Electrical Safety Advice for Bread Makers/ Bread Makers Safety

Bread makers usage and safety

Electric bread makers are becoming more popular as they make it easy for anyone to bake their own fresh loaves. But as with any electrical device, they pose a risk if used incorrectly.

There are various types of bread maker catering for different needs and preferences. Some models make several types of bread, pizza dough, even jam and yoghurt. Basic ones typically have a few pre-set programs for white, wholewheat, and simple dough.

Gluten-free bread makers adjust the settings to accommodate gluten-free flour, and artisan makers come with functions to create sourdough or rustic loaves, settings for longer fermentation, and temperature controls.

Key points

Bread makers must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse.

Only clean your bread maker when it is unplugged.

Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn and scorch marks.

Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them.

Buying a bread maker

Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the appliance may not have passed all the necessary safety checks. Make sure it is fitted with a standard UK 3-pin plug and fuse.
You will find lots of online reviews of bread makers but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers.
Key safety features can include a cool-touch exterior (bread makers generate high heat during baking), a secure lid with a viewing window to check the bread is rising, overheat protection to automatically stop the bread maker if the temperature rises beyond a safe limit, a non-slip base, automatic shut-off when the baking is completed, and a vent to release built-up steam during baking.
Some also come with a child lock which disables the controls during operation, preventing accidental changes to the settings or starting the machine unintentionally, and retractable cable or storage compartments to keep the cable out of the way.
Register your appliance so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall of your product. It’s also much easier to return a faulty item or order a repair if it’s registered.

Using a bread maker safely

Don’t overfill with mixture as it could overflow when baking, and don’t cover your bread maker while you are using it.
Make sure there is plenty of space between the bread maker and the wall or other appliances.
Make sure the cable doesn’t hang over the edge of the counter or come into contact with hot surfaces.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on using and cleaning it.
Never place the bread maker in water or any other liquid. For a basic clean, unplug and wipe it down.
Even with a cool-touch exterior, the bread maker may be hot when in use and immediately after. Don’t touch it until it's fully cool and keep away from children and pets.
Unplug the bread maker when not in use.
If you notice any odd smells or any sparking, or any cracks or damage, unplug the bread maker immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.
Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
Register your appliance with the manufacturer.
Place it away from the wall and other appliances.

AVOID

Buying from third-party sellers online.
Overfilling with dough mixture.
Touching the bread maker while in use as it could be hot.
Placing the bread maker in water or any other liquid.
Using the appliance if you notice any damage or sparks.

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician.

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

When does a periodic inspection need to be carried out?

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

3 years for a caravan
1 year for a swimming pool

Who should carry out a periodic inspection?

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

My electrician told me that they were registered; however I now believe that they are not, as they have not given me a certificate. What should I do?

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Additional info

Bread makers use bottom paddles to mix and knead dough, then heat the pan for rising. After repeating these steps, the bread bakes. The process usually takes about 2-4 hours.

Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

Check your appliances

Bread makers