Bread Makers

Everyone loves the smell and taste of freshly baked bread, and electric bread makers have made it easy for anyone to bake their own loaves. But like any electrical device, they come with safety risks. Read on to find out how to use your bread maker safely.

Bread Maker Safety

Safety First

  • When buying a new bread maker, always buy from a reputable dealer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Always register a new bread maker with the manufacturer. That way you can be contacted easily if a safety notice or recall is required. While the chances of a faulty product causing serious damage are small, the risk is still there and returning a faulty product or ordering its repair is very easy to do. To register all your appliances, regardless of age, visit our Product Registration page.
  • Use our free online checker to see if you have any recalled electrical items.
  • Check that your appliance has a UK plug, but if it doesn’t, do not use a UK travel adaptor - get in touch with the retailer and ask for their advice.
  • Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn marks, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) or if it feels too hot to touch. If you have fuses blowing or circuit-breakers tripping then contact a registered electrician to investigate.
  • Ensure your home is fully protected by an RCD (residual current device), which can be found in your fuse box (also known as a consumer unit).  An RCD is a life-saving device that protects against dangerous electric shock and reduces the risk of electrical fires.
  • If you don’t have RCD protection in your fuse box for your sockets, consider installing an RCD socket or plug to protect you and your property from serious appliance faults.
  • Sometimes, appliance fires are caused by something beyond your control. Smoke alarms and heat detectors are essential in keeping you safe by raising the alarm in the event of a fire. There should be a minimum of one alarm/detector per floor and fit enough to cover all areas where a fire could start, and make sure they are tested regularly.
  • If a fire does start, don't try to fight the fire. Get out and call 999 immediately.

Safe Use

  • If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, switch the bread maker off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
  • Make sure the cord doesn’t hang over the edge of the counter, or come into contact with any hot surfaces.
  • Don’t immerse your bread maker in water – to clean it, simply unplug and wipe it down.
  • The bread maker will be hot when in use and immediately after. Do not touch it, and keep away from children and pets.
  • Don’t overfill, otherwise it could overflow.
  • Do not cover your bread maker while you are using it.
  • Make sure there is space between the bread maker and the wall or other items.
  • Always turn off the bread maker at the socket when not in use.