Advertisement
Home Appliances
Home appliances make life easier, but what's really going on inside them? HowStuffWorks Home Appliances articles take a look inside common household appliances.
Advertisement
Learn More / Page 8
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!
How Hair Dryers Work
You may not have given it much thought, but your hair dryer is specially designed to prevent bad things from happening to you and your head. Why is it that your hair dryer doesn't get too hot to hold? And how does it avoid burning your scalp?
How Home Dry Cleaning Works
Is your wardrobe filled with fabrics like rayon, silk, and wool blends? Tired of those escalating professional dry cleaning bills? The answer may be as close as your clothes dryer. See how home dry cleaning works.
How Clothes Dryers Work
A dryer is actually a very simple device. In this article we'll take apart a clothes dryer and explore how each system works. We'll start by following the air through the machine, then see how the tumbler and fan turn, and finally look at the controls.
How Washing Machines Work
A washing machine is actually an amazing device once you get inside. Learn about the agitator, the pumps, the controller and much more!
How Liquid Motion Lamps Work
With bright colors and mesmerizing displays, lava lamps have become a popular icon of pop culture. Watch a quick video and read the article to learn more about the history and science behind these groovy liquid motion lamps.
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.
How Toasters Work
Ever wonder how a toaster knows when something is done? Does it pop it up regardless? Does it really care if you pick "Light" or "Medium" or "Dark"?
How does a candle work?
How do candles work? What keeps the wick burning, seemingly forever, when the same twine would completely burn up in a matter of minutes if it weren't engulfed in wax? Why won't the wax burn without a wick?
Why are my power bills so high? Which appliances use the most power?
Just reading a power bill is a tricky way to determine what appliances are using the most power. Learn what appliances are sucking your pockets dry.
How do sodium-acetate heat pads work?
Heating pads are made of a plastic pouch and a clear liquid. Inside the pouch is a metal disk that when clicked crystallizes the liquid causing it to heat up. Find out how heat pads work.
How can an electric toothbrush recharge its batteries when there are no metal contacts between the toothbrush and the base?
I have an electric toothbrush. Somehow, placing the plastic-handled brushing unit into a plastic holder/recharger will recharge the toothbrush unit. If no metal electrical contact is made, how can this recharge the toothbrush?
What is the difference between a fluorescent light and a neon light?
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a fluorescent light and a neon light? We'll explain both technologies in this article.
How does a time-of-use program with the power company work?
Chances are your power company in your area advertises a "time-of-use" program. But what exactly does this mean and can you really save on your power bill by signing up for this type of service?
How much ice would I have to store up in the winter in order to air condition my house all summer?
We use ice to cool many things from drinks to desserts. But what if ice could cool your home? Take a look at how much would be needed to keep your home comfortable during the dog days of summer.
Why is the back of a refrigerator painted black?
The color of the back part of your refrigerator really has nothing to do with being visually stimulating, so why did the back of your fridge arrive painted black?
Can anyone hear my baby monitor?
I have read that it is possible for people to listen in on baby monitors. Is this true? Can people hear my baby monitor?
How does a fluorescent starter work?
Fluorescent starters are used in several types of fluorescent lights. The starter is there to help the lamp light.
What is the function of the fan in a refrigerator?
You refrigerator is already cold, right? So then, why does it need a fan? Find out in this article.
What causes the loud banging noise in my home's pipes?
What causes the loud banging noise in my home's pipes? For example, when I turn off the faucet I hear it. Is there a way to prevent it?
How much does it cost to run an electric blanket?
We use electricity everyday to run a number of appliances and lights. But how much does it cost per hour to power these things? Find out how much it costs to leave an electric blanket on all day in this article.
How does a water softener work?
Hard water can be a problem because it causes pipes clog and some people just don't like the way it feels. Using a water softener can help solve this problem, but how does it work?
What is the ideal temperature for a refrigerator?
You know that the purpose of a refrigerator is to slow down the growth of bacteria, but what temperature should you set your refrigerator to so that it slows bacteria, but doesn't hurt food that doesn't freeze well? Find out in this article.
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?
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.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement