Curling Tong

Home electrical covers small appliances for the kitchen, laundry and personal care: kettles, sandwich makers and grills, air fryers, microwaves, steamers, hand mixers and blenders, irons and steam generators, vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, fans and portable coolers. It also includes replacement cooker hood filters, cordless phones and wireless home sensors.

Choosing an appliance

• Power: the wattage on the rating label shows how much power the appliance draws when running.
• Capacity: check the litres for kettles, air fryers and microwaves against the number of people you usually cook for.
• Corded or cordless: cordless vacuums, irons and kettles give more freedom of movement, but need charging or a base.
• Space and storage: measure the worktop or cupboard where the appliance will live, and check whether it folds or packs away.

Spares and accessories

Carbon filters for recirculating cooker hoods are made for particular hood models, so match the model number on the hood before buying a replacement. Wireless door, window and motion sensors work as part of a system, so check they are compatible with the hub or kit you already have.

Safety

Register new appliances with the manufacturer so you can be contacted about any safety repair or recall, and check the government's product safety recalls list if you are unsure about an older appliance. Use each appliance as the manufacturer's instructions describe.

Wall sockets with smart or USB features, like other wiring accessories, are connected to the home's fixed wiring. In England, some electrical work in homes is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations, such as adding a new circuit, replacing a consumer unit or working near a bath or shower. That work must be done by a registered competent person or notified to building control.

For larger appliances, see kitchen appliances; for detergents and airers, see laundry.