Is it safe/sensible to store utensils above the hob?

Question

I have a rack of hooks that sit on the wall that my cooker backs on to, and on this I hang a crowded collection various utensils:

The space is fairly contained, as there are cupboards on either side and the fan/extractor unit directly above. While cooking some pasta earlier they were getting a heavy steaming, which got me thinking... is this storage location safe and/or sensible in terms of hygiene and degradation of the tools? Or any other considerations?

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For those without access to the image, or want more info without guessing, the rack holds (in order):

• Two metal handle/clip things for the oven's grill tray
• Metal/Plastic potato masher
• Metal/Plastic spatula
• Plastic spatula
• Plastic slotted spoon
• Plastic spoon
• Metal whisk
• Wooden spatula
• Metal tongs
• Metal/Plastic tongs
• Metal/Plastic Can opener

Answer 1

This really should be a comment, as it doesn't directly answer the question, but it's kinda long ...

I do the same thing, but I'll admit there are a couple of disadvantages:

1. When you stir-fry, you will aresolize oils which will end up depositing on the utensils (and pot racks above your stove).
2. Some things will splatter (eg, a long-simmering tomato sauce), which again means the need to wash the utensils.

As for the degredation issues -- if they can't even handle the temperature of steaming, you probably don't want them in the kitchen at all. I haven't notice any problems with my wooden or wood-handled utensils.

I don't have any better space, as my cabinets are so low that hanging utensils can't really fit anywhere else in the kitchen, and I find hanging so much more convenient than everything in a drawer or a container on the counter that I'm not willing to switch.

Are there safety issues? Maybe if there were a fire on the stove, but so long as it isn't the fire extinguisher being stored there, I don't think it's that big of an issue. (that's not to say that I know for sure there aren't any ... I just don't know of any)

Answer 2

That's not a good place from a safety aspect - reaching over the hob will be hazardous during cooking.

The gizmos will get coated with undesirable gunge unless all are in everyday use - a film will be picked up from cooking vapours, which will then trap dust and microorganisms.

It is not a good idea ...