Small appliance

Small appliance

Small appliance refers to a class of home appliances that are portable or semi-portable or which are used on tabletops, countertops, or other platforms. Such items are contrasted with major appliances, which are typically fixtures that cannot be easily moved. All appliances are intended to perform, enable, or assist in performing a job or changing a status, such as the humidity of a room. In this way, they can be differentiated from other portable electrical items that provide only entertainment. Some items not typically considered appliances, such as lamps, can be used as appliances if they are used to cook or warm food.

Many small appliances are powered by electricity. The appliance may use a permanently attached cord which is plugged into a wall outlet or a detachable cord. The appliance may have a cord storage feature. A few hand-held appliances use batteries, which may be disposable or rechargeable. Some appliances consist of an electrical motor upon which is mounted various attachments so as to constitute several individual appliances, such as a blender, a food processor, or a juicer. Many stand mixers, while functioning primarily as a mixer, have attachments which can perform additional functions.

A few gas-powered appliances exist for use in situations where electricity is not expected to be available, but these are typically larger and not as portable as most small appliances. Items that perform the same function as small appliances but are hand powered are generally referred to as tools or gadgets, for example a hand-powered meat grinder.

Some small appliances perform the same or similar function as their larger counterparts. For example, a toaster oven is a small appliance that performs a similar function as an oven. Small appliances often have a home version and a commercial version. The commercial, or industrial, version is designed to be used nearly continuously in a restaurant or other similar setting. Commercial appliances are typically connected to a more powerful electrical outlet, are larger and stronger, have more user-serviceable parts, and cost significantly more.

Small appliances can be very inexpensive, such as a basic can opener or coffee maker which may cost only a few U.S. dollars, or very expensive, such as an elaborate espresso maker, which may cost several thousand U.S. dollars. Most homes contain several cheaper home appliances, with perhaps a few more expensive appliances, such as a high-end microwave oven or mixer.

Small appliances which are defective or improperly used or maintained may cause house fires and other property damage, or may harbor bacteria if not properly cleaned. It is important that users read the instructions carefully and that appliances that use a grounded cord be attached to a grounded outlet. Because of the risk of fire, some appliances have a short detachable cord that is connected to the appliance magnetically. If the appliance is moved further than the cord length from the wall, the cord will detach from the appliance.

Kitchen appliances

See also

*Appliance
*Domestic technology
*Electronics
*Major appliance
*Standby power

References


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу

Look at other dictionaries:

  • small appliance with big possibilities — the small accessory with many uses, something that is multi functional …   English contemporary dictionary

  • Appliance — may refer to a device with a narrow function:* Home appliance, household machines, using electricity or some other energy input. ** Small appliances ** Major appliances * In medicine and dentistry, custom fitted appliances to an individual for… …   Wikipedia

  • Appliance plug — An appliance plug [an example of this connector Clipsal part number 464] is a three conductor power connector originally developed for electric jugs and similar small appliances. It was common in the United Kingdom,New Zealand and Australia.It… …   Wikipedia

  • Appliance UTM FAST360 — Une appliance UTM FAST360, solution éditée par la société Arkoon Network Security, est un boitier multifonctions pour la protection des systèmes d information des entreprises. Ces appliances intègrent des services de sécurité (firewall applicatif …   Wikipédia en Français

  • appliance — A device used to improve function of a part, or for therapeutic purposes. [fr, O. Fr. aplier, to apply, fr. L. applico, to fold together] craniofacial a. a device used to immobilize and/or reduce mandibular or midfacial fractures. SEE ALSO …   Medical dictionary

  • appliance garage — n. A built in kitchen countertop unit that hides, yet also gives easy access to, small appliances such as a toaster, blender, and food processor. Example Citation: The appliance garage, with its roll top and quick access to plugged in and ready… …   New words

  • appliance garage — a kitchen compartment or cabinet designed for housing frequently used small electric appliances. [1985 90] * * * appliance garage, U.S. a kitchen cabinet designed to hold appliances such as food processors and toasters …   Useful english dictionary

  • appliance garage — a kitchen compartment or cabinet designed for housing frequently used small electric appliances. [1985 90] * * * …   Universalium

  • Iron (appliance) — An iron is a small appliance used in ironing to remove wrinkles from fabric.FeaturesModern irons for home use can feature the following: * A method for setting the iron down, usually standing on its end, without the hot soleplate touching… …   Wikipedia

  • Home appliance — Numerous appliances are found in the kitchen. Industry Food Beverages, Health Care Fuel Source Typically electric Powered Yes …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”