Traditional toasters, which are not "smart" or digitally controlled, do not have a built-in mechanism to detect whether they are plugged in or not. In such toasters, the toaster lever or knob controls the position of the toaster grates (where the bread is placed), and the user manually pushes the lever or presses the knob down to start toasting.
When the toaster is not plugged in, it won't heat up, and the toasting process will not occur even if the lever or knob is pushed down. However, the grates might stay down due to their mechanical design and the spring-loaded mechanism that keeps them in the down position. The purpose of this design is to make it easier for users to load the bread and prepare the toaster before plugging it in and starting the toasting process.
It is essential to ensure that the toaster is plugged in and powered on before using it to avoid the grates staying down without toasting the bread. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines when using any electrical appliance, including toasters. Additionally, newer models of toasters may come with more advanced safety features or smart technology, but the majority of traditional toasters do not have such features.