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Classic Toaster - Be Aware Safety AdviceUpdated 9 months ago

Key Safety Information

Every time you use your toaster, make sure you follow these instructions!

Unplug after use

The golden rule with appliances is to unplug when not in use. This is especially relevant to heat producing appliances such as toasters. Unplugging your toaster after use avoids any risk of fire caused by a faulty appliance or faulty electrics

Did you know that all toasters sold in Europe and North America regardless of brand, including all Dualit models, are classified as an ‘Attended Appliance’ by international approval bodies and the international safety standards which govern small electrical appliances including toasters? A toaster should not be left in operation without being supervised. Put simply, toasting bread is the process of applying heat to a combustible substance and therefore, care and attention must always be taken when using a toaster. This applies to any make or model of toaster.

Dualit has, since 2014, patented and put into production on our domestic and conveyor toasters a thermal protection device which will cause the toaster to shut off if it detects that it is overheating. We are the only toaster manufacturer to have such a device. However, this will not prevent unattended bread from burning. Toasters are perfectly safe to use as long as they are used in accordance with the instruction manual.


What not to toast


We don't recommend inserting a knife or any other object into your toaster, whether to clean it, remove a blockage or otherwise. Not only is there a good chance you will damage your toaster, but if switched on you also risk receiving a nasty electric shock!

There are many products advertised as being suitable for heating in toasters, but some we advise against using. Jam filled tarts, or anything with sugar coating should not be toasted. These ingredients can reach extremely high temperatures and risk starting a fire.


When not to use your toaster


Dualit's Classic Toasters are built to last, but over time wear and tear can occur. Be aware of any changes to how your toaster operates and its condition.

If your toaster shows any sign of damage, unplug and do not use. The types of damage to look out for may include:

  • 1) Damage to the power cord, such as splits or kinks
  • 2) Any visible cracks in the toaster body
  • 3) Dents in the body

If when turned on, you notice your toaster is omitting an odd smell, don't ignore it! Turn it off, unplug and give us a call. The same applies if your toaster is sparking when in use.

Is your timer slow, or sticking?

Never use your Classic Toaster if you notice that the timer is operating slowly or sticking. Unplug the toaster and contact Dualit to arrange a repair. The timer unit is a replaceable part and the process of replacing it is relatively simple, however we advise you not to use your toaster until it is repaired.

Remember: Toasters are an attended appliance and should not be left unattended during use and always switched off at the socket when not in use!


Where to keep your toaster

Toasters should always be situated in a ventilated area. Toasters are often situated under kitchen cupboards, however the build up of heat the toaster causes can get trapped and pose a potential fire risk. Dualit recommends that toasters shouldn't be kept under cupboards or shelves, or when in use, they should be placed away from the cupboard.

Of course we realise that toasters will be stored under cupboards in a large number of homes. If you do this please ensure that the product is NEVER PLUGGED IN in this situation. We do ask that the toaster is pulled forward away from the cupboard when used. A large proportion of the heat generated will go straight up and that is not good for your cupboards or any under cupboard light fittings. Also, if a fire were to occur, those flames will be in direct contact with your cupboards if the toaster were still positioned underneath.

Out of a cupboard

As well as under cupboards, it is not advisable to store your toaster in an appliance garage or pantry-style cupboard, especially when in use, for the same reasons.

Away from the sink

Don't keep your toaster too close to any source of liquid. If an electrical appliance comes into contact with water, it could cause an electric shock when touched. Dualit recommends that a toaster - or any electrical appliance - should be sited at least 1.5 metres away from the sink where possible.

Away from curtains

Make sure that there are no flammable materials, such as curtains or towels hanging near your toaster as they could easily catch alight.



How to clean your toaster safely

When it is time to give your Classic Toaster a clean, first make sure it is switched off and unplugged. If you have just been using your toaster, leave it to cool down before starting

  • Empty your crumb tray regularly - this is vital to avoid a risk of fire.
  • Don't use any chemicals or liquids to clean inside the toaster slots. We recommend using a soft brush to loosen any crumbs that are stuck so that they fall to the crumb tray.

  • To clean the die cast aluminium end castings, we recommend using just a damp cloth and then polish dry with a soft dry cloth.

  • To clean the central cover where the slots are, you could use a stainless steel cleaner. However be careful not to use this on the end castings as the chemicals could cause discolouration.


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