Appliances: What They Are, How They Work, and When to Repair or Replace

When we talk about appliances, household devices designed to perform everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, or cooling. Also known as home appliances, they’re the quiet helpers that keep your life running—until they don’t. Most people don’t think about them until something breaks. But understanding what qualifies as an appliance—and what keeps them working—can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.

Not everything that plugs in counts as an appliance. A toaster? Yes. A phone charger? No. washing machines, machines built to clean clothes automatically using water, detergent, and mechanical action are classic examples. So are refrigerators, units that maintain low temperatures to preserve food, and ovens, appliance systems that generate heat for baking or roasting. These aren’t just gadgets—they’re essential infrastructure in your home. And like any infrastructure, they wear out. A washing machine might last 10 years if you’re careful. A fridge could go 15. But if the compressor fails at year seven, is it worth fixing? That’s the question most people face.

What you find below isn’t just a list of repair guides. It’s a practical toolkit built from real-world problems. You’ll see how long your extractor fan really lasts, why your water heater keeps tripping, and whether it’s smarter to repair your 7-year-old freezer or swap it out. We cover what breaks, why it breaks, and how to decide what to do next. No fluff. No sales pitches. Just clear answers from people who’ve seen hundreds of broken appliances in kitchens and laundry rooms across the UK.

Whether you’re trying to fix a cracked electric hob yourself or wondering if your oven’s heating element is worth replacing, the posts here give you the facts you need—without the jargon. You’ll learn how to spot early warning signs, avoid common mistakes, and know when to call a pro. These aren’t theoretical tips. They’re based on what actually happens when appliances fail in real homes.