Every night before turning in, safety professionals strongly urge one vital practice—unplugging a particular kitchen device that can present a hidden fire hazard while the household sleeps. This often means the air fryer or, occasionally, the toaster oven.
These handy machines are beloved for whipping up crunchy, delicious food fast and with less oil. However, many people don’t know that if left plugged in, they still draw power. Older or cheaper versions especially can have deteriorating wiring or faulty parts under the surface.
These issues may cause overheating, electrical sparks, or even fire, particularly when nobody is around to notice. Leaving an air fryer or toaster oven connected overnight — with the family asleep and kitchen empty — creates a serious fire risk. Faulty or outdated outlets, combined with power surges from storms or electrical faults, can worsen the danger.
Other appliances like coffee makers, kettles, and microwaves share similar risks if kept plugged in nonstop. Air fryers’ increasing presence in kitchens has coincided with rising fire reports linked to them, sometimes from uncertified or low-quality models.
Fire safety groups recommend unplugging all non-essential kitchen gadgets when not in use, especially before bed or long absences. The minor effort to unplug is well worth the reduction in fire hazards. For those needing easy control, surge protectors with switches or smart home plugs allow quick power cuts remotely.
Kitchen safety comes down to awareness and simple habits. Take the extra moment each night to unplug your air fryer or toaster oven. That tiny step can stop a fire from even starting. It might not seem convenient, but safety should always come first to protect your home and peace of mind.
