The Kitchen Appliance You Should Unplug Before Going to Bed
If you’re looking for the appliance behind this viral warning, the toaster is one of the best examples. Toasters and other small countertop appliances can present a fire risk if they malfunction or are left energized while unattended. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends unplugging small appliances when they’re not being used.
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U.S. Fire Administration
Why the toaster deserves attention
Crumbs can accumulate inside and potentially ignite.
An electrical fault can cause overheating.
A toaster may remain energized even when it isn’t actively toasting.
You won’t be awake to notice smoke or an electrical problem during the night.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission also recommends unplugging countertop appliances when they’re not in use because an unattended, plugged-in appliance can create an unnecessary fire risk.
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Other appliances worth checking
Before bed, it’s sensible to make sure toasters, kettles, coffee makers, air fryers and other small cooking appliances are switched off and unplugged when they’re not designed to remain energized.
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ESFI
You shouldn’t unplug appliances that are designed to run continuously, such as a refrigerator or freezer. Major appliances should also be connected directly to an appropriate wall outlet rather than an extension cord.
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U.S. Fire Administration
A simple bedtime fire check
Before going to sleep:
Turn off the stove and oven.
Unplug unnecessary countertop appliances.
Make sure portable heaters are off and unplugged.
Keep towels, paper, curtains and other combustibles away from cooking surfaces.
Check that smoke alarms are working.
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home-fire injuries, and unattended cooking is a major contributing factor.
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U.S. Fire Administration
So there isn’t one magical appliance that everyone must unplug—but making “small appliances off and unplugged” part of your bedtime routine is a sensible fire-safety habit.
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