Appliance
An ‘appliance’ is a piece of equipment designed to perform a specific task, often used to refer to powered equipment such as a gas appliance or an electrical appliance. It generally associated with performing domestic or kitchen functions, such as a washing machine, boiler, microwave, toaster, kettle and so on. Generally appliances are of standardised sizes and types.
Where an industrial function is being performed, the terms ‘equipment’, ‘machinery’, ‘plant’ or ‘tool’ might be more appropriate. Very broadly, the term ‘tools’ refers to instruments that are used by hand, ‘equipment’ refers to a set of tools used for a single purpose and ‘plant’ refers to heavy machinery. At the smaller scale, there may be some overlap between what is considered to be plant, small plant, tools, small tools, light equipment or equipment.
The term appliance may also refer to a fire engine - see aerial appliance.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?