Small Appliances

The small appliance industry consists of the classification of home appliances that are movable or partially movable, and can be used on counters, tables, or other platform spaces. Typically there are two versions of small appliance: commercial and home. The commercial, or industrial, type is meant for continuous use in a business setting; home versions are meant to be used in the household. Small appliances are meant to perform, enable, or assist in completing a task, and there are some small appliances that complete the same tasks as their major appliance counterparts.

Companies active in the small appliance industry produce and distribute a variety of small appliances and house wares. Items manufactured from these companies may include blow driers, blenders, vacuums, coffee makers, electric mixers, and toasters, among other products.

The majority of appliance manufacturers create the body of the product using plastics and steel, and then purchase the required components, like motors, controls, heat elements, and compressors, from a supplier. The manufacturing process involves the shaping of metal in stamping presses with specifically designed dies and assembling components. Steel is the primary raw material. Plastics are typically used to create vacuum cleaner parts, or as an insulation component in other small appliances.

Income and home sales created the demand for the small appliance market. Large businesses have an advantage in production, marketing, and distribution. Smaller businesses focus on producing and providing specialty products, subcontracting to larger manufacturers, and creating name-brand items under contract. Individual companies make effective operations and marketing their priority for turning over a profit.