How do you put out a toaster fire?
David Craig
Updated on February 28, 2026
How do you put out a toaster fire?
You can smother a toaster fire by:
- Covering it with a fire blanket or a large, wet towel.
- Using a fire extinguisher. Be sure to aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
- Dousing it with baking soda or salt. Do not use flour, which can actually explode if it’s heated too quickly.
Why did my toaster set on fire?
By their nature, toasters can cause fires because of the heat they produce. They are, after all, designed to generate enough heat from electricity to brown pieces of bread placed in the slots. If the electric elements that generate the heat do not turn off on schedule, they can burn the bread.
Can leaving a toaster plugged in cause a fire?
A toaster in use can cause a fire. So when a toaster is not in use but still plugged into an electrical outlet, a malfunction can cause a fire. And when one is unaware that the toaster is hot, one may not take the usual care to make sure nothing flammable contacts it, such as a casually-tossed kitchen towel.
What is the first thing you do if the oven toaster is burning?
Cut the Power: In the event of a toaster fire, the first thing you’ll want to do is unplug your toaster from the outlet. This removes the heat source that is causing the fire. If it isn’t safe to remove the plug from the wall, use the fuse box to cut power to your toaster or move on to step three.
Is leaving appliances plugged in a fire hazard?
Other than having a higher electric bill, leaving your appliances plugged in can cause all sorts of hazards in your home, including increased fire risks. It’s really easy to forget to unplug your appliances whenever you leave the house for a while, but there are quite a few benefits associated with doing so.
Can you use a microwave after it catches on fire?
UL-certified microwaves (which is almost all of them) are designed to contain small fires started by common foods (like popcorn or potatoes), so it should be safe to leave a microwave alone while the flames suffocate.
Does a toaster use power when plugged in?
Phantom energy: Do appliances use electricity when plugged in but turned off? The short answer is yes! A variety of different electronic devices and appliances, including televisions, toasters, lamps, and more, when plugged in, can consume electricity even when they’re turned off.
Does unplugging appliances save money?
So is it worth the trouble? The energy costs of plugged-in appliances can really add up, and unplugging these devices could save your up to $100 to $200 a year. Another benefit of unplugging your appliances is protection from power surges.
What should you do if your toaster catches on fire?
If your toaster ever does flare up, unplug it right away. If don’t have a fire extinguisher handy, there are a few things you can do. If you can grab it without hurting yourself, toss it into your oven and close the door. The flame’s oxygen will be cut off and the blaze will die down.
How old was my toaster oven when it caught on fire?
(It’s at least 12 years old!) My kids yelled for me to pour water on the flames (I was getting a bit panicked), so I pulled the plug on the toaster oven and doused the fire with water. It was quite scary, because the minute I opened the toaster oven door, the flames jumped out of the toaster oven!
What should I do if I have a toaster oven?
Make sure the toaster oven is on a surface that can withstand heat. Most normal countertop materials are fine, but it’s worth checking if your kitchen counters are an unusual material. Don’t have the toaster oven too close to combustibles like plastic or paper bags. Likewise, don’t leave anything flammable on the top of the oven.
When is the best time to unplug a toaster?
Just to be safe, consumers should probably unplug their toasters when not in use. When using them, it’s also a good idea to monitor them and not walk out of the room. Regular cleaning will also reduce the risk of a fire during normal use.
What should I do if my toaster is on fire?
Putting Out a Toaster Fire Stay calm. In any emergency situation, one of the most important things to remember is to stay calm. Unplug the toaster. When you notice a toaster fire, the first step to resolving the situation is cutting the power, which will remove the heat source that’s causing the fire. Smother the fire.
Just to be safe, consumers should probably unplug their toasters when not in use. When using them, it’s also a good idea to monitor them and not walk out of the room. Regular cleaning will also reduce the risk of a fire during normal use.
(It’s at least 12 years old!) My kids yelled for me to pour water on the flames (I was getting a bit panicked), so I pulled the plug on the toaster oven and doused the fire with water. It was quite scary, because the minute I opened the toaster oven door, the flames jumped out of the toaster oven!
Can you turn a toaster on its side?
Use appliances according to the instructions. Some kitchen appliances are specifically designed to perform certain functions, and you shouldn’t try to find novel uses for them. For instance, some people claim you can turn a toaster on its side to melt cheese, but this will very likely result in a toaster fire.