Small kitchen appliances such as coffee makers, toasters, blenders and microwaves are essential for a modern kitchen. They make cooking and food preparation easier and faster. But when not in use, should small kitchen appliances be unplugged?
The short answer is yes. Although small kitchen appliances use very little electricity when not in use, leaving them plugged in can still increase your energy bill.
This is because these appliances are designed to draw a certain amount of power even when not in use – known as a ‘standby’ or ‘phantom’ load. To put it into perspective, if all the small kitchen appliances in your home were left plugged in all year round, it could add up to £50 or more to your energy bill.
Unplugging your small kitchen appliances also has other benefits such as keeping them safe from potential electrical faults or surges. It can also help to prolong their lifespan by reducing the strain on internal components caused by constant power supply.
Energy-Saving Tips
1. Make sure you switch off the appliance at the mains before unplugging it.
2. If possible, keep your small kitchen appliances plugged into a power strip so you can switch them off easily at the same time.
3. If you don’t need an appliance for extended periods of time (e.g., over the summer holidays), consider unplugging it for longer periods of time.
4. If you can afford it, buy energy-efficient models which use less electricity even when left on standby.
In conclusion, unplugging your small kitchen appliances when not in use is an easy way to reduce electricity consumption and save money on your bills while also protecting your appliances from potential electrical faults. Investing in energy-efficient models will also help reduce electricity usage even further without sacrificing convenience or performance.
Conclusion: Should Small Kitchen Appliances Be Unplugged When Not In Use?
Yes – Unplugging your small kitchen appliances when not in use is an easy way to save money on electricity bills while also protecting them from potential electrical faults and prolonging their lifespan. Investing in energy-efficient models will help reduce electricity usage even further without sacrificing convenience or performance.