In this modern-day and busy world we’re living, every household relies on any help and the convenience that an electric appliance could provide. Please allow me to walk you through what is small domestic appliances are and what benefit does it provide to us.
Small Domestic Appliances or SDA as often called in the industry are made up of portable types of electrical appliances. Such as cooking appliances, food processing/preparations, personal care, floor care, and many other types of small appliances.
So, join me as we go deeper and find out the most commonly used small appliances. In the same way, I have explained the different types of major domestic appliances.
Types of Small Domestic Appliances
Small domestic appliances come in various forms that cover people’s everyday needs. Let’s further investigate what are these small appliances are.
1. Small Kitchen Appliance
Let’s start at the kitchen, the heart and soul of every home where food is being processed and cooked. There’s a wide range of portable kitchen appliances that are available to choose from which are also universally known or consist of the main SDA group.
Portable Cooking Appliances
- Rice Cooker
- Portable Induction Cooker
- Air Fryer
- Air (Fryer) Oven
- Compact Oven
- Freestanding Microwave
- Slow Cooker
- Multi-cooker
- Table Grill
- Food Steamer
Portable Appliances for Food Processing/Preparation
- Food Processor
- Meat Grinder
- Juicer
- Blender
- Mixer
- Food Chopper
- Food Slicer
- Bread maker
- Bread Toaster
- Sandwich maker
- Salad maker
- Coffee maker/machine
- Coffee Grinder
- Electric Kettle
- Food Dehydrator
2. Small Appliance for Floor Care
Small electric appliances are not limited to cooking or food processing. There are existing small appliances designed to keep your house and floor tidy.
Portable Appliance for Floor care
- Vacuum Cleaner
3. Small Appliance for Personal Care
There are several small appliances range for personal care. The most common or popular are hair care and weight monitoring.
Hair Care Appliances
- Hair dryer
Weight Monitoring Appliances
- Personal or Bathroom Scale
4. Other Small Appliances
As people’s needs grew, more and more types of the small appliance have made their way to every household. Discoveries of new small appliances are in abundance to make everybody’s life easier.
The list below may not cover all, but these are the most commonly sought-after other forms of small electrical appliances, aside from the ones already mentioned above.
- Electric fan
- Portable heater
- Air Purifier
- Humidifier
- Portable Ice maker
- Vacuum sealer
- Flat Iron
Let’s dive deeper to understand and know more about what is small domestic appliances!
Portable Cooking Appliances
1. What is a Rice Cooker
As the name implies, a rice cooker is a device that can cook rice. Rice cookers come in different sizes and designs. Did you know that there are special types of rice cookers?
Rice Cooker
This is the most common type of rice cooker. Ordinary rice cooker uses the common heating plate to heat the inner pot to cook the rice.
Rice cookers come in many shapes and capacity (e.g. round, square, and many other odd shapes)
IH Rice Cooker
IH rice cooker uses Induction Heating (IH) technology by generating electromagnetic power to produce balanced heat that results in balanced cooking. Similarly, IH rice cooker inner pot is a special type multi-layer pot that heats up equally and fast.
IH rice cookers come in different capacities and shapes.
Low Sugar Rice Cooker
Low sugar rice cooker employs rice-water separation technology that enables to lower the sugar content of cooked rice.
Low sugar rice cookers come in different capacities and shapes.
2. What is Portable Induction Cooker
Portable induction cooker is a freestanding type that belongs to the SDA group and normally has one cooking zone.
Portable Induction Cooker
Induction cooker will only work using induction-ready cookware. Portable induction cookers come in many shapes and designs.
Popular in every household who loves hotpot.
3. What is an Air Fryer
An air fryer is a cooking device that requires no oil to cook food. Using the rapid hot air-circulation system that cooks food fast and is good for grilling, roasting, and baking.
Air Fryer
An air fryer is an absolute alternative to a healthy way of cooking.
It comes in many sizes, shapes, and capacities.
4. What is an Air (Fryer) Oven
An air (fryer) oven is a cooking device that requires no oil to cook food. Using the 3D airflow system that cooks food fast and evenly. Good for grilling, roasting, and baking of your favorite dishes.
Air (Fryer) Oven
An air (fryer) oven is an absolute alternative to a healthy way of cooking with less oil.
It comes in many sizes, shapes, and capacities.
5. What is a Compact Oven
A compact or mini oven is designed for countertops. And a good alternative as it only uses minimal space compared to the built-in ovens. It does exactly what the big ovens do like grilling, roasting, and baking your favorite dishes.
There are different types of compact or mini ovens. And they come in different designs and capacities.
Electric Oven
An electric oven is a good alternative for those who cannot afford it and has limited space to house bigger ovens.
It comes in different shapes and capacities.
Pressure Compact Oven
This type of compact oven has a pressure valve to release pressure and steam. Using pressure during cooking makes the meat soft and tender.
It comes in different shapes and capacities.
6. What is Freestanding Microwave
A freestanding microwave is considered to be part of the SDA group because it is portable. The most popular freestanding microwaves are those with lower capacity such as 17L, 20L, 25L, 28L, 30L, 34L, respectively.
Some designs incorporate grill functions while newer designs have additional steam functions.
Freestanding Microwave
Microwave ovens are mostly used for reheating and defrosting frozen foods.
It comes in different shapes and designs. Cheaper ones are the mechanical types compared to digital ones.
7. What is a Slow Cooker
A slow cooker as the name implies cooks food at a much slower rate. It utilizes low-power cooking which results in a much slower cooking process.
Slow Cooker
A slow cooker brings out the flavor in foods as a result of the slow and long cooking process. It tenderizes meat cuts. A wide variety of foods can be cooked in a slow cooker, including one-pot meals, soups, stews, etc.
It comes in different shapes and designs. Some slow cooker designs had incorporated the “sous vide” function.
8. What is a Multi-Cooker
Multi-cookers are cooking device that can perform multiple cooking functions. There are many different kinds of multi-cookers available in the market.
Depending on your cooking need you can decide which one to purchase.
Multi-Cooker
This type of multi-cooker can meet a variety of cooking needs such as stir-frying, soup making, steaming, porridge making, etc
It has a fixed ceramic-coated non-stick inner pot. The downside is during cleaning, you must be very careful not to submerge it into a pool of water.
Multi-function Rice Cooker
Advertised as a multi-function rice cooker but it can do more than just cook rice.
Different cooking programs are preset for one-touch cooking applications such as soup, stew, porridge, fish, poultry, and others
Normally comes with a removable non-stick inner pot and different sizes, shapes, and capacities.
Pressure Multi-Cooker
Pressure cookers have pressure safety valves to release pressure and steam (be careful).
A pressure cooker can cook food fast and can turn hard meats become soft and tender.
It comes in different sizes, shapes, and capacities.
9. What is a Table Grill
The electric grill has come its way to your table for you to enjoy your favorite barbecue. Gone are the days when you have to do it outside your house using charcoal grills (although the former still exist ’til now).
Electric grills come in many forms and designs, some incorporating technology that allows them to be on your table rather than in your backyard.
Smokeless Electric Grill
Newer designs of electric grills incorporate smokeless technology that allows you to enjoy your barbecue inside your home.
It comes in different shapes and capacities. The non-stick grilling plate and detachable parts make it easier to clean and maintain.
Contact Grill
A simpler and more effective way of grilling. Contact grill roasts meats on both sides that simplify the cooking process.
It comes in different sizes, shapes, and designs. Contact grill utilizes dual heating element.
10. What is Food Steamer
A food steamer is a more effective way of steaming food and an efficient alternative to a conventional way of steaming using a kitchen stove.
It comes in many sizes and forms and meets a variety of your steaming needs.
Food Steamer
A simpler and more effective way of steaming food such as vegetables, fish, poultry, and can be also used to re-heat cold foods.
There are many different types and capacities of food steamers.
Portable Appliances for Food Processing/Preparation
1. What is a Food Processor
A food processor is a multi-function device (all-in-one) that can do just about anything you will need for preparing your food ingredients. That makes your kitchen life a lot easier.
Food Processor
A food processor can function as follows – food slicer, blender, grinder, meat mincer, citrus juicer, eggbeater, and others depending on the available or supplied accessories.
Food processors are available in different sizes, shapes, and designs.
2. What is Meat Grinder
The primary function of a meat grinder is for mincing meat. While there are available accessories to make it a multi-function device such as juicing and food slicing.
Meat Grinder
If you want homemade ground meat? Then a meat grinder is an answer to that need. In this way, you can also be sure or, you know that the ground meat you’re about to eat is clean.
Meat grinders come in many sizes, shapes, and designs.
3. What is a Juicer
A juicer is a machine or device that extracts fruit juice as well as vegetable juice. There are many types of juicers that one can choose from depending on your need.
Juicers come in different sizes, shapes, and designs. Some designs with slower speed and there are those with bigger feeding mouths so that you won’t need to cut the fruit.
Slow Juicer
As the rotational speed is slower it reduces oxidation. It also produces more juice while keeping nutrients.
Slow juicer is designed in such a way that you get more juice from juicing. It uses a screw-type presser (auger) and rotates at a slower speed.
It comes in many sizes, shapes, and designs. The sample image is a whole slow juicer type where you can insert whole fruit and don’t have the need to cut it.
Juice Extractor
A juice extractor is a conventional or older way of juicing with a faster motor speed.
The juice extractor has plenty of designs. It varies in size and shape and according to its capacity.
Citrus Juicer
A citrus juicer is more appropriate for juicing oranges.
Citrus juicers have plenty of designs. Some designs are with handle for pressing. And it varies in size and shape.
4. What is a Blender
A blender is a device used for blending your favorite smoothies. Whether it is a combination of just fruits or a blend of vegetables and herbs. But one thing is for sure, it will serve your appetite’s need aside from the health benefits it provides.
Blenders come in many forms. There’s a good deal of different designs you could find that will suit your own need. Below are the most common types of blenders out there.
Table Blender
From power blenders to ordinary blenders, table blenders are the most popular among households.
Some table blender designs could also perform other operations such as coffee grinder, meat mincer depending if such accessory is supplied.
Vacuum Blender
A vacuum blender is a special type of blender that vacuums air before it starts the blending operation.
A vacuum blender prevents oxidation, thus, keeping your smoothie fresh and its nutrients.
The sample image also has a covering for silent operation. This kind of vacuum blender will not work if the cover is not attached.
Hand Blender
A hand blender is a portable alternative for table blender.
Normally, hand blenders have additional attachments for other usage such whisker, food chopper.
Personal Blender
A personal blender is the mini version of table blenders, commonly known as a smoothie maker.
Just put the container lid after blending and you have your smoothie ready and on the go.
Personal blenders come in a variety of colorful designs and also different sizes.
5. What is a Mixer
A mixer differs from blenders although for the case of hand blenders they have attachments that functions like a mixer, one good example is the whisker.
The mixer’s main function is to prep baking ingredients such as dough for cakes and bread.
Stand Mixer
The main purpose of the stand mixer is to process ingredients for baking such as dough mixing and egg white whipping to make egg white foam.
Stand mixers come in many different designs, some stand mixers incorporate a blender, coffee grinder, food slicer as well as meat grinder.
The multi-function stand mixer has become popular but the downside is it uses only one motor which means the life cycle might be compromised.
Hand Mixer
A hand mixer is a portable alternative to a stand mixer. Its main purpose is also to process ingredients for baking such as dough mixing and egg white whipping to make egg white foam.
Hand mixers have two types of attachments- dough hook and whisk. Hand mixers come in different designs.
6. What is a Food Chooper
A food chopper is a device used for mincing meat. It could also be used to slice vegetables.
Food Chopper
A food chopper normally has a glass container. Some design includes accessory for whipping egg whites.
There are many different designs available to choose from according to your own needs.
7. What is a Food Slicer
A food slicer is a device used for cutting or slicing foods such as meat, sausage, ham, bread, cheese, and many others.
Food Slicer
This type of food slicer is only for home use. The thickness of the food to be sliced can be set as desired.
There are many different types of food slicers, and it varies in size.
One has to be very careful when using and cleaning this machine as the blade is sharp.
8. What is a Bread Maker
A bread maker is a device used for baking bread in a portable way. Bread makers are most popular in western countries.
Bread Maker
There are many different types of bread makers, and it varies in size according to the capacity.
Different cooking programs are preset and can be selected for easy cooking.
Cooked bread color can be selected as desired.
9. What is a Bread Toaster
Judging from the name itself, a bread toaster is for toasting loaves of bread.
Bread Toaster
There are many different types of bread toaster, and the most common one is a two-slice type design.
Toasting color can be set from light to dark.
Basic designs have a defrost function for toasting frozen bread.
10. What is a Sandwich Maker
Tuna sandwich anyone? Then you will need a sandwich maker to do that. Sandwich makers come in many shapes and forms. And some designs can adapt for other cooking purposes such as grilling, waffle making, etc.
Sandwich Maker
The sample image is a 3-in-1 sandwich maker.
It can be used for toasting bread and grilling. An additional plate can make your favorite waffle.
Thanks to its detachable and replaceable plates.
11. What is a Salad Maker
A salad maker is your assistant in making your favorite salad. It will make your salad preparation faster and more efficient.
Salad Maker
A faster way to prepare salad ingredients is by using a salad maker. It could easily grate carrots, sliced cucumbers, and chop other vegetable ingredients.
Salad maker comes in many different designs.
12. What is a Coffee Maker/Machine
What else does a coffee maker do than brew your favorite blend of coffee, right? For coffee lovers, a coffee machine is always a dream device to have in your kitchen.
There are many different types of coffee machines out there. They all come in many sizes, shapes, and designs. The most common and popular amongst types are the freestanding coffee machines.
However, built-in coffee machines are also available, and there are also plenty of designs to select from.
Drip Coffee Maker
A drip coffee maker has two types, one with a built-in grinder and another type is without the grinder.
Drip coffee machines are the most commonly used because it is cheaper.
Some new designs had incorporated WIFI function. Drip coffee machines come in many forms and capacities.
Capsule Coffee Maker
A capsule coffee maker is gaining popularity. However, it is still faced with some setbacks because coffee capsules are too expensive.
Another point to note is that capsules must match the machine’s capsule holder. If you purchase a Nespresso capsule coffee maker then you can only use Nespresso capsules.
But some designs can adapt and have multiple capsule holders.
Espresso Coffee Machine
An espresso coffee machine is more expensive. And they come in many sizes, shapes, and designs.
Espresso coffee machines are for coffee lovers who want to create finely blended and brewed coffee that’s made personally.
13. What is Coffee Grinder
A coffee grinder is a good partner for coffee machines that don’t have built-in grinders. Buying a coffee bean is much cheaper than grounded coffee. Therefore, it only makes sense to have a coffee grinder instead.
Coffee grinders come in many sizes, shapes, and capacities.
Coffee Grinder
The primary function of a coffee grinder is for grinding coffee beans. However, it can also be used to grind other types of grain such as rice, etc.
14. What is an Electric Kettle
An electric kettle is a modern-day device used for boiling water. There are different types of electric kettles such as stainless steel, glass, plastic as well as ceramic body.
Electric kettles also come in many different capacities, shapes, and designs.
Electric Kettle
Boiling water made easy. The most common types are cordless for portability.
An electric kettle is the best partner for tea and 3-in-1 coffee lovers sans electricity bills.
15. What is a Food Dehydrator
A food dehydrator is a device used to dry food for preservation. Most commonly done for fruits for later consumption. However, any food can be dried using a food dehydrator such as meats, vegetables, and others as desired.
Food Dehydrator
A good way of making healthier snacks such as fruit chips instead of buying junk foods is by using a food dehydrator to dry them.
Food dehydrators come in different sizes, shapes, and designs.
Portable Appliance for FloorCare
1. What is a Vacuum Cleaner
A vacuum cleaner is a cleaning device that helps you collect all the dust and unwanted debris on your magnificent floorings. Insert the crevice tool, and it can help you suck out spider webs on your ceiling and walls.
Vacuum cleaners come in many sizes, shapes, and designs. The most common types are with bags for dust collection. While there are bagless designs that are more cost-effective because you don’t have to buy spare bags for replacement.
Other types of vacuum cleaners, such as car vacuum cleaners, are also popular that could help you tidy up your cars anytime.
Vacuum Cleaner
Better than sweeping the floor. Vacuum cleaner makes cleaning easy and fast.
The sample photo is a bagless vacuum cleaner that I have been using for more than 10 years now.
Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Another form of a vacuum cleaner is the vacuum stick. Vacuum sticks are mostly cordless types. It comes with an AC adaptor for charging the unit.
Car Vacuum Cleaner
Another form of a vacuum cleaner is the car vacuum cleaner. Car vacuum cleaner are mostly cordless types. It comes with an AC adaptor for charging the unit.
Hair Care Appliances
1. What is a Hair-Dryer
A hair-dryer is a device for drying hair after bathing. Most popularly known to be a lady thing, but men do use a hair-dryer.
Hair-dryers can be multi-functional, as they can be used to dry moisten clothes, and so on.
Hair-Dryer
Standard hair dryers are the most commonly used at home, while wall-mounted hairdryers are commonly found in hotels.
Hairdryers come in many shapes and designs.
Weight monitoring Appliance
1. What is a Personal/Bathroom Scale
Personal scale, also known as a bathroom scale (probably the term originated from hotels as you will often find this device in the hotel’s bathroom).
A personal scale is a device used for monitoring weight. Some people are scared of this device, though, especially ladies. I don’t understand why.
Personal/Bathroom Scale
Personal scales are battery-operated. However, it’s been categorized as part of SDA rather than just a complementary appliance.
Personal scales come in many shapes and designs.
Other Small Appliances
1. What is an Electric Fan
An electric fan is a device used for direct contact cooling, especially during the hot season. There are different types of electric fans, and newer designs have incorporated air-con cooling features on portable types of electric air coolers.
Stand Fan
A stand fan has been the most commonly used way of cooling yourself apart from taking off your upper clothes (applies to men only, please) during the hot season.
Stand fans come in many shapes and designs.
Table Fan
A table fan functions the same as the stand fan, but it is more directed to personal or individual cooling.
Table fans come in many shapes and designs.
Air Cooler
An air cooler is more like a portable air-conditioner. It utilizes water and ice to have an air-con cooling effect.
However, it can function the same as a cooling fan. All you need to do is set the function without utilizing water.
Air coolers come in many sizes, shapes, and designs.
2. What is Portable Heater
A portable heater is a device used during the cold season directed to heat-up areas in your house where the heater is located.
There are many types of heaters available in the market. Portable heaters come in different sizes, shapes, forms, and designs.
Oil Filled Radiator Heater
Ideal for medium to large rooms and space.
Oil-filled radiator heaters are the most efficient and cost-saving type of portable heater for long-term use.
Convection Heater
Ideal for medium to large rooms and space.
Some convection heaters are waterproof designed. Thus, giving you the ability to be placed inside your shower room to keep you warm while having a shower.
PTC Ceramic Heater
Ideal for small to medium rooms and space.
Some PTC ceramic heater designs can be placed vertically and horizontally.
Most PTC ceramic heater designs come with tip-over protection, meaning the heater will automatically shut off when it is not standing straight.
Fan Heater
Ideally, to circulate heat for a personal and more direct or specific area.
More portable type to keep you warm.
Far Infrared Heater
As the name suggests infrared heaters should be placed from a distance and avoid prolonged direct contact with IR.
Some study states that prolonged exposure to IR radiation can cause vision problems.
3. What is Air Purifier
An air purifier is a device that purifies the air. Most designs incorporate a negative ion generator that kills and neutralize harmful air substances inside your home.
Air Purifier
An air purifier offers clean and fresh air to breathe.
Traps particles, allergens, pollen, dust smoke, and pet dander.
Air purifiers can kill bacteria, viruses, and germs.
4. What is a Humidifier
A humidifier is a device that releases moisture into the air to prevent dryness caused by cold weather.
Humidifier
During the winter season, the air is dry and can cause severe irritation to your skin. Thus, a humidifier would help resolve this issue.
Humidifiers come in many sizes, shapes, and designs. Coverage area will depend on the capacity of humidifiers.
5. What is Portable Ice Maker
A portable ice maker is a device used to make ice cubes. It has many different designs, and it comes in many sizes and shapes. Most popular in western countries.
Portable Ice Maker
A portable ice maker is the fastest way of producing ice cubes.
This device will come in handy during parties and other gatherings where cocktails and drinks are served with ice.
6. What is Vacuum Sealer
A vacuum sealer is a device used to vacuum seal foods to prevent them from getting spoiled. Cooked foods such as meats and vegetables can also be vacuum sealed for future consumption.
The vacuum sealer machine will first remove all the air inside and then use thermal heat to seal the end of the vacuum sealing bag.
Vacuum Sealer
A vacuum sealer machine is best for sealing processed food such as sausages, salami, ham, etc for later consumption.
Vacuum sealed foods still need to be kept frozen.
7. What is a Flat Iron
A flat iron is a device used to straighten the crumples on newly washed clothes employing pressing against the ironing board. There are many types of flat irons. Some designs include steam stations.
Flat irons come in many sizes, shapes, and designs.
Dry Iron
A dry iron is the most common type of flat iron. Temperature can be controlled, and it comes with a non-stick soleplate.
Steam Iron
Steam iron has a water tank that can be utilized during the ironing process. That makes ironing clothes much easier and faster.
Steam iron is the most popular amongst flat irons. It also comes with a non-stick soleplate.
Final Thoughts
We have made a very long list of small domestic appliances, but I must admit that there are more out there that have not been mentioned here.
But as I have stated earlier, these small appliances that I have identified are the most common types that can probably be found in many households.
In my experience of inspecting and developing/sourcing products for different clients before, these lists of small appliances sum it all.
So there you have it folks, thank you for reading. If you find this article helpful, or you have some questions or suggestions, please leave a comment below. I will answer them as soon as I can to the best of my knowledge.
Rowe Medialdea
I'm experienced in Quality Control with a working history in the Consumer Electronics and Home Appliance industry. I have created this website to share my gained knowledge and be of help!
This is one of the most complete pieces of information about small domestic appliances on the internet. I think every household needs this information. It’s like a checklist for a newlywed couple.
I’m a coffee person and I’m interested in more information about various coffee grinders and coffee machines. Is there any difference if you grind the coffee beans manually?
Anyway, great job on the elaborate content. Keep it up!
Thanks for visiting my website.
Concerning your question, the difference I see is that if your coffee machine has a built-in grinder you don’t have to worry about the process after grinding, you just have to press one button grind+brew then straight to your cup.
On the other hand, if your coffee machine doesn’t have a built-in grinder and you will use a coffee grinder instead. The process after grinding is you need to transfer the grounded coffee to the machine’s coffee filter to start brewing.
One more thing, coffee machines with a built-in grinder is pricier but it offers you convenience.
Thanks that you found my article interesting and helpful.
Rowe