The kitchen appliance you should unplug at night
If this headline is referring to a toaster, there is a legitimate fire-safety reason for the advice.
A toaster contains heating elements and can potentially ignite crumbs or other material, particularly if it’s dirty, damaged, or malfunctioning. Fire-safety guidance recommends unplugging small appliances when they’re not being used, and specifically recommends keeping toasters unplugged when not in use.
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U.S. Fire Administration
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What to do
Unplug the toaster after use, especially before going to bed.
Empty and clean its crumb tray regularly—crumb buildup can catch fire.
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U.S. Fire Administration
Don’t use a toaster with a damaged cord or plug.
Keep towels, paper, curtains, and other combustible materials away from it.
Don’t use an extension cord for cooking appliances; plug them directly into an appropriate wall outlet.
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U.S. Fire Administration
The same general precaution applies to other small appliances with heating elements, such as some coffee makers and rice cookers.
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Fire Line
Important: This doesn’t mean you should routinely unplug major appliances such as refrigerators, washers, or dryers every night. Fire authorities instead emphasize proper installation, direct wall connections, and maintaining them appropriately.
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U.S. Fire Administration
Bottom line: If you want one simple nighttime habit, unplug the toaster and other small heating appliances when you’re finished using them.
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