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Kitchen appliances make your life easier. Take a look inside the kitchen appliances you use all the time and learn how they work, from refrigerators to garbage disposals.

Featured Article:  How Microwave Cooking Works

Microwave ovens are popular because they cook food in an amazingly short amount of time. They are also extremely efficient in their use of electricity because a microwave oven heats only the food -- and nothing else. See more »

Can I go without a refrigerator?

Can I go without a refrigerator?

Your refrigerator keeps your milk cold, your veggies crisp and your leftovers ready to see a new day. Why would someone want to unplug that boxy center of the kitchen?

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How Blenders Work

How Blenders Work

What do chefs, bartenders and geneticists have in common? They all use blenders. A blender is an appliance you can't live without if you want to turn solid ingredients into liquid deliciousness.

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How Bone China Works

How Bone China Works

There’s a certain mystique to fine bone china -- have you ever wondered why? Lenox is the only manufacturer of bone china in the United States and they’ve even produced china for five U.S. presidents. Take a trip inside the Lenox factory with HowStuffWorks.

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How can I tell if the light in my refrigerator goes off or not when I close the door?

How can I tell if the light in my refrigerator goes off or not when I close the door?

This will sound like a joke, but it's not: How can I tell for sure if the light in my refrigerator goes off or not when I close the door?

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How Coffee Makers Work

How Coffee Makers Work

Every morning you scoop in the coffee, add the water and turn it on, but have you ever wondered what is happening inside your coffee maker? Find out how that precious gadget delivers your wake-up dose.

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How Dishwashers Work

How Dishwashers Work

Learn how a dishwasher gets the job done, how to use one properly and what features to look for when buying a dishwasher.

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How does a frost-free refrigerator work?

How does a frost-free refrigerator work?

If you have an old refrigerator or one of the small dorm refrigerators, you know all about the frost that forms around the coils that cool the freezer. Learn how newer refrigerators keep this frost from forming.

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How does the lighter in a BBQ grill work?

How does the lighter in a BBQ grill work?

A BBQ lighter uses something called piezoelectricity to generate a nice spark that lights the grill. Learn more about how this lighter works to grill up your favorite foods.

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How Espresso Machines Work

How Espresso Machines Work

Espresso, cappuccino, latte, double latte, double mocha latte... Espresso drinks have become coffee-shop staples all over the world. Watch us take apart an espresso machine!

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How Food Processors Work

How Food Processors Work

Looking for a kitchen appliance that can chop, slice and shred, knead, beat and grind, or even stand in for a juicer? Find out how a food processor can handle all these culinary tasks with ease.

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How Freezers Work

How Freezers Work

Many new freezers have features to prevent frost and digitally monitor temperatures, but the technology has been evolving for years. How do freezers keep your food from spoiling?

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How Icemakers Work

How Icemakers Work

Most of us can enjoy an ice-cold beverage any time, anywhere we want. With an icemaker, there's no need to crack, dump and refill a single tray yourself. See how icemakers do all the work for you.

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How Induction Cooktops Work

How Induction Cooktops Work

If you're a foodie, or if you're just looking for a way to modernize your kitchen, you may be considering an induction cooktop. But how do these cooktops work, and are they worth the expense?

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How Microwave Cooking Works

How Microwave Cooking Works

Microwave ovens are popular because they cook food in an amazingly short amount of time. They are also extremely efficient in their use of electricity because a microwave oven heats only the food -- and nothing else.

See more »
How Nonstick Cookware Works

How Nonstick Cookware Works

For busy families, every minute in the kitchen counts. But for some chefs, it's less about how long it takes to cook and more about how long it takes to clean. That's where nonstick cookware comes in.

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How Refrigerators Work

How Refrigerators Work

Without the refrigerator, you'd be salting your meat, tossing leftovers and drinking everything warm. Examine the inner workings of this food-preservation icon.

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How Rice Cookers Work

How Rice Cookers Work

Burned chunks or gooey paste can be the disappointing result of rice gone wrong, but a rice cooker can even the odds for even the klutziest cooks in the kitchen.

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How Slow Cookers Work

How Slow Cookers Work

If you crave a warm, home-cooked meal, but don't have time to spend hours in the kitchen, a slow cooker may be just what you need. But how do slow cookers work?

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How Solar-powered Refrigerators Work

How Solar-powered Refrigerators Work

Solar panels sit atop buildings, homes and tents, and power any number of gadgets and appliances -- including refrigerators. But can the sun still power a fridge without the panels?

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How Steam Dishwashers Work

How Steam Dishwashers Work

Steam is a powerful cleaning agent. It sterilizes without detergent and can effectively detach dried-on muck from plates and cups. But do steam dishwashers live up to their hype?

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