# Major Appliance

> Major Appliance means a piece of equipment used in residential or commercial settings, including but not limited to, air conditioner, clothes washer

**Term:** Major Appliance  
**Last updated:** 2026-07-08

## Definition

### Definition 1

The line between a major appliance and a small appliance usually comes down to size, mobility, power connection, and how the equipment connects to the home. A major appliance is large, hard to move, and typically wired into a dedicated electrical circuit or plumbed to fixed water, gas, or drainage lines. A small appliance is a compact, portable electronic or electric product you plug into a standard power outlet and store on a counter or in a cupboard, such as a coffee maker, toaster, kettle, food mixer, or handheld food processor. Each small appliance tends to handle one function or task, while a major appliance is a fixed machine built into the household. When a contract defines "major appliance," it is setting the scope of what a clause covers, so the definition often includes a specific list of components rather than leaving the term open to interpretation.

### Definition 2

For example, a residential lease might require the landlord to repair and maintain every major appliance supplied with the property, including the refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and water heater, while making the tenant responsible for their own small appliances. Because major appliances are built into the home and need professional installation, servicing, and cleaning, agreements often set out who handles those obligations, including any electrical or plumbing work and replacement of worn parts or components. A clear list in the definition helps both sides avoid disputes over whether a given item, such as a countertop coffee maker you use to cook or prepare food versus a fixed oven, falls within the clause. When you draft or review these terms, check that the definition matches the equipment actually on site and design the wording to reflect how each item is installed and used. If you are unsure how to word a clause, GenieAI can draft it and flag the parts that need your attention.

## Context

### Relevant circumstances

- When leasing or purchasing residential or commercial properties, and defining which fixed equipment is included
- When discussing warranty or repair services for such equipment
- When contracting services for installing, cleaning, or maintaining these appliances, including electrical and plumbing work
- When distinguishing a major appliance from a small appliance for insurance, service, or liability purposes
- When an order or supply agreement needs to specify which household machines and components are covered

### Relevant sectors

- Real Estate
- Retail
- Hospitality

## Relevant contract types

- [Lease Agreement](https://www.genieai.co/en-us/template-type/lease-agreement)
- [Sales and Purchase Agreement](https://www.genieai.co/en-us/template-type/sales-and-purchase-agreement)
- [Warranty Agreement](https://www.genieai.co/en-us/template-type/warranty-agreement)

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