Major appliance facts for kids

An air conditioner, a common major appliance.

A major appliance is a big machine used in homes to help with everyday jobs. Think of things like cooking, washing clothes, or keeping food fresh. These appliances are different from things like sinks or toilets because they need electricity or fuel to work. They are also called domestic appliances.

Major appliances are usually much bigger than small appliances, like a toaster or a blender, and you can't easily move them around. They often need special connections for electricity, gas, or water, and sometimes even special vents. This means they usually stay in one place in your home.

Many major appliances used to be made of metal with a shiny, white coating. This is why they are sometimes called white goods, especially in places like the United Kingdom. This term helps tell them apart from "brown goods," which usually means electronic items like TVs or radios. In New Zealand, people might call them "whiteware."

Because these big machines use a lot of energy, many countries have programs to make them more energy efficient. This means they are designed to use less electricity or gas, which helps save money and the environment.

Who Makes These Appliances?

A modern gas stove, used for cooking.

When electricity first became common, many major appliances were made by the same companies that provided electricity to homes. Today, while some old brand names are still around, many major appliances are made by companies that specialize in making specific types of appliances.

Types of Major Appliances

A modern front-loading washing machine.

A drying cabinet, used for drying clothes.

Major appliances help us with many different tasks around the house. Here are some main types:

• Keeping Food Cold
  • Refrigerator: This keeps your food and drinks cold so they don't spoil quickly.
  • Freezer: This keeps food frozen for a long time.
• Cooking Food
  • Cooker: Also known as a range, stove, or oven, this is used to cook your meals. It can have burners on top and an oven below.
• Washing and Drying Things
  • Washing machine: This machine washes your clothes, towels, and other fabrics.
  • Clothes dryer: After washing, this machine dries your clothes using heat and air.
  • Dishwasher: This machine washes and rinses your dishes, glasses, and cutlery.
• Heating and Cooling Your Home
  • Air conditioner: This machine cools the air in your home, especially useful in hot weather.

Images for kids

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  A selection of major appliances in a store.