Many household appliances continue to draw a small amount of electricity even when they appear to be switched off. This is commonly called standby power or phantom energy.
The amount used by an individual device may be small, but unplugging certain appliances when they are not needed can reduce unnecessary energy consumption and, more importantly, eliminate electrical power to equipment that could potentially develop a fault.
Here are five devices worth paying particular attention to.
1. Toasters
A toaster is a simple kitchen appliance, but it contains heating elements that become extremely hot during operation.
Once you’ve finished making toast, switch it off and allow it to cool. If your toaster’s design or manufacturer recommends unplugging it when not in use, unplug it as well.
Never leave a toaster operating unattended, and keep it away from curtains, paper towels, and other combustible materials.
2. Coffee Makers
Many coffee makers remain powered after brewing, especially models with clocks, displays, warming plates, or programmable functions.
If you don’t need the machine’s timer or warming function, unplugging it after use can eliminate standby consumption.
It’s also a good habit to clean the machine regularly and keep the electrical cord away from hot surfaces.
3. Electric Kettles
Electric kettles generally consume electricity only while actively heating, but leaving them connected keeps the appliance electrically connected to the household supply.
After boiling water, switch the kettle off. If you’re finished using it for the day, unplugging it is a simple additional precaution.
Never operate a kettle with a damaged cord, plug, or base.
4. Microwaves
Microwave ovens often continue using a small amount of electricity for their clock, display, and electronic controls even when they aren’t cooking.
If you don’t need these features, disconnecting the microwave from the outlet can eliminate that standby consumption.
However, because microwaves can be inconvenient to unplug frequently, a practical approach is to use the wall switch or an appropriately rated switched outlet where available.
5. Chargers and Small Kitchen Electronics
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