- Faulty wiring inside the appliance can spark or short-circuit.
- Built-up food debris near heating elements can catch fire unexpectedly.
- Power surges at night can affect plugged-in appliances, especially during storms.
- Overheating components , even when turned off, can lead to smoldering or flames.
Even though these devices aren’t running while you sleep, being plugged in means they’re still drawing electricity — and that leaves room for disaster.
Real-Life Examples: Fires Caused by Plugged-In Appliances
There have been multiple reports of house fires caused by small kitchen appliances left plugged in:
- In 2021, a UK family lost their home after an air fryer caught fire in the middle of the night , likely due to an internal fault.
- Another incident in the U.S. saw a toaster oven ignite a kitchen fire after being left plugged in with food residue inside.
- Fire departments across North America have issued warnings about the dangers of leaving small appliances on standby power .
These stories highlight a growing concern: just because it’s off doesn’t mean it’s safe .
Why These Appliances Are Riskier Than Others
While many kitchen gadgets draw power when plugged in, air fryers and toaster ovens are particularly risky due to:
🔥 Proximity to Heat Sources
They already operate at high temperatures, so any internal fault can more easily reach ignition point.
🧊 Residual Heat Retention
Even after being turned off, these appliances retain heat for hours — increasing the chance of igniting nearby materials or debris.
🧼 Hard-to-Reach Crumbs and Grease
Food particles stuck inside can char and smolder long after you’ve finished cooking.
⚡ Electrical Components Near Heat Zones
Unlike blenders or coffee makers, these appliances combine electrical parts and heat zones , making them more prone to failure.
Which Other Kitchen Appliances Should You Unplug?
While air fryers and toaster ovens are top offenders, here are other kitchen appliances that should be unplugged when not in use:
If you’re unsure whether a device needs to stay plugged in, ask yourself: Does it need to be powered to function safely? If not, unplug it.
How to Stay Safe: 5 Fire Prevention Tips for Your Kitchen
Unplug When Not in Use
Make it a habit to unplug appliances like your air fryer, toaster oven, and slow cooker when they’re not actively cooking.Keep the Area Clean
Regularly clean out crumbs and grease buildup inside and around the appliance.Use Surge Protectors
Plug appliances into surge protectors instead of directly into the wall to reduce fire risk from electrical spikes.Don’t Overload Outlets
Avoid plugging too many high-wattage appliances into the same outlet or power strip.Install Smoke Detectors
Ensure your kitchen and bedrooms have working smoke alarms — and test them monthly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it really necessary to unplug my air fryer every night?
A: Yes. Even when off, it’s drawing power and could malfunction. It takes just a few seconds — and it’s worth the peace of mind.
Q: Do modern air fryers have auto-shutoff features?
A: Some do, but that only protects against overheating during use — not electrical faults that occur later.
Q: Can toaster ovens catch fire even when empty?
A: Yes. Faulty wiring or power issues can cause fires even without food inside.
Q: What about smart appliances with timers or Wi-Fi?
A: If you must leave them plugged in, ensure they're UL-certified and kept away from flammable materials.
Q: Should I unplug all appliances before bed?
A: No — only those with heating elements or known fire risks. Things like blenders or rice cookers are safe to leave plugged in.
Final Thoughts
Your kitchen may be the heart of your home, but it’s also one of the most common places for house fires to start . Fortunately, simple habits like unplugging your air fryer or toaster oven before bed can dramatically reduce your risk.
This small action — taking just a few seconds — could save your home and protect your loved ones.
So tonight, before you head to bed, take a mo