Kitchenland cares about the safety of your family, home and personal belongings. Appliances make our lives easier, but also pose significant electrical and fire hazards if not used and maintained properly. Here’s a list of safety tips for some of the most common kitchen appliances.

Oven and Stove Tops
Cooking equipment is the leading cause of all home structure fires and fire injuries. Reduce your risk by following these safe cooking tips below.

• Never leave food unattended when cooking.
• Do not wear clothing with long, loose sleeves.
• Keep pot handles turned inward, so they don’t get knocked off the stove.
• Do not leave hot pads, oven mitts, towels, or other flammable items near the burners.
• Be sure the stovetop, burners and oven are free of flammable substances, such as grease.
• Do not spray aerosols over or near an open flame, nor leave it near the stove when cooking.
• Regularly inspect the oven’s electrical or gas connections for any signs of damage.

Microwave Ovens
Microwave ovens have become such an integral part of our daily lives that it’s easy to overlook the risks of this convenient cooker. If not properly maintained or used, they can be just as dangerous as traditional gas or electric ovens.

• Never stand in front of the microwave when it is in use.
• Never operate an empty microwave.
• Inspect your microwave door closes properly and shows no signs of damage.
• Be sure to clean the door, seals and inside the oven on a regular basis.
• Never put metal cookware or utensils inside the microwave as arcing will occur.
• Never operate a unit with a door that is bent, warped, or otherwise damaged in a way that prevents it from closing firmly.
• Keep the inside of the oven, the door, and all seals clean and free of debris.

Small Cooking Appliances
Small appliances, such as toasters and toaster ovens, offer the same level of risk as their larger cooking counterparts. Be careful when operating ALL kitchen appliances.

• Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using a toaster or toaster oven.
• Never leave a toaster unattended when in operation.
• Keep toaster and tray free of breadcrumbs and other flammable debris.
• Clean splattered grease from bottom and sides of toaster oven. Unplug unit first!
• Unplug your toaster when not in use.
• Regularly inspect electrical cords for cuts, frays or other signs of damage.

Dishwasher Safety
Home fires can be caused by non-cooking appliances as well. Most recently, a major appliance brand recalled approximately 1.3 million various dishwasher models as a result of an electrical malfunction within the heating element. Visit the CPSC website, www.SaferProducts.gov, to learn whether your dishwasher or any other household appliance can put your family at risk.