6 Kitchen Appliances You Should Always Unplug After Using
Most Americans wouldn’t dream of leaving the stove burning overnight, but what about the toaster, air fryer, or coffee maker sitting on the counter? These everyday appliances often stay plugged in long after breakfast or dinner is finished.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), kitchen and Cooking caused an average of 158,400 reported home structure fires per year (44 percent of all reported home fires in the US) between 2017 and 2021. While not all these fires involved countertop appliances, the numbers highlight why kitchen safety deserves attention.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) recommends unplugging small countertop appliances when you’re not using them. Here are six worth adding to your daily unplugging routine.
Coffee Makers
For millions of Americans, the day doesn’t officially begin until the coffee starts brewing.
But that convenient coffee maker doesn’t necessarily need to stay plugged in all day.
Some models have warming plates or programmable settings, making it especially important to understand how their automatic shutoff features work.
The 2025 NFPA figures show that coffee makers and teapots caused an estimated 270 home fires annually between 2019 and 2023. That’s relatively few compared with cooking ranges, but it’s still worth taking basic precautions.
If you don’t rely on a programmed brewing schedule, unplug the machine when you’re finished.
Toasters
That trusty toaster might be your breakfast hero, but it doesn’t need electricity 24/7.
Breadcrumbs accumulate inside toasters, sometimes settling near heating elements. Without regular cleaning, those crumbs can become a fire hazard.
Toasters, toaster ovens, and countertop broilers contribute to home fires in America, but they are not the leading cause of most home fires
Unplug your toaster after breakfast, allow it to cool, and empty the crumb tray regularly. It’s a small habit that makes good sense.
Related: 16 Kitchen Organization Ideas to Help You Declutter Your Space
Electric Kettles
Electric kettles are convenient for making tea, instant oatmeal, and other quick kitchen favorites.
Many modern models automatically switch off when water boils, but automatic shutoff isn’t a substitute for proper electrical care.
Keep the kettle’s electrical base away from water, check its cord for damage, and unplug it when you’re finished.
ESFI also recommends keeping electrical appliances away from sinks and using GFCI-protected kitchen outlets to reduce shock hazards.
Blenders
Your blender may run for only a minute each morning, yet its plug might stay in the outlet for weeks.
Here’s why that’s worth reconsidering.
Unplugging a blender prevents accidental activation while you handle or clean its blades. This matters especially in busy households where children may reach countertop appliances.
Before washing the blending container or touching the blades, unplug the machine.
Also inspect the cord occasionally. ESFI advises replacing or properly repairing appliances with damaged electrical components.
Electric Griddles and Sandwich Makers
Weekend pancakes, grilled cheese sandwiches, and homemade breakfast sandwiches are hard to resist.
However, electric griddles and sandwich makers operate using heated cooking surfaces, which can remain hot after the appliance is switched off.
Unplugging these appliances after cooking helps prevent accidental reheating or activation. Allow them to cool completely before cleaning or storing them.
Keep their cords away from hot burners and countertops, too. ESFI specifically recommends keeping appliance cords away from hot kitchen surfaces.
Air Fryers
From crispy chicken wings to reheated French fries, air fryers have earned their place in American kitchens.
However, these appliances use powerful heating elements to cook food quickly. Leaving them plugged in unnecessarily adds avoidable exposure to potential electrical malfunctions.
Once your food is ready, switch off the appliance and unplug it, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Also, avoid crowding the appliance with paper towels, dishcloths, or other flammable materials. Give it enough ventilation space, especially while cooling.
One Small Kitchen Habit Worth Keeping
Unplugging every appliance isn’t practical or necessary. Refrigerators and freezers, for example, need continuous electricity to preserve food.
But smaller appliances that are used briefly throughout the day are different.
The simplest rule? If you’re finished using a portable countertop appliance and its instructions don’t require continuous power, switch it off and unplug it.
It takes only a few seconds and is an easy way to make your kitchen a little safer.
