If you’re referring to the common safety warning about kitchen appliances, the advice should be specific rather than implying that every appliance must be unplugged every night.
Kitchen Appliance Safety: What Should You Unplug Before Bed?
The safest rule is to turn off and unplug small countertop appliances that generate significant heat when they’re not designed to remain on unattended. This includes appliances such as:
- Toasters — Crumbs and food debris can ignite if the appliance malfunctions or is accidentally activated.
- Toaster ovens — Heating elements can pose a fire risk if a fault occurs while unattended.
- Portable hot plates — They produce high temperatures and should never be left operating unattended.
- Electric grills or sandwich makers — Unplug them after use unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically state otherwise.
- Slow cookers and other appliances designed for unattended cooking — These are different; if they’re designed and approved for prolonged operation, follow the manufacturer’s instructions rather than automatically unplugging them.
What about a coffee maker?
A modern coffee maker with an automatic shutoff is generally designed to be left plugged in, but unplugging it when you’re finished is an extra precaution, particularly if it’s old, damaged, or behaving unusually.
More important than unplugging
Before going to sleep, make sure all cooking appliances are switched off, keep combustible materials away from heating elements, and don’t use appliances with damaged cords or plugs. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends turning off cooking appliances when you leave the kitchen and maintaining a safe cooking area. (usfa.fema.gov)
