In many kitchens I have seen a short-time timer attached to the outlet where the coffee maker/percolator/water boiler is connected. I.e. to make coffee, they both need to start the coffee maker, and start the timer (which will be on for example 30min).
I understand the reason for this, which is to prevent fire which can be caused by letting for example the hotplate in the coffee maker run hot without anything on it, or the water boiler be on without any water in it.
However in most modern coffee makers/water boilers/percolators there is a built in timer. For example in my percolator, there is a built in timer and the percolator will automatically turn off after 15min. So is there still a good reason to use an external short-time timer (even if there is a built in one) or can this be considered to be over cautious?
I live in Sweden so the appliances I buy follow the EU regulations.
Best Answer
If the appliances have their own timers built in, then I don't think an additional in line timer adds significant safety or energy efficiency. And given that any device can malfunction, any additional device can introduce risk. If you already have a built-in timer, then most of the time I would keep it in the indefinite on position if the other appliances have their own timers.
My sister has an electric hot water kettle which boils one quart to two quarts of water quickly and then keeps it near boiling. This is an energy efficient method for producing boiling water, but is an extra appliance cluttering the kitchen counter top.
I boil water on the kitchen stove and set the timer to alert me at a preset time. Sometimes I forget the kettle on the stove with the result that a lot of water vapor and heat is added to the air in the room.