Many of us have used extension cords for added convenience. However, here’s the catch: some gadgets actually draw significantly more power than these cords can safely handle.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that extension cords cause around 3,300 fires each year, resulting in 50 deaths and 270 injuries. It’s a huge issue, all because we tend to use them far more than we should.
Extension cords are intended for temporary use, and prolonged use can pose serious risks, including electrical shocks or even fires. So, to avoid disaster, here’s a list of appliances you should never plug into an extension cord.
Refrigerators and freezers
Okay, let’s start with the big guys. Your refrigerator and freezer are working 24/7 to keep your food from turning into a science experiment. These appliances cycle on and off, and each time they activate, they draw a significant surge of power. An extension cord, even a heavy-duty one, can overheat under such high demand.
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), major appliances should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet. An overheated cord is a serious fire risk, and do you really want to gamble with the appliance that holds all your ice cream? I think not. Plugging it into the wall ensures it gets the consistent power it needs without risking a meltdown.
Microwaves
Microwaves are the unsung heroes of quick meals and reheating last night’s pizza. But all that convenience comes at a price: high power consumption. A typical microwave can use anywhere from 600 to 1,200 watts. That’s a lot of juice.
Plugging one into an extension cord is a recipe for disaster. The cord can’t handle the power draw, which can damage the cord and your microwave’s electronic components. I once saw a friend’s microwave acting all glitchy, and surprise, surprise, it was at the end of a flimsy-looking extension cord.
Simply provide it with a dedicated wall outlet.
Coffee makers
For many of us, it’s the most crucial appliance we own. However, that beautiful machine, which turns beans into liquid motivation, is surprisingly power-hungry, especially during its heating and brewing cycles. Many models draw around 1,500 watts.
An extension cord is just not built for that kind of sustained power draw. The risk of overheating is high, and you could permanently damage your beloved coffee machine. It’s worth rearranging your counter space to ensure it can plug directly into the wall.
Toasters
Who knew that a simple device for browning bread slices could be such an energy hog? Toasters work by using heating elements that become extremely hot, and this process requires a significant amount of electricity, typically around 1,200 watts. Ever notice the lights flicker when you push the lever down? Yep, that’s why.
That sudden, high-power demand is precisely what extension cords hate. The thin wires inside can easily overheat and become a fire hazard. This is a device that toasts things; you don’t want it to toast your electrical wiring, too. It’s a simple rule: if it’s designed to create intense heat, plug it directly into the wall.
Hair styling tools
Alright, let’s move to the bathroom. Which hair dryer, curling iron, or straightener do you use to look your best? They are massive power vampires. A hair dryer alone can pull up to 1,875 watts. That’s more than many kitchen appliances!
Plugging these into a standard extension cord is a big no-no. Not only is there the risk of overheating and fire, but you also have to worry about the cord being near water, which is a whole other level of danger. Most bathrooms have GFCI outlets for a reason—they’re designed to protect you from electrical shock. Use them. Don’t run an extension cord from the hallway just for a bit more mirror access.
Space heaters
Space heaters are designed to, well, heat a space, and they do that by drawing a significant amount of continuous power. They are one of the leading causes of house fires during winter, and improper use of extension cords is a huge contributor.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is clear on this: never plug a space heater into an extension cord or power strip. They can cause the cord to overheat and start a fire in minutes. If you must use one, ensure it’s plugged directly into a dedicated wall outlet and has sufficient clear space around it.
Seriously, don’t mess around with this one.
Slow cookers & pressure cookers
Slow cookers and pressure cookers are excellent for making delicious, low-effort meals. However, like other heating appliances, they draw a significant amount of power over an extended period. A slow cooker might be on for 8 hours straight. Think about what that does to an extension cord.
The constant electrical load can cause the cord to degrade and overheat, creating a fire risk while you’re at work or even asleep. The same applies to pressure cookers like the Instant Pot, which feature high-wattage heating phases. These cookers are designed to be safe, but only when used as directed.
And fyi, those directions always say to plug them directly into a wall outlet.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
I was in the grocery store the other day, and it hit me—I’m buying the exact same things I always do, but my bill just keeps getting higher. Like, I swear I just blinked, and suddenly eggs are a luxury item. What’s going on?
Inflation, supply-chain delays, and erratic weather conditions have modestly (or, let’s face it, dramatically) pushed the prices of staples ever higher. The USDA reports that food prices climbed an additional 2.9% year over year in May 2025—and that’s after the inflation storm of 2022–2023.
So, if you’ve got room in a pantry, freezer, or even a couple of extra shelves, now might be a good moment to stock up on these staple groceries—before the prices rise later.
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
We scoured the Internet to see what people had to say about gas station food. If you think the only things available are wrinkled hot dogs of indeterminate age and day-glow slushies, we’ve got great, tasty news for you. Whether it ends up being part of a regular routine or your only resource on a long car trip, we have the food info you need.
Let’s look at 6 gas stations that folks can’t get enough of and see what they have for you to eat.
