Essential Kitchen Safety Guidelines for Small Appliances
Small kitchen appliances, essential workhorses in our daily lives, handle everything from brewing coffee to warming leftovers. To ensure their continued safety and efficiency, our experts suggest adhering to some fundamental small appliance safety tips. From the classic electricity-water hazard to less-acknowledged pitfalls, these essential safety measures are indispensable, according to appliance and electrical experts.
Meet the Experts:
- David Nance, senior manager of electrical safety at NSF, a public health and safety organization
- Kevin Carter, senior product manager overseeing hot beverages at Hamilton Beach Brands
- Marissa Stevens, recipe developer and food blogger at Pinch and Swirl
- Heather Quinlan, product manager overseeing toasters at Hamilton Beach Brands
Basic Safety Rules for All Small Kitchen Appliances:
Begin by verifying that your small kitchen appliances meet safety standards. "All electrical appliances must be NRTL-listed (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) for safety," explains electrical safety expert David Nance. This will be evident by a certifying logo on packaging or manuals. "It indicates that the appliance has been tested by an independent third party, which eliminates potential hazards," says Nance.
Other universal safety rules include:
- Use for Intended Purpose Only: Utilize the small kitchen appliance for its intended purpose only.
- Regular Inspection: Regularly examine the body and cords for damage.
- Avoid Wet Areas: Always keep an appliance away from the sink and other wet areas.
- Dry Hands: Ensure your hands are completely dry before use.
- Stable Surface: Stabilize the appliance on a flat, firm surface.
- Clean After Use: Clean after each use so that food or liquid remnants don't pose a fire hazard.
- Unplug When Not in Use: Disconnect the appliance when not in use.
- Avoid Overloading Circuits: Don't use multiple high-powered appliances at once, so as not to overload the circuit.
- Replace or Repair Frayed Cords: Discard or repair appliances with frayed or worn cords.
Specific Appliance Safety Tips:
Blenders, Mixers, and Food Processors:
- Secure Lids: Always lock and seal lids before operating (except when dealing with hot liquids or food items).
- Start on Low: Commence operation on low to prevent mixtures from jumping and spattering.
- Read the Manual: Peruse the manual for specific instructions on your machine.
- Respect the Blades: Blades are sharper than they appear, so treat them like knives when loading and cleaning.
- Be Wary of Clothing, Hair, and Jewelry: Stand mixers can easily catch on necklaces, sleeves, and hair, so secure loose items before use.
Toasters and Toaster Ovens:
- Clear Surrounding Space: Keep the surrounding space flat and clear. Avoid using your toaster or toaster oven near curtains, walls, cabinets, paper, plastic, or cloth materials.
- Avoid Enclosed Areas: Use your toaster or toaster oven in an open space where it can properly ventilate.
- Clean Crumb Trays: Regularly clean the crumb tray to prevent buildup.
- Unplug When Not in Use: If food gets stuck, unplug the toaster or toaster oven and let it cool completely before touching.
- Use Safe Tools: Loosen stuck food with non-metal utensils only to avoid damaging the appliance or causing injury.
- Avoid Oversized Items: Don't insert large food items, foil, plastic packaging, or plastic utensils, as they can all be fire hazards.
- Keep Dry: Never immerse the cord, plug, or appliance in water. Clean up any nearby spills promptly.
- Conduct Regular Inspections: Don't use the toaster or toaster oven if the cord or plug is damaged, if the appliance has been dropped, or if it isn't working properly.
- Practice Cord Safety: Keep the cord away from stovetops, moisture, and hot surfaces and unplug when not in use.
Espresso Machines, Coffee Pots, and Electric Kettles:
- Avoid Overfilling: Follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding water and coffee ground levels to prevent spills and overflows.
- Secure the Portafilter: Ensure the portafilter is securely locked in place before starting the machine to avoid spills.
- Keep Clean: Regularly clean the brewing head and other components to maintain efficient operation.
- Turn Off Before Cleaning: Unplug any appliance before cleaning its exterior or interior.
- Careful with Hot Carafes: Allow the carafe to cool completely before washing or adding liquids. Don't place the hot carafe on cool or wet surfaces, and empty carafes should never be set on a hot heating surface.
"Food cooking expert Marissa Stevens from Pinch and Swirl recommends regularly inspecting your small kitchen appliances for damage, ensuring they're kept away from wet areas, and cleaning them after each use. Also, Martha Stewart, a renowned lifestyle and home-and-garden guru, emphasizes the importance of using blenders, mixers, and food processors for their intended purpose only, and securing lids before operating."
