Unplug These 5 Kitchen Appliances Before Bed to Prevent a Fire, Experts Warn
When it comes to home safety, few places pose as many fire risks as the kitchen. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking-related fires are the leading cause of home fires and injuries. But the danger doesn’t end when dinner is done. Even idle or “off” kitchen appliances can pose serious fire risks while you’re asleep.
“The appliances that I would be most concerned about are those that produce heat that do not have the ability to automatically shut off,” warns Corey Hannahs, a licensed master electrician and electrical content specialist with the NFPA. Unplugging them overnight is a simple step that could potentially save your home—and your life.
Below are five kitchen appliances that safety experts strongly recommend unplugging before going to bed:
ScienceUnplug These 5 Kitchen Appliances Before Bed to Prevent a Fire, Experts Warn
When it comes to home safety, few places pose as many fire risks as the kitchen. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking-related fires are the leading cause of home fires and injuries. But the danger doesn’t end when dinner is done. Even idle or “off” kitchen appliances can pose serious fire risks while you’re asleep.
“The appliances that I would be most concerned about are those that produce heat that do not have the ability to automatically shut off,” warns Corey Hannahs, a licensed master electrician and electrical content specialist with the NFPA. Unplugging them overnight is a simple step that could potentially save your home—and your life.
Ezoic
Below are five kitchen appliances that safety experts strongly recommend unplugging before going to bed:
Source: Unsplash
1. Toaster
That handy toaster on your counter may seem harmless, but it can be a fire waiting to happen.
Ezoic
Toasters have exposed heating elements and can spark if there’s leftover food debris. According to Southern Living, citing the U.S. Fire Administration, toasters are one of the most common sources of kitchen fires when left plugged in, especially if faulty.
“Even when not in use, plugged-in toasters draw power and can trigger electrical arcs,” notes the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This is especially true if the appliance is old or has frayed cords.
2. Coffee Maker
Many people set their coffee maker to brew in the morning. But if you leave it plugged in all night, you might be brewing more than coffee.
Most drip coffee makers have warming plates that remain hot for hours. Older models often lack auto shut-off features, increasing the risk of overheating.
Even small surges in electricity can overheat the components inside and spark a fire while you’re asleep.
Safety Tip: Opt for models with automatic shut-off, but even then—unplug them before bed to eliminate risk.
3. Microwave Oven
Microwaves are essential, but they’re not invincible. Like most electronics, microwaves constantly draw power when plugged in—often powering clocks, sensors, and other components.
Ezoic
Aging or faulty wiring inside the unit could ignite unexpectedly, especially during overnight voltage fluctuations or surges.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, “Unattended, plugged-in appliances may create an unnecessary risk of fire.” This includes microwaves that appear off but are still live.
Safety Tip: If your microwave is over 10 years old or shows signs of malfunction (like door latch issues or flickering), unplug it when not in use, especially overnight.
4. Air Fryer or Countertop Oven
Air fryers have revolutionized cooking—but their high heat and complex electronics come with risk.
Ezoic
They often operate at temperatures exceeding 400°F. If there’s leftover grease or crumbs, or if the appliance has a faulty timer, it could switch on unintentionally. Overheating or smoldering could go unnoticed until it’s too late.
While these devices usually include safety features, experts warn not to rely on them entirely.
The Los Angeles Fire Department recommends unplugging all heat-generating appliances, including air fryers, when not in use.
Safety Tip: Clean your air fryer or countertop oven after each use, ensure proper ventilation, and unplug it completely before sleeping.
5. Electric Kettle or Hot Plate
Electric kettles and hot plates are often used for convenience, but their heating elements can be hazardous.
If an electric kettle is accidentally triggered or fails to shut off, it could boil dry and overheat. Hot plates are even more dangerous since some models can stay hot without any obvious indicator.
The U.S. Fire Administration advises: “Unplug small appliances when you are not using them.”
Safety Tip: Never leave water in the kettle overnight, and unplug hot plates after every use. If the appliance doesn’t have a clear indicator light or auto shut-off, consider replacing it.
Why These Appliances Are Riskier at Night
Appliances that generate heat, draw continuous power, or rely on timers are especially dangerous while unattended.
“When a house fire starts at night, it can be far more deadly,” explains the National Fire Protection Association. That’s because people are slower to react while asleep, and fires often go undetected until they are fully developed.
Even modern, “smart” appliances aren’t foolproof. A surge, a failed capacitor, or a jammed relay can trigger the heating elements—especially in devices that don’t physically switch off.
What Experts Recommend
According to NFPA and CPSC guidelines, homeowners should:
Unplug all countertop cooking appliances when not in use.
Replace any appliance with frayed cords, scorched plugs, or flickering displays.
Avoid using extension cords for high-wattage kitchen appliances like microwaves or air fryers.
Use GFCI outlets in kitchen areas to reduce risk of electrical shock and fire.
Install smoke alarms near the kitchen (but not directly above cooking appliances).
“It takes less than a minute to walk around your kitchen and unplug these items,” says Corey Hannahs. “But that minute could prevent thousands of dollars in damage—or even save a life.”
Build a Fire-Safe Nighttime Routine
Creating a simple routine before bed can drastically lower your fire risk:
Check that all appliances are off and cool
Unplug toasters, coffee makers, kettles, air fryers, and microwaves
Clear counters of combustible materials
Set an alarm or checklist as a reminder
Make sure smoke detectors are working
Final Thought
Fires don’t always start while cooking. Sometimes, they begin in the quiet hours—when no one is watching.
The act of unplugging a toaster or coffee maker may seem small, but it’s a powerful habit. Backed by real expert advice from fire departments, electricians, and national safety agencies, it’s one of the easiest, cheapest, and most effective ways to keep your family safe.
Before you turn in for the night—take a quick glance at your kitchen. And pull the plug.