The One Kitchen Appliance You Must Unplug Before Bed to Prevent a Fire

 The One Kitchen Appliance You Must Unplug Before Bed to Prevent a Fire

Before heading to bed each night, there’s one important habit that could protect your home — unplugging certain kitchen appliances. While many people remember to turn off lights or lock doors, they often overlook this small but crucial safety step.

Which Appliance Poses the Highest Risk?

The air fryer — and in many cases, the toaster oven — is one kitchen appliance that you must unplug before going to sleep. These devices, while convenient and popular, can be ticking time bombs if left plugged in overnight.

Why Are Air Fryers and Toaster Ovens Risky?

Even when not in active use, these appliances can overheat or suffer from hidden electrical faults. Some models are built with subpar wiring or cheaper components that degrade over time. If a short circuit occurs or internal components fail, it can spark a fire — and if you're asleep, you may not detect it until it's too late.

Additionally, if your power outlets are worn out or ungrounded, or if your home experiences a power surge, these small appliances can become unexpectedly dangerous.

Other Appliances to Be Cautious With:

While air fryers and toaster ovens are receiving more attention lately due to a growing number of incident reports, other kitchen gadgets also warrant caution. These include:

Electric kettles – may overheat or fail to switch off properly

Coffee makers – can contain residual heat or malfunctioning thermostats

Older microwaves – especially ones with faulty doors or aging wiring

Helpful Tip: Use a Smart Plug or Power Strip

To make this safety step more convenient, consider plugging small appliances into a surge-protected power strip or a smart plug. That way, you can switch off multiple devices at once or set an automatic shutdown schedule each night.

Final Thought:

Fire safety begins with simple, consistent habits. Unplugging your air fryer or toaster oven before bed takes just a second, but it could prevent a devastating fire. Make it a nightly routine — your home and loved ones are worth it.