The One Kitchen Appliance You Should Always Unplug Before Bed — Here’s Why

It’s a quiet part of your nightly routine: switch off the lights, check the doors, maybe set an alarm. But there’s one more small task that could protect your home from a serious fire hazard — and most people forget it entirely.

According to growing safety reports, there’s a common kitchen appliance that should never be left plugged in overnight. It’s convenient, modern, and wildly popular — but if overlooked, it could spark a dangerous situation while you sleep.

Why You Should Unplug Your Air Fryer Before Bed

Air fryers — and in some cases, toaster ovens — are the primary appliances now being flagged by fire safety experts for overnight risk.

While many people assume that simply turning these appliances “off” is enough, the reality is more complex. Here’s why:

• Electrical components inside can remain active, even in standby mode
• Poor wiring or faulty internal circuits in lower-quality models can short unexpectedly
• Overheating risks may build up silently over time
• Power surges during the night can trigger malfunctions, even when unused

These devices are designed to generate and sustain high heat. And while that’s great for cooking, it also makes them one of the more vulnerable items to electrical failure — especially after months or years of frequent use.

A Surge in Incidents — And a Wake-Up Call for Homeowners

Recent reports have shown an increase in home fire investigations involving small countertop appliances, particularly air fryers and toaster ovens.

Many of these appliances are made with lightweight or cost-cutting materials — and some may lack high-quality thermal regulation or grounding. Over time, this creates a higher chance of short-circuits, spontaneous ignition, or overheating, particularly when left unattended for long stretches.

Unplugging these devices before bed can help prevent silent failures from turning into serious emergencies.

Other Appliances Worth Unplugging

While air fryers and toaster ovens are getting attention, they’re not the only culprits. Fire departments and home safety experts also recommend unplugging:

• Electric kettles
• Coffee makers
• Older-model microwaves
• Toasters with worn cords or loose plugs

If it has a heating element or timer, and it’s not in use — it’s worth unplugging.

A Simple Habit With Big Payoff

Creating a “power-down checklist” at night can reduce your risk of electrical fires and also lower energy waste from phantom electricity use. Here’s a safe habit you can build tonight:

1. After dinner, unplug heat-based appliances in the kitchen
2. Check cords for fraying, discoloration, or loose plugs
3. Consider plugging high-heat appliances into surge-protected strips
4. Place reminder stickers near outlets to build the habit

Over time, it becomes second nature — and one of the most effective ways to keep your home safe while you sleep.

Final Thought: What’s Plugged In Could Be Putting You at Risk

Modern appliances bring speed and convenience — but that convenience shouldn’t come at the cost of safety. Just because something is compact or turned “off” doesn’t mean it’s no longer active.

If you use an air fryer, toaster oven, or similar appliance, unplug it each night before bed. It takes two seconds and could make all the difference between a peaceful night and a costly disaster.

Because when it comes to home safety, the smallest habits often carry the most weight.