Safety Tips for your Toaster Oven

Toaster ovens are no doubt becoming more and more popular by the day. This is due to the increased use of toaster ovens as a result of their convenience and ease of use. However, it is crucial to ensure that the appliances are safely handled to prevent potential injury or safety hazards that may arise during use. Therefore, what are some of the ways to safely handle and use your toaster oven?

Below are some proven safety tips for your toaster oven

1. Choose a certified and licensed product

There are many brands in the toaster market, only the best and compliant products should be purchased for home use. Ensure you check the licensing details and an NSF certification as a safety guarantee. Choosing unlicensed products can expose you and your family to potential safety hazards including the risk of electrocution. Thus, be sure to check for independent NSF certification that proves the toaster oven is compliant to set health standards, materials, usability, and durability.

2. Wait for your toaster oven to cool before attempting to clean

Whether in a hurry or not, always leave your toaster oven to cool on its own! Why should you let the oven cool on its own? Allowing the toaster oven to cool means unplugging the electrical appliance, and letting it cool without immersing it in water. This significantly reduces the risk of burns and other safety concerns as the toaster oven can get extremely hot during use. Letting it cool before cleaning is the safest way to avoid unnecessary injury.

3. Read the user manual

Toaster ovens from various brands have different capabilities, and specs. Therefore, be sure to read the user manual of your oven exhaustively( this will allow you to understand the functioning of the appliance). Once you have established a basic idea of how the device works, you will be better informed to avoid self-injury. Also, the manual is essential in understanding how the toaster oven works and the various risks associated with using the product. Be sure to read extensively on items that should not be placed in the oven (paramount since some items can burn up and ignite fire during use).

4. Always unplug the device when not in use

Many households fail to observe this golden rule which exposes them to the risk of electrocution and burns. Unplugging your toaster oven is the surest way of protecting yourself and family (especially young children) who might attempt to use the appliance without adult supervision. Thus, the safest and most reliable way of reducing safety hazards is unplugging the device and allowing it to cool until when the need to use arises again.

5. Clean and inspect your toaster oven regularly

It is essential always to remain vigilant, more so when dealing with commonly used electrical appliances such as the toaster oven. In fact, cleaning helps reduce the chances of fire as food particles and grease build up can play significant roles in igniting a fire.

Further, avoid scrubbing your toaster oven using metal scouring materials and pads as the pieces of metal in the scrubbing material can come into contact with electrical components and subsequently cause electric shock. Therefore, as you clean your oven, be sure to use non-metal material while keeping a keen eye on the cords, surfaces, and extensions of the toaster. This will enable you to detect any safety issues and nullify the threat of electrocution.

6. Allow for air circulation

Always leave some space around your toaster oven. Ovens tend to get hot after use, especially low-end models with lesser insulation. However, despite the model you are using, be sure to leave out enough space to allow your toaster oven to cool without overheating. Also, avoid placing objects (mostly inflammable substances) on the object. This will help prevent the risk of igniting fire during use.

7. Location

Place the toaster oven in a strategic location. If you have children, avoid placing the toaster oven close to their reach. Further, place the oven in a dry and stable area away from objects such as curtains and cardboards. Where you chose to place your oven plays a huge role in determining the duration and usability of your toaster oven. Do not place the oven in damp areas or anywhere near a tap or water source that may end up sprinkling water on the toaster.

Even if you have found the best toaster oven… observing the above golden tips will help minimize the risk of fire and electrocution while consequently keeping you and your family safe from potential safety hazards.