than one marshmallow on them and so that your hands aren’t too close to the flame.
For best results, opt for jumbo marshmallows instead of the small ones which are more suited for hot chocolate. You may look for flavored marshmallows or ones cut out in fun shapes!
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Spear the marshmallows onto the ends of the metal skewers. You may add as many marshmallows as you like depending on the size of the skewer and the burner.
- Set aside the skewered marshmallows on a plate.
- Turn on the gas stove over low to medium heat.
- Start roasting the skewered marshmallows one by one.
- Hold the skewer over the flame making sure to keep the marshmallows at least 1 inch above the flame.
- Rotate the skewer so that the marshmallows can roast from all sides.
- Roast them to your desired level of doneness. You may roast them until they start to slightly darken, turn golden brown, or start to blacken.
Note: If the marshmallows melt and drip over the gas burner, turn on the burner, let it cool completely, and clean it to avoid burning the marshmallows any further and creating a stove scab or fire hazard. If you want to minimize the mess, you can put a layer of foil over the burner to catch any drips.
Best Temperature to Roast Marshmallows
Roasting marshmallows is no rocket science. All you have to do is keep them over an open flame for a few minutes to end up with marshmallows that are toasty on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside.
The ideal temperature to get this perfect color and consistency is to roast them between 350°F and 400°F. While it is very difficult to set the temperature of an open flame, you can lower or turn up the heat to achieve this result.
If you feel like your marshmallows are roasting too quickly and taking on a darker hue, turn down the flame. On the other hand, if they are taking too long to roast, you can turn up the heat.
The perfect flame for marshmallows is neither too high nor too low. It is moderate and steady. A very high flame will burn the outside of the marshmallow before the inside gets a chance to melt. If the flame is too low, the marshmallow will become too soggy and start to melt and drip.
When using a gas stove, it is very important to keep a close eye on the marshmallows. Gas stoves often produce flames that can be difficult to see and can cause the marshmallows to catch on fire instantly. If they do catch on fire, blow them out and immediately turn off the gas.
How to Roast Marshmallows Without a Fire?
If you don’t have access to a campfire or even a gas stove, is there a way to roast marshmallows without a fire? Yes, there are three! You can use an electric stovetop, microwave, or oven to roast your marshmallows to perfection.
Let’s look at each one in detail:
Using an Electric Stove
If you have an electric stove, you can start by spearing the marshmallows on the skewers just as you would when using a gas stove.
Heat one of the coils on the electric stove and hold the skewer close to the heating element. Do not let the marshmallows touch the heating element and rotate them so that they get done from all sides.
This method is a little trickier and requires your undivided attention. It also takes longer to roast marshmallows on an electric stove compared to a gas stove, but the good thing is that the marshmallows won’t catch on fire as easily.
Using a Microwave
While using a microwave won’t give you the same result as an open fire, it can be used to melt the marshmallows and give them a gooey texture.
For melted marshmallows, place a few marshmallows in a microwave-safe bowl and add a few tablespoons of oil, butter, or water.
Turn on the microwave and set it at high for a maximum of 30 seconds. Take out the bowl, give the marshmallows a good stir, and microwave them for another 30 seconds. Continue this step until all the marshmallows are melted and super smooth.
If you want crunchy marshmallows, simply place a few in a microwave-safe plate and microwave them for 60 seconds on high. Watch as they puff up, and right before they are about to burst, take them out of the microwave and enjoy!
Avoid leaving the marshmallows in the microwave for too long as they may change their color and turn black or brown due to caramelization.
Using an Oven
Using the oven is another great way to roast marshmallows when you don’t have access to a fire. As with all the other methods, it is very important to keep a close eye on them so that they don’t burn.
All you have to do is line up a baking sheet with marshmallows and broil them in the oven until their tops start to become golden brown.
Remove the tray from the oven and flip the marshmallows so that the other side gets to cook as well. Take them out when the other side also takes on the same color. Avoid leaving them in for too long as they can burn easily. Enjoy them as is or make some s’mores!
Related Questions
Now that you know all about roasting marshmallows on a gas stove and if it is safe to do so, here are a few additional questions we thought you might have:
Can You Roast Marshmallows over a Candle?
Yes, you can roast marshmallows over a candle, although it is best reserved for emergencies. The flame should be low and the marshmallows must never be left unattended.
Can You Roast Marshmallows over a Lighter?
No, it is not recommended to roast marshmallows over a lighter as the flame is not fully contained. The risk of fire is much higher and you have to be very vigilant.
