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Asmall domestic appliance, also known as asmall electric appliance orminor appliance or simply asmall appliance,small domestic orsmall electric,[1] is a portable or semi-portable machine, generally used ontable-tops,counter-tops or other platforms, to accomplish ahousehold task. Examples includemicrowave ovens,kettles,toasters,humidifiers,food processors andcoffeemakers. They contrast withmajor appliances (known as "white goods" in the UK), such as therefrigerators andwashing machines, which cannot be easily moved and are generally placed on the floor. Small appliances also contrast withconsumer electronics (British "brown goods") which are for leisure andentertainment rather than purely practical tasks.[2]
Some small appliances perform the same or similar function as their larger counterparts. For example, atoaster oven is a small appliance that performs a similar function as anoven. Small appliances often have a home version and a commercial version, for examplewaffle irons,food processors, andblenders are smallhousehold appliances. A food processor will perform the tasks of chopper, slicer, mixer as well as juicer. Instead of buying multiple small appliances, you can buy a single food processor. 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. These commercial versions are capable of performing heavy tasks in one go.
Small appliances include those used for :
Many small appliances perform a combination of the above processes such as mixing, heating by abread machine
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Small appliances can be very inexpensive, such as an electriccan opener,hot pot,toaster, or coffee maker which may cost only a few U.S. dollars, or very expensive, such as an elaborateespresso maker, which may cost several thousand U.S. dollars. Most homes indeveloped economies contain several cheaperhome appliances, with perhaps a few more expensive appliances, such as a high-end microwave oven ormixer. A small appliances like chopper,juicer, grinder and mixer may cost you few dollars. Instead of buying separate units thefood processor will be less expensive. Sometime these kind of smart appliances saves money as well as the space.
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Many small appliances are powered byelectricity. The appliance may use a permanently attached cord that is plugged into awall outlet or a detachable cord. The appliance may have a cord storage feature. A few hand-held appliances usebatteries, which may be disposable or rechargeable. Some appliances consist of anelectrical motor upon which is mounted various attachments so as to constitute several individual appliances, such as a blender, a food processor, or ajuicer. Manystand mixers, while functioning primarily as a mixer, have attachments that can perform additional functions.
A fewgasoline andgas-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 astools orgadgets, for example ahand cranked egg beater, agrater, amandoline, or a hand-poweredmeat grinder.
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Small appliances which are defective or improperly used or maintained may causehouse fires and other property damage, or may harborbacteria if not properlycleaned. It is important that users read the instructions carefully and that appliances that use agrounded cord be attached to a groundedoutlet. Because of the risk of fire, some appliances have a short detachable cord that is connected to the appliancemagnetically. If the appliance is moved further than the cord length from the wall, the cord will detach from the appliance.
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Designations and regulations of "small appliances" vary by country and are not simply determined by physical sizes. For instance, United StatesEnvironmental Protection Agency regulations mandate that small appliances must meet two standards:[3][4]
The designations and regulations of "small appliances" are very important in order to assure the safety of the public. Here are some rules and regulations for small appliances:[5]