kitchen appliances

The Complete Kitchen Appliance Glossary

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    When you’re shopping for kitchen appliances – particularly for the first time – you’ll encounter all kinds of different technical terms. Making sense of them all (and working out which appliances are right for you) can be tough, which is why we’ve decided to put together a comprehensive glossary of kitchen appliance terminology.

    From fridge freezers to ovens, from hobs to microwaves, the following guide explains a wide variety of crucial terms you should know before you kit out your kitchen for the first time. We’ve explained each one in simple, straightforward terms, making it easy for you to get up to speed quickly and get your head around the often-confusing world of kitchen appliances.

    If you still have any questions or would like to learn more about any one of our products, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Cookology team.

    Our guide to kitchen appliance terminology

    American-Style Fridge Freezer

    A large, spacious fridge freezer, typically with a double-door (or quadruple-door) design and features like a water dispenser. American-style fridge freezers are significantly larger than their traditional European counterparts, making them ideal for large families.

    Beverage Cooler

    Not to be confused with a mini fridge, beverage coolers operate at a slightly higher temperature, making them ideal for storing everything from wine to fruit juice. They often feature a glass door too, allowing you to see what’s inside.

    Built-In Appliances

    Otherwise known as integrated appliances, built-in models are those that have been designed from the outset to be integrated into a kitchen unit (and sometimes concealed from view when not in use). Instead of standing directly on your kitchen floor, built-in appliances are mounted into your kitchen cupboards and sit above the floor.

    Build-Under Appliances

    Any appliance that slots beneath your kitchen counter. Built-under appliances sit on the floor of your kitchen but are compact enough to sit underneath your worktop, giving your kitchen a neat, uncluttered look.

    Chest Freezers

    A type of freezer that opens from the top. Instead of featuring a front-opening door, the top of a chest freezer is hinged to allow items to be quickly and easily stored inside. Chest freezers typically have a higher capacity than regular freestanding freezers, but are more tricky to keep organised as they don’t have shelves built-in.

    Ceramic Hob

    A type of electric hob with a smooth, ceramic cooking surface. Although ceramic hobs are a little less powerful than their gas counterparts, they’re simple to wipe clean and offer a minimalist, sleek look.

    Combi Microwave

    A type of appliance that offers not only regular microwave cooking and defrosting modes, but also features a built-in grill. Combi microwave ovens are significantly more versatile than traditional microwaves, making them a popular choice for compact kitchens and temporary accommodation.

    Cooker Hood

    Otherwise known as an extractor hood, a cooker hood sits directly above your hob and uses a powerful fan to draw fumes and odours inside. These fumes are then either extracted to the outdoors or pass through a series of filters, eliminating odours from your kitchen and preventing grease from accumulating on your hob and worktops.

    Domino Hob

    A small (typically electric) hob that features just two burners instead of the usual four or five. Domino hobs are often portable, making them ideal for temporary accommodation or small kitchens.

    Downdraft Extractor

    If you don’t like the look of cooker hoods but want to reap the benefits, a downdraft extractor unit is the perfect solution. Available either as a standalone unit or integrated directly into a hob, downdraft extractors draw fumes and grease downwards instead of upwards.

    Double Oven

    An oven with two separate cooking compartments instead of the usual one. The temperature and cooking mode of each compartment can be controlled independently – ideal for large or complex meals.

    Dual-Zone Air Fryer

    An air fryer with two separate compartments instead of just one. Much like a double oven, a dual-zone air fryer allows two different foods to be cooked simultaneously at two different temperatures.

    Efficiency Rating

    From A to G, the efficiency rating of an appliance tells you how much energy it uses. A-rated appliances use the least amount of energy, G-rated appliances use the most.

    Fan Oven

    Otherwise known as a convection oven, a fan oven uses a powerful electric fan to circulate heated air around the oven, cooking food more efficiently and at a lower temperature than a regular oven.

    Freestanding Appliances

    Any appliance that has been designed to sit directly on your kitchen floor, either underneath a kitchen worktop or beside it.

    Gas Hob

    The chef’s favourite, gas-powered hobs get up to temperature quickly and offer plenty of cooking power.

    Induction Hob

    Induction hobs use a magnetic field between the hob and the pan to cook your food, making them an extremely safe option. Induction hobs are cool to the touch almost immediately after a pan has been removed, allowing them to be wiped clean within minutes.

    Mini Fridge

    A compact version of a freestanding fridge, suitable for storing both food and drinks.

    Multifunction Appliances

    Any appliance, be it an oven, an air fryer or even a tumble dryer, that features multiple modes.

    Place Setting

    In the world of dishwashers, the term ‘place setting’ refers to the number of plates, bowls, cups and cutlery pieces that can be housed inside. The higher the place setting figure, the greater the capacity of the dishwasher.

    Range Cooker

    A freestanding appliance that blends both an oven and a hob into one unit. 

    Solid Plate Hob

    One of the most affordable styles of hob, solid plate hobs are robust and simple to use. Portable domino hobs typically use a solid plate design.

    Tabletop Appliances

    An appliance that has been designed to sit on top of your kitchen units. A variety of tabletop appliances are available, from toasters to microwaves and air fryers. 

    Warming Drawer

    A small, usually integrated appliance that can be used to keep food warm, defrost food and prove bread. 

    White Goods

    An alternative term for kitchen appliances, often used by those in the trade (like property developers and landlords).

    Check out our best-selling kitchen appliances...

    • TCH601

      60cm Black 4 Zone Ceramic Hob with Touch Controls

      Original price was: £99.99.Current price is: £89.99.
    • UCFF87BK

      87L Black Freestanding Under Counter Fridge Freezer

      Original price was: £149.99.Current price is: £134.99.
    • CHA600BK/A

      60cm Black Angled Cooker Hood – Energy Rating A

      Original price was: £89.99.Current price is: £80.99.
    • CCF115

      CCF115 Recirculating Cooker Hood Carbon Charcoal Filters

      Original price was: £14.99.Current price is: £13.49.
    • CIH602

      60cm 4 Zone Built-in Touch Control Induction Hob – Black

      Original price was: £129.99.Current price is: £116.99.
    • CF150

      Cookology CF150 Cooker Hood Filters

      Original price was: £14.99.Current price is: £13.49.
    • UCFF87SL

      87L Silver Freestanding Under Counter Fridge Freezer

      Original price was: £149.99.Current price is: £134.99.
    • UCFF87WH

      87L White Freestanding Under Counter Fridge Freezer

      Original price was: £149.99.Current price is: £134.99.
    • CCF200

      Cookology Carbon Charcoal Filters CCF200

      Original price was: £14.99.Current price is: £13.49.
    • CIBP600

      Plug-In Induction Hob with Bridging Zone – Black

      Original price was: £179.99.Current price is: £161.99.
    • CCFZ99BK

      99L Black Chest Freezer with Chill Function

      Original price was: £138.99.Current price is: £125.09.
    • SEP601SS

      60cm Stainless Steel 4 Zone Solid Plate Hob

      Original price was: £99.00.Current price is: £89.10.
    • CWC300SS

      20 Bottle Capacity Stainless Steel Wine Cooler with Wood Shelves

      Original price was: £299.99.Current price is: £269.99.
    • UCFZ60BK

      60L Black Freestanding Under Counter Freezer

      Original price was: £138.99.Current price is: £125.09.
    • CF100

      Cookology CF100 Recirculating Filters

      Original price was: £14.99.Current price is: £13.49.
    • MFZ32BK

      31L Black Table Top Freezer

      Original price was: £94.99.Current price is: £85.49.
    • CCFZ142BK

      142L Black Chest Freezer with Chill Function

      Original price was: £164.99.Current price is: £148.49.
    • BUCH900SS/A+

      90cm Stainless Steel Built-In Cooker Hood

      Original price was: £159.99.Current price is: £143.99.
    • CWC301BK

      20 Bottle Capacity Black Wine Cooler with Wood Shelves

      Original price was: £299.99.Current price is: £269.99.
    • DK1M150

      DK1M150 Ducting Kit for Externally Vented Cooker Hoods

      Original price was: £19.99.Current price is: £17.99.
    • CTTD6BK

      6 Place Setting Black Table Top Dishwasher

      Original price was: £199.99.Current price is: £179.99.
    • IM20LSS

      20L Integrated Microwave – Stainless Steel

      Original price was: £159.99.Current price is: £143.99.
    • CTTD8BK

      8 Place Setting Black Table Top Dishwasher

      Original price was: £249.99.Current price is: £224.99.
    • CMVD25BK

      2.5kg Black Mini Tumble Dryer

      Original price was: £154.99.Current price is: £139.49.
    • CMAFS20LBK

      20L Countertop Microwave – Black

      Original price was: £64.99.Current price is: £58.49.
    • CCFZ198BK

      198L Black Chest Freezer with Chill Function

      Original price was: £199.99.Current price is: £179.99.
    • BUGL900BK/A+

      A+ Energy Rated – 90cm Built Under Canopy Cooker Hood – Black Glass

      Original price was: £219.99.Current price is: £197.99.
    • CTTD6WH

      6 Place Setting White Table Top Dishwasher

      Original price was: £189.99.Current price is: £170.99.
    • IMOG25LSS

      25L Stainless Steel Built-In Combi Microwave Oven & Grill

      Original price was: £199.99.Current price is: £179.99.
    • UCFZ60WH

      60L White Freestanding Under Counter Freezer

      Original price was: £138.99.Current price is: £125.09.
    • BC96BK

      93L Drinks Fridge – Black

      Original price was: £214.99.Current price is: £193.49.
    • SEP602BK

      60cm Black 4 Zone Solid Plate Hob

      Original price was: £89.99.Current price is: £80.99.
    • IM20LBK

      20L Integrated Microwave – Black

      Original price was: £159.99.Current price is: £143.99.
    • CFSDI20LBK

      20L Black Freestanding Digital 800W Microwave Oven

      Original price was: £66.00.Current price is: £59.40.
    • BUGL750BK/A+

      A+ Energy Rated – 75cm Under Cupboard Canopy Cooker Hood – Black Glass

      Original price was: £199.99.Current price is: £179.99.
    • MFR67BK

      65L Black Mini Table Top Fridge

      Original price was: £109.99.Current price is: £98.99.
    • CTTD6SL

      6 Place Setting Silver Table Top Dishwasher

      Original price was: £199.99.Current price is: £179.99.
    • CBC70BK

      70L Drinks Fridge – Black

      Original price was: £199.99.Current price is: £179.99.
    • BUCH520SS/A+

      52cm Stainless Steel Built-In Canopy Cooker Hood

      Original price was: £84.99.Current price is: £76.49.
    • UCIF93BK

      93L Black Under Counter Fridge with Chiller Box

      Original price was: £129.99.Current price is: £116.99.
    • GH700SS

      70cm Stainless Steel 5 Burner Gas Hob with Wok Burner

      Original price was: £149.99.Current price is: £134.99.
    • IMOG25LBK

      25L Black Built-In Combination Microwave and Oven

      Original price was: £199.99.Current price is: £179.99.
    • GH705SS

      70cm Stainless Steel 5 Burner Gas Hob and Wok Burner with Cast Iron Supports

      Original price was: £159.99.Current price is: £143.99.
    • UCIB80BK

      80L Black Under Counter Fridge with Ice Box

      Original price was: £139.99.Current price is: £125.99.
    • CTTD8SL

      8 Place Setting Silver Table Top Dishwasher

      Original price was: £249.99.Current price is: £224.99.
    • SFO60BK/1

      60cm Black Built-In Electric Fan Oven

      Original price was: £179.99.Current price is: £161.99.
    • CF300

      CF300 Carbon Sheet Filter for Recirculating Visor Cooker Hoods

      Original price was: £14.99.Current price is: £13.49.
    • SFO60SS/1

      60cm Stainless Steel Built-In Electric Fan Oven

      Original price was: £179.99.Current price is: £161.99.
    • CMAFS20LWH

      20L Countertop Microwave – White

      Original price was: £64.99.Current price is: £58.49.
    • CMVD25WH

      2.5kg White Mini Tumble Dryer

      Original price was: £154.99.Current price is: £139.49.
    • CTTD8WH

      8 Place Setting White Table Top Dishwasher

      Original price was: £249.99.Current price is: £224.99.
    • MCDW3BK

      3 Place Setting White Mini Table Top Dishwasher with Window

      Original price was: £249.99.Current price is: £224.99.
    • CWC150BK

      7 Bottle Capacity Black Built-In Wine Cooler

      Original price was: £199.99.Current price is: £179.99.
    • COF600BK

      65L Black Electric Fan Oven – Energy Rating A

      Original price was: £189.99.Current price is: £170.99.
    • MFZ32SL

      31L Silver Table Top Freezer

      Original price was: £94.99.Current price is: £85.49.
    • FOD60BK

      60L Large Built-in Electric True Fan Oven with Easy Programmable Timer and Digital Clock – Black Glass

      Original price was: £189.99.Current price is: £170.99.
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      115L Black Under Counter Drinks Fridge

      Original price was: £329.99.Current price is: £296.99.
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      60cm Black Induction Hob with Bridging Zone

      Original price was: £179.99.Current price is: £161.99.
    • VER905BK

      90cm Black Angled Chimney Cooker Hood with Touch Control

      Original price was: £159.99.Current price is: £143.99.
    • LINT901SS/A++

      90cm Stainless Steel Chimney Cooker Hood – Energy Rating A++

      Original price was: £199.99.Current price is: £179.99.
    • SEP601WH

      60cm White 4 Zone Solid Plate Hob

      Original price was: £99.99.Current price is: £89.99.
    • VER805BK/A++

      A++ Energy Rated – 80cm Angled Chimney Cooker Hood – Touch Control – Black

      Original price was: £159.99.Current price is: £143.99.
    • LINT701SS

      70cm Stainless Steel Chimney Cooker Hood – Energy Rating A++

      Original price was: £189.99.Current price is: £170.99.
    • GGH705BK

      70cm Black 5 Burner Gas on Glass Hob with Cast Iron Supports

      Original price was: £159.99.Current price is: £143.99.
    • CH600SS/A

      60cm Stainless Steel Chimney Cooker Hood

      Original price was: £79.99.Current price is: £71.99.
    • MFZ32WH

      31L White Table Top Freezer

      Original price was: £94.99.Current price is: £85.49.
    • CCFZ99WH

      99L White Chest Freezer with Chill Function

      Original price was: £138.99.Current price is: £125.09.
    • UCFR88BK

      93L Black Freestanding Under Counter Fridge

      Original price was: £139.99.Current price is: £111.99.
    • CTFZ163IX

      160L Tall Inox Freestanding Larder Freezer

      Original price was: £299.99.Current price is: £239.99.
    • CCFZ142WH

      142L White Chest Freezer with Chill Function

      Original price was: £164.99.Current price is: £148.49.
    • MFR67WH

      65L White Mini Table Top Fridge

      Original price was: £109.99.Current price is: £98.99.
    • CFSDI20LWH

      20L White Freestanding Digital 800W Microwave Oven

      Original price was: £66.99.Current price is: £60.29.
    • MFR45BK

      45L Black Table Top Mini Fridge

      Original price was: £94.99.Current price is: £85.49.
    • CH900BK/A

      90cm Black Chimney Cooker Hood – Energy Rating A

      Original price was: £84.99.Current price is: £76.49.
    • CWC601BK

      54 Bottle Capacity Black Freestanding Wine Cooler

      Original price was: £449.99.Current price is: £404.99.
    • CIT902

      90cm Black 5 Zone Induction Hob with Touch Control

      Original price was: £299.99.Current price is: £269.99.
    • CDO900BK

      110L Black Built-In Double Oven – Energy Rating A

      Original price was: £369.99.Current price is: £332.99.
    • CGL600BK/A

      60cm Black Curved Glass Cooker Hood

      Original price was: £89.99.Current price is: £80.99.
    • TSH601BK/A

      60cm Black Chimney Cooker Hood – Energy Rating A

      Original price was: £89.99.Current price is: £80.99.
    • VER705BK/A++

      A++ Energy Rated – 70cm Angled Chimney Cooker Hood – Touch Control – Glass Black

      Original price was: £129.99.Current price is: £116.99.
    • CWC34BK

      34 Bottle Capacity Black Built-In Wine Cooler

      Original price was: £229.99.Current price is: £206.99.
    • HICYL351SS

      35cm Stainless Steel Hanging Cylinder Island Cooker Hood – Energy Rating A++

      Original price was: £229.99.Current price is: £206.99.
    • HICYL351BK/A++

      35cm Black Hanging Cylinder Island Cooker Hood – Energy Rating A++

      Original price was: £229.99.Current price is: £206.99.
    • CBC98BK

      98L Drinks Fridge – Black

      Original price was: £259.99.Current price is: £233.99.
    • CIHDD800

      80cm Black Induction Hob with Downdraft Extractor

      Original price was: £669.99.Current price is: £602.99.
    • MFR67SS

      65L Stainless Steel Table Top Mini Fridge

      Original price was: £119.99.Current price is: £107.99.
    • VISOR600BK

      60cm Black Visor Cooker Hood Extractor Fan

      Original price was: £59.99.Current price is: £53.99.
    • CET901

      90cm Black Ceramic Hob with 5 Zones

      Original price was: £239.99.Current price is: £215.99.
    • UCIB80WH

      80L White Under Counter Fridge with Ice Box

      Original price was: £139.99.Current price is: £125.99.
    • BUGL900WH/A+

      90cm White Glass Built-In Canopy Cooker Hood

      Original price was: £219.99.Current price is: £197.99.
    • CIK602

      60cm Induction Hob with Dial Controls – Black

      Original price was: £179.99.Current price is: £161.99.
    • CBID601

      12 Place Setting Stainless Steel Integrated Dishwasher

      Original price was: £269.99.Current price is: £242.99.
    • CMVD25SL

      2.5kg Silver Mini Tumble Dryer

      Original price was: £154.99.Current price is: £139.49.
    • BUCH750SS/A+

      75cm Stainless Steel Built-In Canopy Cooker Hood

      Original price was: £129.99.Current price is: £116.99.
    • CH900SS/A

      90cm Stainless Steel Chimney Cooker Hood – Energy Rating A

      Original price was: £84.99.Current price is: £76.49.
    • CMDW2BK

      2 Place Setting Black Mini Table Top Dishwasher

      Original price was: £269.99.Current price is: £242.99.
    • GGH700BK

      70cm Black 5 Burner Gas on Glass Hob with Enamel Supports

      Original price was: £149.99.Current price is: £134.99.
    • UCIF93SL

      93L Silver Under Counter Fridge with Chiller Box

      Original price was: £129.99.Current price is: £116.99.
    • UCFR130BK

      130L Under Counter Fridge – Black

      Original price was: £169.99.Current price is: £152.99.

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