There’s a simple solution, though: Just unplug the appliances when you aren’t using them. Unplugging them will stop energy from silently draining out. According to the US Department of Energy, unplugging these devices could save the average household up to $100 per year.
Sometimes, toasters can catch fire with no warning, so it’s best if you don’t leave it alone while it’s in use. Also, it’s a good rule to unplug your toaster when you’re not using it, even it it’s brand new, just to be on the safe side. If your toaster ever does flare up, unplug it right away.
Why is it important to unplug a toaster?
Unplugging appliances has the potential to save you money on expenses, and this practice can also increase the life of your belongings. The more items you have plugged in around the house, the more susceptible your devices are to damage through an unexpected power surge.
Not using your toaster today? Unplug it. When you aren’t actively using a household appliance or device, it’s still sucking up energy — even if it’s turned off.
What is the life expectancy of a toaster?
six to eight years: While toasters can range in price and features, most toasters have an average lifespan from six to eight years. You can extend the life of your appliance by cleaning it regularly to remove excess breadcrumbs and additional food particles.
Do toasters use a lot of electricity?
A toaster is found in most kitchens and is a popular home appliance for toasting bread or heating up certain pre-baked toaster pastries. The bread toaster uses from 800 to 1500 watts of energy when in use, an average toaster will use around 1200 watts.
Should the toaster be left on the counter?
For instance, your kitchen counter may seem like the obvious place to keep toasters, blenders, mixers, and other appliances—they’re kitchen tools, after all. But if you only use them every once in a while, there really is no sense in having them take up space on your countertops!
What not to do with a toaster?
Sticking silverware in your toaster: But please—don’t, and especially keep that knife away while the toaster is still warm or plugged in. Sticking silverware in a toaster allows the electricity in the toaster to flow through the knife and then to your hand, which can lead to shock (and disappointment).
When should you throw out your toaster?
However, just like every other appliance, they are also susceptible to wear and tear. The average lifespan of a toaster is 6 to 8 years, but if you get lucky, it may be longer. But you cannot get lucky forever; the time will eventually come for you to dispose of your old toaster.
How often you need to clean your toaster depends on how often you use it. If you’re a daily toaster, empty the crumb trays once a week. If you use it less frequently, opt for monthly cleaning. Frequency: Clean weekly or monthly, depending on use.
How do I know if my toaster is bad?
Check your electric toaster: You might be able to tell if it’s too old by looking at it. If you can’t see from one side of the unit to the other, or if the electric toaster looks hot and smoking when you touch it, you should probably throw it away and buy 4 slice toaster instead.
How can I make my toaster last longer?
Be gentle. Resist the urge to shake your toaster upside down to free crumbs.
Put that fork down.
Be mindful that frozen foods can speed up your toaster’s demise.
Get to know your toaster’s settings.
Can a toaster cause carbon monoxide?
Where does CO come from? Carbon monoxide is produced by devices that burn fuels. Therefore, any fuel-burning appliance in your home is a potential CO source. Electrical heaters and electric water heaters, toasters, etc., do not produce CO under any circumstances.
Does a toaster use more electricity than a microwave?
Toaster ovens use more energy (1,200-1,800 watts) compared to microwaves (700-1,300 watts). Further, since toaster ovens have longer cooking times, that energy will be used for an extended period. The microwave is a more energy-efficient appliance, regardless of EnergyStar certification or not.
Does a toaster use more electricity than a fridge?
The toaster does require more wattage to run than the refrigerator. However, the refrigerator will end up costing you more in the long run because it stays running all day and night to keep your food cold and fresh.
Cooking a meal in a toaster oven has the potential to save over 50% of the energy used to cook the same meal in a conventional electric oven. 8 In addition, the following improvements can increase the efficiency of a toaster oven.
Where do people keep their toaster?
Toasters should always be situated in a ventilated area. Toasters are often situated under kitchen cupboard, however the build up of heat the toaster causes can get trapped and pose a potential fire risk.
Why do people cover their toaster?
Protect from Dust, Grime, and Grease: Dirty appliances are inconvenient, and dirt can get inside the electrical components of your appliances, damaging them. Appliance covers prevent dust from collecting on seldom used appliances, such as your juice, toaster oven, or slow cooker.
Are toaster fires common?
Your toaster is one of the more dangerous appliances in your kitchen and can be a serious house fire hazard if not taken care of correctly. It is estimated that over 700 people around the world are killed each year as a result of toaster fires and electrocutions.
Should you turn a toaster upside down?
Shaking your toaster upside down is not the best way to clean your toaster. It’s very likely that crumbs and debris will be left behind — caked onto the inner machinery. To really get into the nitty-gritty of your appliance, use a pastry brush to scrub into the slots and give the machine a thorough sweep.
