Authorities have advised against using toasters in this way (Picture: London Fire Brigade / Grilled Cheese Social)

We didn’t think it needed saying, but the London Fire Brigade has advised people not to flip their toasters sideways and use them to make cheese on toast.

The warning was issued after a fire was reportedly caused by someone using their toaster in this manner in Croydon last week.

When firefighters arrived at the residence they reportedly found the bread completely burnt and the toaster on its side.

It’s painfully obvious but if you want cheese on toast use a grill not a toaster. Here's why http://t.co/XZSTujb6BK pic.twitter.com/rH70Gv1h84 — London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) April 4, 2014

‘Toasters are not designed to be put on their side and used to grill cheese on toast,’ said crew manager Nick Morley, who attended the scene. Not only does it generate heat onto the work surface as we saw at this incident but the dry left over crumbs from the bottom of the toaster can get onto the hot elements and ignite.




‘I never thought I’d have to give this advice as it’s painfully obvious but if you want cheese on toast use a grill not a toaster.’

Luckily no one was injured by the blaze, which was extinguished within ten minutes of firefighters arriving.

The above image originally appeared in its unedited form on the Grilled Cheese Social website