8 Appliances You Should Always Unplug When You’re Not Using Them

Your home is full of hardworking appliances. And when they’re “off,” a surprising number of them are still… kind of on. Some sip electricity in standby mode (tiny but constant), and others keep a live connection that can become a safety issue if something goes wronglike a power surge, a worn switch, or that one mysterious crumb colony living under your toaster.

Unplugging isn’t about living like you’re camping in 1849. It’s about being strategic: cut “energy vampires,” reduce avoidable fire risk, and stop feeding devices that do nothing while you sleep. Below are eight appliances (and plug-in gadgets that behave like appliances) that are worth unplugging whenever you’re not actively using them.

Why unplugging matters (beyond saving a few cents)

1) Standby power is real

Many devices keep a low-level draw so they can wake instantly, display a clock, maintain a Wi-Fi connection, or wait for a remote command. One device won’t wreck your billbut a whole house full of them can quietly add up.

2) A plugged-in appliance is still connected to risk

If a device has a heating element, a motor, a battery charger, or a history of “acting weird,” unplugging removes the power source entirely. That’s the whole point: you can’t have an electrical fault in a device that isn’t receiving electricity.

3) Unplugging also protects your stuff

Power surges happen. Sometimes it’s lightning; sometimes it’s the grid doing the electrical equivalent of a hiccup. Unplugging (or switching off a quality surge protector) can help prevent a bad day for your appliances and a very expensive day for your wallet.

1) Space heaters

Space heaters are basically “portable heat + high wattage,” which is why they demand respect. When you’re using one, it should be on a stable surface, with clear space around it, and watched like a toddler holding a permanent marker. When you’re not using itunplug it. Not “switch it off.” Unplug it.

Extra important: space heaters belong directly in a wall outlet, not in a power strip or extension cord. The current draw can overheat cords and strips that aren’t designed for that load. If you need a heater in a spot that can’t reach an outlet safely, the solution isn’t “more cords”it’s “different plan.”

• Unplug when: You leave the room, go to sleep, or finish a heating session.
• Quick habit: Put the plug somewhere visible (not behind furniture) so unplugging is easy.

2) Hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners

Hot tools mix three ingredients you never want in the same recipe: high heat, high power, and bathrooms (aka “the room with water everywhere”). Even if a styling tool is switched off, leaving it plugged in keeps it connected to electrical risk and some tools can be accidentally turned on by a bumped switch or a worn button.

Make unplugging part of the routine: style, switch off, set it down on a heat-safe surface, let it cool, unplug, then put it away. The “I’ll do it later” version of this plan is how people end up driving back home to check the outlet like it’s a missing pet.

• Unplug when: Immediately after use (especially in bathrooms).
• Quick habit: Store tools only after unpluggingyour drawer becomes your safety checklist.

3) Toasters and toaster ovens

Toasters are small, common, and slightly chaotic. They deal in heat and crumbstwo things that should never be introduced at a meet-and-greet. If crumbs build up, they can smoke, spark, or ignite. Add an electrical fault or a power surge, and you’ve got a device that can misbehave at the worst possible time (like when you’re upstairs folding laundry and pretending that counts as cardio).

Unplugging also protects your toaster from “accidental lever incidents” (kids, pets, you bumping it while reaching for the good jam). Keep the crumb tray clean, and don’t run toaster ovens with grease buildup.

• Unplug when: After breakfast, after cooking, and anytime you’re leaving home.
• Quick habit: Empty the crumb tray on the same day you take out trashlink habits so they stick.

4) Air fryers and countertop convection ovens

Air fryers are basically compact turbo ovens with fans, heating elements, and the confidence of a full-size range. They’re fantastic for crispy fries and “I swear this is healthier” chicken wingsbut they’re also appliances that can collect grease and crumbs. Left plugged in, they stay connected to electrical risk even when not running.

The safety play is simple: clean them regularly, let them cool, then unplug. If you’re using yours daily, consider a dedicated outlet location that makes plugging/unplugging painless. And if the cord looks damaged, don’t “see if it still works.” Retire it like a hero.

• Unplug when: Once the unit cools after use.
• Quick habit: Keep the plug accessibleno cord pinched behind heavy appliances.

5) Coffee makers (especially ones with warming plates)

Coffee makers feel harmless because they’re basically part of the morning soundtrack. But models with a warming plate are a steady heat source, and older or budget machines can have switches that wear out. Even if your machine has an auto shut-off feature, unplugging is the cleanest way to ensure it’s truly off.

This matters even more if you’re leaving the house. You don’t want to spend your commute wondering, “Did I turn off the coffee maker?” like it’s the adult version of forgetting homework.

• Unplug when: After the last cup (or before you leave home).
• Quick habit: Make “rinse the carafe + unplug” one combined motion.

6) Electric kettles and hot water dispensers

Electric kettles are usually well-designed, but they still combine electricity + water + heat. Most have auto shut-off, but “usually” is not the same as “always,” especially if mineral scale builds up or the base gets abused. Unplugging removes the possibility of a fault turning your tea station into a mystery smell investigation.

Bonus: unplugging can also reduce standby draw for kettles with indicator lights or “keep warm” modes.

• Unplug when: After boiling water or when you’re done making hot drinks.
• Quick habit: Descale on a schedule (monthly-ish if you have hard water) so sensors behave properly.

7) Slow cookers and multi-cookers (including “keep warm” machines)

Slow cookers and multi-cookers are designed to run for long periodswhile you’re using them. The issue is what happens afterward: leaving them plugged in indefinitely keeps electronics energized, invites accidental button presses, and can mean “keep warm” turns into “keep warm for 14 hours because nobody noticed.”

The practical rule: when cooking is done and food is handled safely (stored, served, or cooled), unplug the appliance. You’re not only improving safetyyou’re also protecting the device from surges and extending its life.

• Unplug when: After the meal, once you’re finished with the warm/hold cycle.
• Quick habit: Make unplugging part of cleanupdon’t end the kitchen shift with power still on.

8) Chargers and battery-powered “everything” (phones, laptops, power banks, tool batteries)

Chargers are the sneakiest “appliance” in your home because they look innocent. Many still draw power when left plugged in, even without a device attached. And with lithium-ion batteries everywherephones, laptops, earbuds, portable chargers, cordless toolscharging safety matters.

The smart move is to charge on a hard, non-flammable surface, keep chargers uncovered (no pillows, no blankets), and unplug when charging is complete. If a charger is warm to the touch, damaged, off-brand with sketchy labeling, or has a history of “making a tiny sizzling noise,” it’s not quirkyit’s a problem.

• Unplug when: Your device is fully charged, or anytime you’re not actively charging.
• Quick habit: Use a quality, certified charger and retire frayed cords immediately.

Make it easy: the “one-switch” solution

If you’re thinking, “Unplugging eight things every day sounds like a part-time job,” you’re not wrong. The trick is to make unplugging automatic:

Use a power strip with a switch for low-watt electronics

TVs, streaming boxes, game consoles, speakers, and desk setups are classic standby-power offenders. Put them on a surge-protected strip, then flip one switch when you’re done. You get the benefit of unplugging without the daily outlet gymnastics.

Try a smart (advanced) power strip

Smart power strips can cut power to devices that are in standby, or shut off “accessory” outlets when a primary device (like a TV) turns off. That’s a low-effort way to reduce phantom load without turning your living room into an unplugging obstacle course.

Important safety note

High-wattage heating appliances (space heaters, toasters, air fryers, microwaves, etc.) should be plugged into wall outlets, not power strips, unless the manufacturer explicitly says otherwise. Convenience should never beat electrical load limits.

What you generally shouldn’t unplug every day

A few appliances are better left alone unless you’re traveling or servicing them:

• Refrigerators/freezers: Food safety beats tiny energy savings.
• Medical devices: If it supports health or mobility, keep it powered and follow the manual.
• Routers/modems (sometimes): Unplugging can disrupt smart-home security, work needs, and updates.

If you’re leaving town, that’s differentdo a safety sweep and unplug what makes sense. For everyday life, focus on the eight categories above.

Conclusion: unplug the risky stuff, tame the rest

You don’t need to unplug your entire house to make a real difference. Start with the appliances that combine heat, high wattage, or chargingthen tackle energy vampires using switched or smart power strips. Your future self will thank you… preferably while not smelling “mystery toast smoke.”

Real-world experiences and lessons (the “I learned this the hard way” section)

Here’s the thing about unplugging advice: it sounds boring until the moment it becomes extremely interesting. Not “front-row concert” interesting. More like “why is the kitchen glowing?” interesting. These are the kinds of scenarios homeowners routinely describe to electricians, insurers, and friends who came over “just to help” and ended up holding a flashlight.

The toaster that turned into a smoke machine

A common story: someone makes toast, rushes out, and leaves the toaster plugged in. Later, a power flicker hits (or the lever gets bumped), and a crumb-packed toaster starts smoking. It doesn’t even need to burst into flames to cause damagesmoke can travel, alarms can go off, and suddenly your day is “airing out the house” instead of “living your life.” The fix is so unglamorous it’s almost funny: empty the crumb tray regularly and unplug after use. That’s it. No heroics required.

The curling iron panic spiral

Another classic: you’re halfway to your destination and your brain serves up a fresh horror film titled Did I Unplug the Curling Iron? Even if it has auto shut-off, most people don’t trust it with their peace of mind. The best trick isn’t anxietyit’s a system. Put hair tools on a “cool-down spot” on the counter. The tool does not leave that spot unless it’s unplugged. If the spot is empty, you already know it’s unplugged. Your brain stops running unscheduled safety simulations.

The space heater that “worked fine last winter”

Space heaters often feel safe because they’ve never caused a problem before. But cords get pinched. Outlets get loose. People plug them into power strips for convenience. Then one day the strip is warm, the plug looks discolored, or the heater keeps tripping a breaker. That’s not the universe being dramaticthat’s an early warning. The practical experience-based rule is: wall outlet only, clear space around it, and unplug when you’re not actively using it. If you must heat a room, consider improving insulation, sealing drafts, or using the home’s primary heating system more efficiently rather than relying on a portable high-watt device all day.

The “harmless” charger that wasn’t

Chargers are the sneaky ones. People leave them plugged in forever because it seems harmless. But households often report chargers that run hot, cables that fray near the connector, or cheap knockoff bricks that feel unusually warm. A simple habit helps: charge on hard surfaces, don’t charge under pillows or on beds, and unplug when you’re done. If your charger ever smells odd, crackles, or shows heat damage, replace it immediatelyno “let’s see if it happens again” experiments.

The entertainment center that silently charges your electric bill

TVs, streaming boxes, game consoles, speakersthese are designed to wake fast and stay connected. People are often surprised by how much “off-but-not-off” behavior exists. The real-world fix is delightfully lazy: plug the whole setup into a surge-protected strip (or a smart strip), then flip one switch when you’re done for the night. It’s the closest thing to a magic wand you can buy at a hardware store.

A simple end-of-day unplug checklist that actually sticks

• Kitchen sweep: toaster/toaster oven, air fryer, coffee maker, kettle.
• Bathroom sweep: hot tools and hair dryer.
• Charging sweep: unplug chargers that aren’t actively charging.
• Comfort sweep: space heater unplugged and put away when not needed.
• Lazy win: entertainment center off via one switched power strip.

The goal isn’t perfection; it’s reducing the biggest avoidable risks with small, repeatable habits. Unplug the heat stuff. Unplug the charging stuff. Put the standby stuff on a switch. Then go enjoy your lifepreferably without a surprise smell of “electrical mystery.”