A sandwich toaster is a quick, easy way to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, but like most electrical gadgets they pose a risk if used incorrectly.
Sandwich Toaster Safety
Safety First
- When buying a new sandwich toaster, always buy from a reputable dealer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Always register a new sandwich toaster with the manufacturer. That way you can be contacted easily if a safety notice or recall is required. While the chances of a faulty product causing serious damage are small, the risk is still there and returning a faulty product or ordering its repair is very easy to do. To register all your appliances, regardless of age, visit our Product Registration page.
- Use our free online Product Recall checker to see if your sandwich toaster or any other electrical items have been recalled.
- Check that your appliance has a UK plug, but if it doesn’t, do not use a UK travel adaptor, but rather seek advice from the retailer.
- Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn marks, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) or if it feels too hot to touch. If you have fuses blowing or circuit-breakers tripping then contact a registered electrician to investigate.
- Ensure your home is fully protected by an RCD (residual current device), which can be found in your fuse box (also known as a consumer unit). An RCD is a life-saving device that protects against dangerous electric shock and reduces the risk of electrical fires.
- If you don’t have RCD protection in your fuse box for your sockets, consider installing an RCD socket or use an RCD plug to protect you and your property from serious appliance faults.
- Sometimes, appliance fires are caused by something beyond your control. Smoke alarms and heat detectors are essential in keeping you safe by raising the alarm in the event of a fire. There should be a minimum of one alarm/detector per floor and fit enough to cover all areas where a fire could start, and make sure they are tested regularly.
- If a fire does start, don't try to fight the fire. Get out and call 999 immediately.
Safe Use
- If you notice an odd smell or any sparking, unplug the toaster immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
- Always store the toaster away from the sink or any liquids that could spill on it.
- When the toaster is turned off at the socket or unplugged, wipe the toaster down regularly, but never use water or any sort of cleaner inside it.
- If it’s cracked or damaged in any way, stop using it and either contact the retailer and/or manufacturer or buy a new one.
- Always turn off the sandwich toaster at the socket when not in use.