One staple of parental advice that many of us heard while growing up was, “Never put a fork in the toaster.” Sure, it sounds like an obvious idea, but it also begs the question: How dangerous is it to stick a fork into a toaster? The answer is that yes, it’s dangerous, but also maybe not the death sentence we were led to believe.
Whether plugged in or unplugged, sticking a fork (or any metal object) into a toaster can damage the appliances and give you a shock. While it’s not very likely that you’ll die from it, toasters can pack a punch — they typically range from 800 to 1500 watts of electricity. That means you can still receive an uncomfortable shock and even a burn. If you’re not sure how many watts your toaster is using, just remember that in most cases, the quicker your favorite white bread toasts, the higher the wattage. And while the chances of death are slim, about seven people per year do die from this injury.
The danger of inserting a fork into a toaster hinges on the fact that metal conducts electricity. Toasters work by turning electrical power into heat using resistors — the part of the toaster that glows red when you peek inside. When you stick a fork into the toaster, you create a new path for the electric current, and that path leads right to your body.
How to prevent getting shocked by your toaster
So how can you avoid getting a shock from your toaster? First, take precautions as soon as you plug in your toaster. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends using only one heat-producing appliance — like your toaster or a coffee machine — at a time to avoid overloading your electrical circuits. Signs of overloaded electrical issues include warm walls, a burning smell, or sparks when you plug in an appliance.
When it’s time to clean your toaster, be sure to first unplug it and wait for it to cool down. Then grab a long paintbrush with a wooden handle — it’s the best tool for the job. Using a wooden handle is key because wood doesn’t conduct electricity, so you won’t risk shocking yourself while removing crumbs. Just make sure the brush isn’t wet, as water and electricity don’t mix.
Cleaning your toaster regularly helps reduce the chances of malfunction. The fewer crumbs and debris clogging up the toaster’s electrical components, the less likely it is to overheat or malfunction. So maybe stick to just bread (though your toaster makes delicious quesadillas in a flash), or if you’re really paranoid, remember that it is possible to toast bread in your air fryer. You can also consider the fact that you really don’t need a toaster, as toaster ovens (and conventional ovens) can also handle most of its tasks. But if you’re wedded to a traditional toaster, always take precautions so that you remain safe and your toast is always crispy.
