Warning to anyone who uses their toaster in this common place
Most households will have a toaster as it's the easiest way to crisp up bread, crumpets, pancakes and waffles.
The common appliance is one that is used daily and generally sits on the kitchen worktop, ready to work its magic.
But experts have sounded a warning over the risk of fire when using toasters on the kitchen worktop. Where you use your toaster is something that everyone is being urged to be aware of.
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If you have it positioned underneath the kitchen cupboards, which many people do, or near blinds, then the advice is to move it as this can affect the level of fire risk.
Toasters should not be used if they are directly under the cupboards, close to blinds or curtains or anything else flammable such as kitchen roll dispensers, according to several fire experts.
And homeowners are also being warned to ensure they have the correct plug and fuse for their toasters, reports the Express.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says: “Place your toaster well away from curtains or blinds, and anything else flammable such as kitchen rolls. Always pull your toaster out from under overhanging cupboards to use, and empty out crumbs regularly.”
There’s more to it than just placement, though. Toasters, like any appliance, also need to be plugged in safely with a correct fuse.
The advice continued: “Do not overload sockets – use one plug in each socket. If you have to, use a fused adaptor and keep the total output to no more than 13 amps (a kettle alone uses 13 amps). Remember, high-rated appliances such as washing machines always need their own socket.
“Turn off electrical appliances when you’re not using them, and have them serviced regularly. Keep electrical leads and appliances away from water, heat or flames.”
This is backed up by other fire services. Hampshire & Isle Of Wight Fire & Rescue Service added: “Work top appliances such as your toaster and kettle should never be positioned near anything which could catch light e.g. curtain, kitchen roll or too close to an overhanging cupboard.”
And London Fire.gov also confirmed the advice. “Maintain toasters properly: Keep toasters clean and avoid placing them under kitchen cabinets or near anything that could catch fire.”
