Small appliance facts for kids
A small appliance is a handy machine that helps with tasks around your home. You can easily move these machines, and they usually sit on tables or kitchen counters. Think of things like microwave ovens, toasters, and coffeemakers.
Small appliances are different from bigger machines like refrigerators or washing machines. Those big ones are called major appliances and are too heavy to move easily. Small appliances are also different from consumer electronics like TVs, which are mostly for fun and entertainment.
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What Small Appliances Do
Some small appliances do similar jobs to their larger cousins. For example, a toaster oven is a small appliance that works a bit like a big oven. Many small appliances have versions for homes and stronger ones for businesses. Good examples are waffle irons, food processors, and blenders.
Types of Small Appliances
Small appliances can help with many different tasks:
- Cooking: Like using a hot plate or a microwave oven.
- Heating: Such as an electric heater to warm a room.
- Cooling: Like a fan to keep you cool.
- Lighting: Using small light fixtures.
- Making Drinks: Such as electric kettles, coffeemakers, or iced tea-makers.
How Small Appliances Get Power
Most small appliances use electricity. They often have a cord that plugs into a wall outlet. Some have cords you can remove, or a place to store the cord. A few small, hand-held appliances use batteries, which can be thrown away or recharged.
Some appliances have one motor that you can attach different parts to. This lets them work as a blender, a food processor, or a juicer. Many stand mixers can also do other jobs with special attachments.
A few appliances use gasoline or gas instead of electricity. These are usually bigger and less portable. Items that do similar jobs but are powered by hand are often called tools or gadgets. Examples include a hand-cranked egg beater or a grater.
Keeping Small Appliances Safe
It's important to use and care for small appliances correctly. If they are broken or not used properly, they can cause house fires or other damage. They can also collect bacteria if not cleaned well.
Always read the instructions carefully before using an appliance. If an appliance has a special cord with a "ground" pin, make sure to plug it into a matching outlet. Some appliances have a short cord that attaches with magnets. This cord will pop off if the appliance is pulled too far from the wall, which helps prevent accidents.
