Appliance vs. Device: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
An appliance is a machine designed for a specific home or kitchen use, while a device is a general term for an object or instrument made for a particular purpose.
Key Differences
Appliance and Device are both nouns that refer to objects or instruments crafted for specific tasks. However, their scope and general usage differ considerably. An appliance often denotes a more substantial, typically electrical machine used in homes for daily tasks. Think of kitchen gadgets like microwaves or blenders. In contrast, a device usually refers to a smaller, often portable object designed for a broad range of purposes, from electronics like smartphones to medical instruments.
An appliance, because of its association with household tasks, often implies a level of domesticity. It's an object we might find integral to our daily routines at home, aiding in chores or providing comfort. A device, however, doesn’t possess this domestic limitation. Devices permeate various sectors, from medical to technological to industrial.
Appliances have a specific functionality tethered to their design. For instance, a washing machine's primary function is to wash clothes. A device might have multiple functionalities, often adaptable based on software or specific settings. A tablet, as a device, can be an e-reader, a web browser, and a drawing pad.
Additionally, in the world of technology, the term device is more prevalent. We talk about mobile devices, storage devices, or input devices. Appliances, while they can be tech-savvy, are not as embedded in the tech jargon as devices.
Ultimately, while both terms might sometimes overlap, especially in the world of smart homes where a fridge can be a device too, appliances are usually more specialized, larger, and domestic-focused, whereas devices encompass a broader range of objects with varied functionalities.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Usage
Household or kitchen machinery.
General object or instrument with a purpose.
Scope
Domestic settings.
Varied, from tech to medical to industrial.
Size & Portability
Often larger and less portable.
Typically smaller and more portable.
Multi-functionality
Limited; specific to design.
Often multi-functional based on settings.
Technological Association
Less associated with tech jargon.
Prevalent in technology discussions.
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Appliance and Device Definitions
Appliance
A substantial gadget for specific home use.
Air conditioners are appliances that regulate room temperature.
Device
An object designed for a particular purpose.
The scientist used a device to measure radiation levels.
Appliance
An apparatus operating on power, aiding in daily routines.
Without the laundry appliance, washing clothes would be tedious.
Device
A piece of equipment or a mechanism.
The lock is a simple mechanical device.
Appliance
A device with a primary domestic function.
The oven is an essential kitchen appliance.
Device
An electronic object for specific tasks or entertainment.
Her mobile device has a multitude of applications.
Appliance
An electrical instrument aiding in domestic chores.
She bought a new appliance to grind coffee beans.
Device
An instrument used to achieve a specific outcome.
The doctor used a medical device during the procedure.
Appliance
A device or instrument designed to perform a specific function, especially an electrical device, such as a toaster, for household use
A store that sells the newest kitchen appliances.
Device
A gadget or tool aiding in various operations.
This device helps users navigate through the building.
Appliance
A dental or surgical device designed to perform a therapeutic or corrective function.
Device
An object designed and manufactured to perform one or more functions.
Appliance
An implement, an instrument or apparatus designed (or at least used) as a means to a specific end, especially:
Device
A literary contrivance, such as parallelism or personification, used to achieve a particular effect.
Appliance
A non-manual apparatus or device, powered electrically or by another small motor, used in homes to perform domestic functions (household appliance) and/or in offices.
Many house fires are caused by faulty appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines and dryers.
Device
A decorative design, figure, or pattern, as one used in embroidery.
Appliance
An attachment, a piece of equipment to adapt another tool or machine to a specific purpose.
Device
A graphic symbol or motto, especially in heraldry.
Appliance
(obsolete) The act of applying.
Device
A plan or scheme for accomplishing something
“Now Lydgate might have called at the warehouse, or might have written a message on a leaf of his pocket-book and left it at the door. Yet these simple devices apparently did not occur to him” (George Eliot).
Appliance
(obsolete) A means of eliminating or counteracting something undesirable, especially an illness.
Device
Any piece of equipment made for a particular purpose, especially a mechanical or electrical one.
Appliance
Willing service, willingness to act as someone wishes.
Device
(computer hardware) A peripheral device; an item of hardware.
Appliance
The act of applying; application.
Device
A project or scheme, often designed to deceive; a stratagem; an artifice.
Appliance
Subservience; compliance.
Device
(Ireland) An improvised explosive device, home-made bomb
Appliance
A thing applied or used as a means to an end; an apparatus or device; as, to use various appliances; a mechanical appliance; a machine with its appliances.
Device
(rhetoric) A technique that an author or speaker uses to evoke an emotional response in the audience; a rhetorical device.
Appliance
An apparatus or device, usually powered electrically, used in homes to perform domestic functions. An appliance is often categorized as a major appliance or a minor appliance by its cost. Common major appliances are the refrigerator, washing machine, clothes drier, oven, and dishwasher. Some minor appliances are a toaster, vacuum cleaner or microwave oven.
Device
(heraldry) A motto, emblem, or other mark used to distinguish the bearer from others. A device differs from a badge or cognizance primarily as it is a personal distinction, and not a badge borne by members of the same house successively.
Appliance
A device that is very useful for a particular job
Device
(archaic) Power of devising; invention; contrivance.
Appliance
Durable goods for home or office use
Device
(legal) An image used in whole or in part as a trademark or service mark.
Appliance
A machine or tool used for a household task.
The dishwasher is a useful appliance for cleaning dishes.
Device
(printing) An image or logo denoting official or proprietary authority or provenience.
Device
(obsolete) A spectacle or show.
Device
(obsolete) Opinion; decision.
Device
That which is devised, or formed by design; a contrivance; an invention; a project; a scheme; often, a scheme to deceive; a stratagem; an artifice.
His device in against Babylon, to destroy it.
Their recent device of demanding benevolences.
He disappointeth the devices of the crafty.
Device
Power of devising; invention; contrivance.
I must have instruments of my own device.
Device
An emblematic design, generally consisting of one or more figures with a motto, used apart from heraldic bearings to denote the historical situation, the ambition, or the desire of the person adopting it. See Cognizance.
Knights-errant used to distinguish themselves by devices on their shields.
A banner with this strange device -Excelsior.
Device
Anything fancifully conceived.
Device
A spectacle or show.
Device
Opinion; decision.
Device
Any artifactual object designed to perform an action or process, with or without an operator in attendance.
Device
An instrumentality invented for a particular purpose;
The device is small enough to wear on your wrist
A device intended to conserve water
Device
Something in an artistic work designed to achieve a particular effect
Device
Any clever (deceptive) maneuver;
He would stoop to any device to win a point
Device
Any ornamental pattern or design (as in embroidery)
Device
An emblematic design (especially in heraldry);
He was recognized by the device on his shield
FAQs
Do appliances always serve domestic purposes?
Primarily, but commercial versions, like industrial refrigerators, also exist.
Are all electronic objects devices?
Mostly, yes. Electronic objects made for specific purposes are termed devices.
Can an appliance be manual, or is it always electric?
While many modern appliances are electric, manual appliances, like hand-cranked egg beaters, do exist.
Can one object be both an appliance and a device?
Yes, especially in smart homes where a refrigerator might also be an internet-connected device.
Why are kitchen gadgets called appliances?
The term appliance implies a domestic utility, and many kitchen tools fit this description.
Is a computer an appliance or a device?
A computer is generally referred to as a device.
Is a television an appliance or a device?
It can be termed both, but it's commonly called an appliance.
Can a smartphone be considered an appliance?
Typically, a smartphone is termed a device, but as technology evolves, boundaries can blur.
Are all appliances devices?
Technically, yes. An appliance is a subtype of device designed for specific domestic functions.
Can an appliance be portable?
Yes, like portable heaters or fans, though they're less portable than many devices.
Can a device be non-electronic?
Absolutely! A device is any tool made for a purpose, like a mechanical lock.
Is a smart speaker an appliance or device?
It can be termed both, but it's commonly referred to as a device due to its tech nature.
Are watches devices?
Yes, especially modern smartwatches, which have multiple functionalities.
Can a tool be a device?
Yes. A tool crafted for a specific function can be termed a device.
Which term is older: appliance or device?
"Device" is older, with roots in Old French. "Appliance" in its modern sense came later.
In tech jargon, which is more common?
"Device" is more common, as in "mobile device" or "input device."
How do their functionalities differ?
Appliances have specific, often domestic functions, while devices can have varied, multi-purpose functionalities.
In the medical field, which term is more prevalent?
"Device," as in "medical device" or "assistive device."
Do appliances and devices always need external power?
Not always. While many operate on electricity or batteries, manual versions exist.
Are appliances always more substantial than devices?
Typically, but not a strict rule. Some devices can be large, and some appliances can be small.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
