List of Commonly Used Appliances in a Home

Over 200 years ago the discovery of electricity opened the door to modern appliances. In this relatively short period of time, things have changed dramatically. The majority of modern day Americans own ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers and refrigerators. We all depend on these commonly used appliances to make our lives easier to manage.

Refrigerators

This convenient appliance comes in all shapes, colors and sizes, with a freezer alongside. Although the cold box was in common usage in the early part of the twentieth century, the first electric refrigerator became available in 1923. It was a Frigidaire, and cost $714. Refrigerators with automatic defrosters and ice makers are commonplace in kitchens these days.

Oven

The first gas oven was introduced at a dinner party in 1802, but weren't commercially produced until 1834. The modern gas or electric range is temperature controlled to bake bread or roast meat and casseroles to perfection. Newer models are outfitted with griddles and even burners cool to the touch. Most contemporary kitchens are equipped with combination oven ranges.

Dishwasher

The first patented dishwasher was hand cranked and built from wood in 1850, but it didn't really clean the dishes. The first dishwasher that actually cleaned the dishes was exhibited at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. Although well-received by restaurant and hotel owners, it wasn't until 1950 the dishwasher became widely available.

Clothes Washer and Dryer

In ancient times, people washed their clothes by scrubbing them with sand in the local stream, and then laid out to dry in the heat from the sun. The first electric powered washing machine (The Thor) came out in 1908. It wasn't the efficient machine that washes our clothes today, but it was the beginning of something wonderful. Clothes dryers originated in England and France in the early 1800s, and the first electric dryer in 1915. The washer and dryer together are an unbeatable combination.