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Small Appliances, Big Tasks

The term small appliance is generally used for gadgets that are used in homes to accomplish strenuous tasks quickly. They are small in size often portable, or at least, easy to move from one place to another, and do not have to be fixed at one spot like washing machines, dishwashers etc. They run mostly on electricity, or are charged with it, are corded, or have a corded base and can be lifted easily from the base which powers them. The electrical motor is also small in size and consumes less electricity.

Many of these small appliances are smaller versions of a larger appliance. For instance a food processor is a bigger appliance that makes multiple chopping, shredding, cutting, mixing and blending chores simpler. But it comes with a number of attachments for every specific function. A more convenient option for a quick job of a similar nature but in a small quantity is accomplished by the mini chopper, which comes with a single blade and bowl. Similarly, the toaster oven is a handy small appliance that substitutes for the large oven in the cooking range. They are also much cheaper and therefore highly affordable for performing small kitchen functions while cooking. They help save time and make the cooking experience more enjoyable and less strenuous.

Small Appliances found in most kitchens

• Blender
• Can opener
• Mini chopper
• Toaster oven
• Kettle
• Coffee grinder
• Convection oven
• Bread slicer
• Steamer
• Waffle maker
• Juicer
• Microwave oven
• Rice cooker
• Slow cooker
• Sandwich toaster

However, small appliances are not confined to the kitchen alone. They are found all around the house to perform specific tasks or at least make them easier. The following list includes commonly used small appliances in homes.

Small Appliances beyond the kitchen

• Hair dryer
• Hair straightener or curling iron
• Electric shaver
• Blood pressure monitor
• Electric toothbrush
• Heating pad
• Digital clock radios
• Sewing machine
• Steam iron
• Room heaters
• Vacuum cleaner
• Cordless telephones

Advantages of small appliances
Each of these appliances accomplish a task that is either not possible with two hands or extremely strenuous and time consuming. Thus the advantages of small appliances include:

• Help to save time
• Minimize human effort
• Provide uniform results- for instance help to chop vegetables into even sized pieces, mince meat in a uniform manner and so on
• Facilitate tedious tasks
• Make household chores less tiring
• Easy to use and maintain
• Being inexpensive, they are easier to replace
• Cooking becomes more fun and less labor
• Help in spontaneous cooking adventures and do not require prior planning

Small appliances are popular all over the world, though the number found in every kitchen may vary. While connoisseurs of gourmet cuisines may insist that hand pounding, hand grinding etc yield more flavorful food, the prospect of undertaking the effort involved, does not appeal to most people. In the midst of busy schedules and little time, it is small appliances that help in completing all the tasks scheduled for the day without getting overly tired by the end of it.