If you love a warm sandwich, chances are you have a panini press in your kitchen. But are you aware of the risks that come with these types of gadgets? Read on for our helpful safety tips!
Panini Press Safety
Safety First
- When buying a new panini press, always buy from a reputable dealer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Always register a new panini press 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 use an RCD 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 panini press off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
- Never leave the panini press unattended when in use.
- Make sure there is space between the back of the panini press and the wall – some models have exposed areas at the back.
- Don’t use oven gloves to operate the panini press, as this increases the risk of an accident.
- Ideally choose a model that locks the lid in the closed position, to prevent injury.
- Always turn off the panini press at the socket when not in use.