NO. Here's the clue: It has exposed wires inside those slots that heat up to become red-hot. It takes a lot of current to fire up those wires, which can easily overload a power strip. So, no, do not plug your toaster into an extension cord or power strip. Ditto for your toaster oven.
You really shouldn't be using any type of power strip for high wattage appliances. Toaster ovens, blenders, and coffee makers all fall into the high wattage category.
A mini fridge or small appliances like rice cooker or kettle should be fine on a surge protector. A full size appliance like an oven, stove or residential refrigerator should not be on a surge protector.
You can use a surge protector on a refrigerator, but you can not use a GFCI outlet. The surge protector won't have any negative affects, but do make sure it can handle up to 15 amps. This is always a good item to use to prevent the electronics in the refrigerator from shorting out.
The devices and appliances you want to make sure you plug in, are the expensive ones with microprocessors into your surge protector. This includes TVs, refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, AC units, PCs, laptops, game systems, and phones.
In other words, to find out how many things you can plug into a power strip that's plugged into a single outlet, look at the power rating for each device and add them up. If the total is equal to or less than 1,500 watts, it should be OK to plug in all those devices.
Most household extension cords are rated for 7-10 amperes (amps). Toasters and irons often draw considerably more current, 10-12 amps. Since most household circuits are fused to “blow” or “trip” at 20 amps, they won't trip even though the appliance is drawing more current than the cord should have put through it.
However, you must remember that there are specific electrical requirements for a mini-fridge. You can't just plug it into a power strip, for example. The outlet that you plan to use must be able to handle the electrical needs of your mini-fridge.
When a toaster or toaster oven goes faulty there can be other problems that occur within the electrical system. If there is not a fuse in the plug such is the case with UK appliances then the circuit breaker or GFCI breaker is likely to trip first.
Replace any surge protector that shows visible signs of damage. Every Three to Five Years: Surge protectors don't have an infinite lifespan. Over time, the internal components that absorb excess electricity can wear out, especially after multiple minor surges that you might not even notice.
According to electricians, electrical devices that have a heating element, such as space heaters, air fryers and microwaves, should never be plugged into extension cords or power strips.
Toasters heat up using exposed wires that require a great deal of electrical current. A power strip can easily be overloaded by the juice needed for this. Any toaster or toaster oven should be plugged into its own outlet.
Protecting your appliances: When power returns, there will be a surge of electrical energy that could damage sensitive equipment like computers, TVs, or VCRs. Unplugging them one by one, while leaving one light on, will let you know electricity has been restored.
A power strip gives you the ability to plug multiple devices into a single wall outlet. A surge protector is a type of power strip which is specifically designed to withstand a power surge and keep your electronics safe.
Appliances that use high wattage, such as air conditioners, space heaters, and toasters can draw more power than the strip can provide, causing the power strip to overheat and creating a fire hazard.
If you're a renter or on a tight budget, plug-in surge protectors are your best option for expensive or essential appliances like TVs, computers, gaming systems, phone chargers, routers, modems and medical equipment.
Kitchen Appliances
The kitchen has many electrical appliances, and as such, you may be tempted to consolidate their power sources into a few power strips. However, most kitchen appliances require too much energy to be plugged into a strip safely.
Unplug Your Appliances for Safety
Leaving appliances plugged in increases the risk of fires. Consumer Reports studies show that about half of appliance-related fires are due to issues with the appliances themselves. Often, this happens when an appliance has been recalled, but the owner isn't aware of the recall.
Washers must be plugged directly into a properly grounded 3-prong wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or plug the unit into a surge protector or multi-outlet adaptor. Consult your Owner's Manual and/or Installation Instructions for the electrical requirements for your model.
Extension cords can overheat and cause fires when used improperly. Overheating is usually caused by overloading or connecting appliances that consume more watts than the cord can handle. Damaged extension cords can also cause fires. Extension cords should only be used temporarily.
It is recommended to only use one power strip/surge protector per outlet. This will reduce the risk of overloading a circuit breaker.
Some large appliances you should not plug into power strips include: Air compressors. Portable air conditioners and space heaters. Refrigerators and freezers.
Many surge protectors have built-in circuit breakers that will trip if the current draw of equipment plugged into it exceeds the capacity of the surge protector.