The Kitchen Appliance You Should Unplug Before Bed
If you’re looking for one simple kitchen habit that can reduce fire risk, make it your toaster.
Fire authorities specifically recommend unplugging toasters when they’re not in use. A toaster contains exposed heating elements, and accumulated crumbs can ignite if the appliance malfunctions or heats unexpectedly. Queensland Fire Department advises unplugging and regularly cleaning the toaster’s crumb tray. Queensland Fire Department
But the bigger lesson is broader: don’t leave small heat-producing appliances plugged in unnecessarily overnight. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends unplugging small appliances when they’re not being used, while fire services advise turning off and unplugging appliances before bed unless they’re designed to remain on continuously, such as a refrigerator or freezer. U.S. Fire Administration+1
Before you go to sleep tonight
- Unplug the toaster.
- Unplug other small kitchen appliances you’re not using.
- Check that the oven and stovetop are completely off.
- Don’t leave a coffee maker, air fryer, or other heat-producing appliance running unattended.
- Keep towels, paper, packaging and other combustible items away from cooking appliances.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working.
Cooking remains a major source of home fires, and unattended cooking is a particularly important risk factor. U.S. Fire Administration
One important caveat: don’t routinely unplug appliances that are specifically designed to operate continuously, such as refrigerators/freezers. And for any appliance, follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions. GOV.UK
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