What Is an Appliance Considered? Understanding the Definition and Categories

When someone says "appliance," what do you picture? Maybe a fridge, a washing machine, or a toaster? But what exactly makes something an appliance? It’s not just any gadget you plug in. There’s a clear line between what counts as an appliance and what doesn’t-and knowing that helps you understand repair needs, safety rules, and even warranty terms.

What Counts as an Appliance?

An appliance is a machine designed to perform a specific household task, usually powered by electricity or gas. It’s built for regular, everyday use, not occasional or industrial purposes. Think of it this way: if it’s in your kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom-and it’s meant to make life easier by automating a chore-it’s likely an appliance.

That means your coffee maker? Appliance. Your handheld hair dryer? Appliance. Your garden hose? Not an appliance. Your power drill? Also not an appliance. Even though both the drill and the coffee maker plug into the wall, only one is designed for routine domestic use.

The key difference? Appliance implies function, not just power. Appliances are built for reliability, safety, and repeated operation in a home setting. They follow strict electrical and gas safety standards. In New Zealand, appliances must meet the Electrical (Safety) Regulations and often carry the MBIE certification mark.

Major Categories of Household Appliances

Appliances fall into three broad groups based on how they’re used and where they’re installed.

Major Appliances (Big Goods)

These are large, often permanent fixtures. They’re expensive, energy-intensive, and usually installed by professionals. Examples include:

• Refrigerators and freezers
• Washing machines and dryers
• Ovens, cooktops, and range hoods
• Dishwashers
• Water heaters and boilers

These are the machines people call when they break. They’re the focus of most repair services, and they’re the ones covered by extended warranties or service plans. If your fridge stops cooling or your boiler won’t ignite, you’re dealing with a major appliance.

Minor Appliances (Small Goods)

These are portable, plug-in devices used for specific tasks. They’re cheaper, easier to replace, and often repaired or swapped out when they fail. Examples:

• Toasters and kettles
• Blenders and food processors
• Microwaves
• Vacuum cleaners
• Ironing boards and steamers

Minor appliances are less likely to be professionally repaired unless they’re high-end or recently purchased. Most people just buy a new one. But if you’re trying to cut waste or save money, knowing how to troubleshoot these can extend their life.

Built-In Appliances

This is a hybrid category. These are appliances installed into cabinetry or walls, making them look like part of the home. Examples:

• Built-in ovens and microwaves
• Integrated dishwashers
• Refrigerators with panel-ready fronts
• Hidden range hoods

These are tricky because they’re not freestanding, so repairs often require removing cabinetry or panels. Many homeowners don’t realize their built-in microwave is still an appliance-it’s just disguised as a cabinet. Service technicians need special training for these, and replacement parts are often model-specific.

What’s Not an Appliance?

It’s easy to confuse appliances with tools or electronics. Here’s what doesn’t qualify:

• Power tools like drills or saws-they’re for construction, not daily chores.
• Consumer electronics like TVs, laptops, or game consoles-they’re for entertainment or communication, not household labor.
• Lighting fixtures-even smart bulbs aren’t appliances. They provide light, not service.
• Heating systems like radiators or ducted gas heating-these are part of the home’s infrastructure, not standalone appliances.

Even though your smart thermostat controls your heating, it’s not an appliance. It’s a controller. The boiler it controls? That’s the appliance.

Why the Definition Matters

Knowing what counts as an appliance affects your wallet, safety, and repair choices.

First, insurance. Home insurance policies often cover damage to major appliances due to power surges or mechanical failure-but only if they’re classified as appliances. If you claim your TV was damaged in a storm, it might not be covered. But your fridge? That’s covered.

Second, repair costs. Appliance repair technicians are licensed for specific types. A technician who fixes your washing machine might not be qualified to touch your gas oven. The classification tells them what training and certifications they need.

Third, energy ratings. In New Zealand, major appliances must display an Energy Rating Label. This helps you compare efficiency. A microwave doesn’t need one. A fridge does. The label exists because the government treats them differently under energy regulations.

And finally, warranty terms. Manufacturers define what’s covered based on appliance type. A five-year warranty on a dishwasher makes sense. One on a toaster? Unlikely. The classification sets expectations.

How Appliances Are Classified in the Industry

Service providers, retailers, and regulators don’t guess-they follow standards. In New Zealand, the appliance industry follows the AS/NZS 60335 series, which defines household appliances by function, power, and installation type.

For example:

• AS/NZS 60335-2-2: Covers refrigerating appliances
• AS/NZS 60335-2-6: Covers electric ovens and cookers
• AS/NZS 60335-2-11: Covers electric kettles and similar small appliances

These aren’t just technical documents-they’re the reason your fridge has a specific fuse rating, or why your kettle shuts off automatically when it boils. The classification determines safety features, materials, and testing requirements.

When you call a repair service, they’re not just fixing a broken machine. They’re working within a legal and technical framework that defines exactly what that machine is-and what it’s allowed to do.

Real-World Examples

Let’s say your dishwasher stops draining. You call a repair company. They show up, diagnose a blocked pump, and replace the part. Why? Because your dishwasher is a major appliance-it’s built into your kitchen, uses water and electricity, and is meant for daily use. It’s classified under AS/NZS 60335-2-16.

Now, your toaster won’t pop up. You could call the same company-but they’ll likely say, "It’s not worth repairing." Why? Because it’s a minor appliance. The cost of labor often exceeds the price of a new one. The classification tells them that.

Same with your microwave. If it’s a standalone unit on the counter, it’s a minor appliance. If it’s built into your cabinetry and vents into your ductwork, it’s now a built-in appliance-and that changes the repair process entirely.

What This Means for You

If you’re trying to decide whether to repair or replace something, start by asking: Is this an appliance? And if so, which kind?

• Is it large, fixed, and used daily? → Major appliance → Worth repairing.
• Is it small, portable, and cheap? → Minor appliance → Often better to replace.
• Is it hidden in a cabinet or wall? → Built-in appliance → Needs specialist service.

Knowing this helps you avoid overpaying for repairs on things that aren’t worth fixing. It also helps you choose the right technician. Don’t call a boiler specialist for your blender. Don’t hire a handyman for your integrated oven.

And if you’re buying new? Look for the Energy Rating Label. Check if it’s certified for use in New Zealand. Make sure the model number matches the repair parts database. All of that starts with understanding what the thing actually is.

An appliance isn’t just something you plug in. It’s a legally defined, safety-regulated tool designed for home use. And when it breaks, knowing exactly what kind of appliance it is makes all the difference in how you fix it.