Separate the Cord from the Device

Notice how your printer's power cable can be detached from the printer. 

Notice that you can remove the power cable from your computer — be it a laptop or a desktop or a tower.

Why shouldn't this same modular principle be applied across the board to everything electrical?

Why should I have to fuss and fool around with keeping the cord out of my way when I clean my microwave or toaster oven?

For that matter, coffee bean grinders and kitchen mixers etc.

Why should I have to reach behind all the stuff on my kitchen counter to unplug these appliances when it would be so much easier to detach their power cables?

Not really sure Joe, but perhaps it has to do with, planned obsolescence... ;)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planned_obsolescence

They would get lost. And manufacturers would start sending the cord without the actual PLUG, as they do now with electronics, so you'd be playing hide and seek to find the cord AND a brick to connect to the outlet.

antares
FWIW I think you have a good idea, Joe. Yeah, it has inconveniences associated with it, but the current implementation has inconveniences, too. You pays your money, you takes your choice. If you have a choice.

The extra cost of an additional plug and socket is not negligible.
OTOH, I like being able to buy or make a very short or extra long power cord.

https://www.sunbeam.ca/en_CA/kitchen-appliances/sunbeam-1.7l-detachable-cord-electric-kettle-white/BVSBKT31CD-033.html#

Most appliances in Europe use IEC C7 cable, and the replacement cables are dirt cheap.