Child Safety Features in Appliances

Introducing children into a household can bring with it happiness and fulfillment. Regrettably, appliances we take for granted can present the prospects for accidents to an unassuming child. The home abounds with hazards that may cause innumerable mishaps. To this end, manufacturers have made substantial strides ensuring the conveniences they afford do not come with the added liability of child endangerment.

Button Locks

One of the things children find appealing on most appliances such as kitchen ranges and laundry equipment are buttons. They just can't seem to resist the tactile feedback provided when pushing them. Added to this is a child's insatiable desire to imitate. When they see a parent doing something, they want to do the same. This can invariably pose a threat of fire if settings are inadvertently changed. Many manufacturers have added button locks. These will disable buttons from functioning in case they are operated by an unattended child.

Door Locking Mechanisms

Children love to pull open and push shut doors. In appliances that can get dangerously hot like ovens and dryers, this poses the obvious danger of burns. Moreover, due to their small stature, a child can wriggle into tight spots adults might not even consider. In these cases, simplicity is the best solution. Virtually all appliances with doors that may be pulled open from the front employ some sort of locking device to prevent excessively easy access. Furthermore, some appliances will not allow the user to open them until it is at a safe temperature.

Insulated Oven Doors

Though the inside of an oven might be rendered inaccessible by a lock, the exteriors of some might still become injuriously hot without any visible indication. Think of an oven set to broil at 500℉ shielded by only a highly conductive steel door and one pane of glass. Drop into this scenario a stumbling, unmindful toddler, and you have a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, this has been considered and many manufacturers have incorporated double-glazed window panes and quadruple doors to maintain an external temperature of no more than 140℉. You'll want to check your oven's specifications to safeguard your child's wellbeing.

Induction Cooktops

One of the more recent innovations in cooking technology is the induction cooktop. This process uses magnetic induction as a heating source rather than an open flame or an exposed electric element. The cooking surface does not act as the heat source but induces the cooking vessel to heat its contents. Induction's practical usage has proponents and detractors for a multitude of reasons we don't need to discuss. What can't be argued, though, is its preeminent safety in comparison to other options. Since the surface of the cooktop itself sustains a much cooler relative temperature, the peril to a curious climbing child is minimized.

When considering appliances with child protection in mind, be sure to carefully review model specifications. Always having the best interests of you and those you care about at heart, Appliances Connection's online listings will indicate as to whether the aforementioned safety features are included in appliances sold. Let's face it. The realities of life preclude complete and absolute safety. The hallmarks of childhood include occasional scrapes and bruises. However, choosing the right appliances with mitigating safety features will help you do your level best to avert anything too catastrophic.