Toast is a popular and easy breakfast food enjoyed by both kids and adults, with a variety of toppings available to enhance its flavor. However, storage can become problematic when space is limited.
Yes and no, it is possible to put a toaster on a shelf for storage purposes, but when using it, the toaster should be placed on a clear counter free of any obstructions and then returned to its original place on the shelf after it has cooled down.
While it is generally safe to store a toaster on a shelf, using it on the same shelf can pose some hazards. This is because the exterior of the appliance can become hot in addition to the interior, which increases the risk of fire if it overheats and comes into contact with flammable materials like paper or plastic.
Is a Toaster Safe To Use on a Wooden Table?
If the wooden table is free of flammable objects, it should be safe to place a toaster on it. The sides of the toaster tend to get hotter than its bottom, which reduces the risk of a fire starting. However, this only applies if the toaster’s feet are absent since they help with air circulation and keep the bottom cooler.
Typically, wooden tables found in kitchens or dining areas are safe for cooking, including butcher block or unfinished ones if maintained properly; however, there may be exceptions which will be discussed in the following section. In general, using a toaster on these tables is safe because of the rubber feet commonly attached to the appliance’s base.
Truthfully, a temperature of 450F is usually required for wood to ignite, and the exterior of a toaster cannot reach that level of heat. Although caution should be exercised when handling a toaster during or shortly after use as it may cause burns to the skin.
Although human skin can be harmed at 160F, this temperature is only one-third of what is required to initiate a fire.
If you are worried about the possibility of your table catching fire, a solution is to utilize a ceramic tile or mat to position the toaster on while in use. Ceramic is resistant to fire and commonly functions as an insulator, which would safeguard the wood from any potential heat harm.
When is it Not Safe to Use on a Wooden Table?
Here, I would like to discuss situations where it is not recommended to use a toaster on a wooden table.
Clutter: In case your table is disorganized, particularly with numerous combustible materials such as paper, plastic, and fabric, there is a possibility of these materials coming into contact with the side of the toaster during or after operation, which can result in heat-related damage or even a fire.
Chemicals present: Some chemicals found in the kitchen can easily ignite with a small amount of heat, including certain cleaners and butane from cooking torches. Additionally, some medical supplies may also be flammable.
Unfinished tables: There are situations where we might utilize an item as a table that was not initially designed for that function, such as incomplete or self-made tables. Although the danger of getting splinters from an unfinished table is apparent, there is also a possibility that some types of wood may ignite more easily and burn at a faster rate than others.
Toaster Operation Safety Precautions
It is recommended to consider several factors when using a toaster, some of which may be familiar while others may not, therefore it is advisable to read through all of them.
Toasters that are newly purchased usually come with an instructional manual which includes operation guidelines (with thicker booklets for more expensive models) and a section on precautions that should be followed to minimize the risk of harm to the user.
Although pricier toasters and toaster ovens offer additional features beyond a simple plunger and dial, such as digital timers, even the most basic models come with instructions – even if it’s just one page – that include safety precautions that should be followed.
Moisture is not a friend
Toasters should not be placed near any water source as it can lead to the risk of electrical shock. Although it is common knowledge not to use a toaster while bathing, it is also important to avoid using it near a sink or any other water source since water is an excellent conductor of electricity.
If you have limited counter space or live in a smaller area, using a toaster on a wooden table can be a safer option than using it on a counter, as it helps to avoid any potential hazards that may arise from placing it near a sink.
Teach your kids
Although many individuals have been using a toaster without any issues since their early years, it is not an innate skill. Toasters can serve as excellent introductory devices for kids to learn how to cook, but they must be instructed on how to operate them securely. Neglecting this crucial step is unwise because it is necessary to teach basic safety measures, especially when handling electrical appliances.
It can be a source of happiness for children to feel like they are helping with family meals, even if it’s just by making toast, but it’s important that they do so safely. Teaching your kids about safe operation at a young age can prevent visits to the Emergency Room in the future.
Fire extinguishers
Having a toaster in the kitchen is essential, and it’s important to have a Class C or CO2 extinguisher on hand in case of any electrical fires that may occur. Even if the fire is not caused by electricity, there is still an electrical component that should not be overlooked.
Merely possessing a fire extinguisher is insufficient; it is imperative that you and your family members are educated on its proper usage. If a child has reached an age where they can begin to cook, they should also be taught about fire safety.
What You Stick Inside
Generally, it is advisable to avoid inserting anything except food items like bread or bagels into the slots of a toaster due to the possibility of electric shock, particularly with metallic objects. If you encounter difficulty in removing something from the toaster, you can either raise the plunger or use potholders to flip it over.
You can also check this video about “Can You Put a Toaster on a Shelf?”
