The trope of throwing a toaster into a bathtub is often used in fiction for comedic or dramatic effect, and it has become a popular and recognizable cliché over time. There are several reasons why the toaster is commonly used in this trope:
Widespread Household Appliance: Toasters are a common household item found in many homes, making them easily recognizable to a wide audience. People are more likely to have seen or used a toaster than some other specific appliance like a panini press or waffle maker.
Electrical Hazard: The main reason for using a toaster specifically is its association with electricity. Toaster accidents involving electrocution are a well-known danger. The sight of an electrical appliance falling into water emphasizes the immediate and potentially lethal danger, which adds tension and drama to the scene.
Shape and Size: Toaster's compact and rectangular shape make it visually distinctive and easier to handle in a scene. It can be thrown or dropped into a bathtub with relative ease for filming purposes, compared to larger or more irregularly shaped appliances.
Cultural and Historical References: The trope may have its roots in real-life incidents or urban legends of electrical accidents involving toasters and bathtubs. These stories might have contributed to its prevalence in popular media.
Satire and Parody: Over time, the trope has been used in various comedic and satirical contexts. It has become a way to poke fun at dramatic situations or mock clichés in storytelling. Its repetitive use in different contexts reinforces its comedic effect.
As for other appliances like panini presses or waffle makers, they lack the same level of universal recognition and association with electrical hazards. While it's possible to create similar scenarios with different appliances, the toaster-in-the-bathtub trope has become so ingrained in pop culture that it continues to be used and referenced more frequently than others. Ultimately, it's a combination of recognizability, real-life associations, and comedic/dramatic potential that has made the toaster-in-the-bathtub trope so enduring.