Heading away for a few days? Don’t let your fridge turn into a science experiment – we’ve put together the essential kitchen appliance checklist before you go on holiday.
Whether you’re jetting off for a weekend city break or a full-on two-week escape, preparing your home is just as important as packing your suitcase. Alongside locking the doors, you’ll want to make sure your kitchen is prepared for your absence, especially your appliances.
Not everything needs to stay switched on while you’re away. Turning off the right appliances can help cut energy use, reduce the risk of faults or fire, and even extend the lifespan of your tech.
Five appliances to turn off
Kettle
It might not use much energy, but your kettle can still draw standby power even when not in use. Switch it off at the wall to cut waste completely.
Toaster
Crumbs inside can become a fire hazard over time. Unplug, empty and give it a quick shake out before you leave.
Microwave
Unless you’re using it as a kitchen clock, there’s no reason to leave your microwave plugged in. Save energy and reduce any risk of electrical faults.
Air fryer
Air fryers have become a staple in many kitchens, but they’re best switched off and unplugged before you go away. Some models stay in standby mode or have digital displays that draw power unnecessarily. Make sure it’s cleaned out properly to avoid grease smells building up.
Oven or hob
While not strictly necessary, switching off electric ovens and hobs at the wall can be a smart precaution.
Appliances to leave on
Fridges and freezers – especially older models
Even if you’ve cleared them out before your holiday, switching these appliances off completely can do more harm than good. Aside from the obvious defrost mess, older fridge-freezers are more prone to failure when restarted, especially during hot weather. Common issues include:
- Compressor seizing up
- Thermostats sticking
- Capacitor or power supply failure
- Refrigerant leaks
And some units may simply not switch back on at all!
“Summer is the peak season for fridge breakdowns,” explains Andrew Wright, founder of Cookology. “They’re working overtime in hot weather and cutting the power could speed up any underlying issues.”
Wine coolers and mini fridges might be lower risk, but it’s still best to leave them running unless you’ve fully defrosted, cleaned and left the door ajar.
Wi-Fi router
You might not need it, but your security cameras and smart plugs might. Keeping your router on ensures any remote systems stay connected.
Taking a few minutes to prep your appliances and flick a few switches can make all the difference in coming home to a clean, safe and sweet-smelling home.
And don’t forget to take the bins out!
