Mini Ovens

If you don’t have much space to spare, a mini oven is a great alternative to a conventional oven. Read on to find out how to avoid common safety risks.

Mini Oven Safety

Safety First

  • When buying a new mini oven, always buy from a reputable dealer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Always register a new mini oven 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 Product Recalls checker to find out if any of your electrical items have been recalled.
  • 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 mini oven off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
  • Make sure to leave enough space between the mini oven and the walls to prevent overheating.
  • A model with an automatic shut-off will save your food, and potentially your home, from burning.
  • Some parts of the mini oven may be dishwasher safe, while others may not. This should be explained in the instruction manual.
  • Keep the mini oven away from the sink or anywhere it can come into contact with water.
  • Don’t leave it on the edge of the counter – it could get knocked off.
  • Always turn off the mini oven at the socket when not in use.