Toaster Oven Safety
Toaster ovens offer users a quick and convenient way to cook small food items, acting as either a traditional oven or a traditional toaster. When operating one these devices, it is important to follow basic safety procedures, to avoid causing a fire or electrocution. Does this Spark an idea?
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General Operating Information
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Though most toaster ovens are similar, it is important to read the instruction manual before operating one. Make sure that you wash your toaster unit's baking tray and oven rack before you use your toaster oven. You should also test your toaster oven by heating it at 450 F for 10 minutes. All toaster ovens are meant for indoor use, and are not meant for use by children.
Keep the Area Clear
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Make sure to leave six to eight inches free on all sides of your toaster oven. You should never store or set anything on top of your toaster oven. Do not ever store any non-manufacturer-approved items or accessories inside of your toaster oven. Prevent fires by not operating or storing your toaster oven near drapes, curtains or walls. Also, make sure not to cover your toaster oven's crumb tray with aluminum foil; this can cause the toaster oven to overheat.
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Plug/Cord Safety
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Before operating a toaster oven, it is important to check your cord and plug for signs of tearing, fraying and cracking. When using your toaster oven, make sure that the cord does not come into contact with water. You should also avoid allowing the cord to rest over the edge of your countertop, or letting the cord rest on a hot surface. Make sure to unplug your toaster oven when you are finished using it. Do not ever unplug your toaster oven by yanking on the cord.
Removing Items from a Toaster Oven
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If your toaster oven does not come with a timer, be sure to set a regular kitchen timer to prevent your items from overcooking or burning. While it may be tempting to grab a cooked item from your toaster oven using a paper towel, this can cause a fire. The same is true for oversized foods and metallic utensils. You should also remember to use a potholder or other heat-protective item when removing hot food from your toaster oven. On a similar note, do not remove your toaster's crumb tray until after your toaster has had a chance to cool off.
Cleaning Advice
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Do not attempt to clean your toaster oven before it is done cooling off. Never use metallic scouring pads to clean your toaster oven. The tiny shards of metal could dislodge from the scouring pad and come into contact with your toaster oven's electrical parts. This could potentially cause a fire. Clean your toaster oven regularly to prevent grease from building up. An accumulation of grease could be a fire hazard. Make sure to regularly clean out the toaster oven and crumb tray of old food particles; small food particles can cause a fire. Use a damp soapy rag to clean the glass toaster-oven door.
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