Shopping for kitchen products, home appliances and smart home devices means running into a lot of specifications and abbreviations. This glossary explains the terms you are most likely to meet on MyHomeLobby and on store pages.
Definitions are general and neutral. Exact figures and features vary by product, so check the manufacturer’s specifications. For how we research, see our Editorial Policy.
- Air fryer
- A countertop appliance that circulates hot air around food to cook it with little or no added oil. It works like a small convection oven.
- Amps
- The unit that measures electric current. Appliance labels list amps so you can check that a circuit can handle the load.
- BTU
- British thermal unit, a measure of heat energy. It is used to rate gas burners, heaters and air conditioners.
- Capacity
- How much an appliance can hold, usually in quarts, liters or cubic feet. Refrigerators, blenders and slow cookers are all described this way.
- Convection
- A cooking method that uses a fan to move hot air around the food. It tends to heat more evenly than still air.
- Counter-depth
- A refrigerator style that sits close to flush with standard countertops. It usually holds less than a full-depth model.
- Decibel (dB)
- The unit for sound level. Dishwashers and range hoods list decibels, and a lower number means a quieter machine.
- Energy Star
- A U.S. government-backed label for products that meet set energy efficiency guidelines. It appears on many appliances.
- Geofencing
- A smart home feature that uses your phone’s location to trigger actions, such as adjusting a thermostat when you leave.
- Hub
- A device that connects smart home products and lets them work together. Some products need one, and others connect directly to Wi-Fi.
- Induction cooktop
- A cooktop that heats compatible cookware with magnetic fields instead of a flame or coil. The surface itself warms mainly from the pan.
- Matter
- An industry standard for smart home devices intended to let products from different brands work together. Support depends on the device.
- Pre-set program
- A saved cycle or cooking mode, such as “bake” or “quick wash.” It sets time and temperature for you.
- Range hood
- A fan and vent mounted above a stove. It pulls steam, smoke and cooking odors out of the air.
- Routine
- A smart home setting that runs several actions from one trigger, such as a time of day or a voice command.
- Self-cleaning oven
- An oven with a high-heat or steam cycle that loosens baked-on residue. The cycle length and method vary.
- Smart plug
- A plug adapter that lets you switch a connected device on or off from an app or voice assistant.
- Smart speaker
- A voice-controlled speaker with a built-in assistant. It can play audio and control compatible smart home devices.
- Thermostat
- A device that senses room temperature and signals heating or cooling equipment. Smart models can follow schedules and be controlled remotely.
- Thread
- A low-power wireless network protocol used by some smart home devices. It lets devices pass messages to one another.
- Voltage
- The electrical pressure supplied to an appliance. Household outlets in the United States are typically 120 volts, and some large appliances use 240.
- Wattage
- The power an appliance uses or produces, measured in watts. Higher wattage often means faster heating but greater electricity use.
- Wi-Fi
- A wireless network standard that connects devices to your home internet. Most smart home products use it.
- Zigbee
- A low-power wireless standard used by many smart bulbs, sensors and switches. These devices often connect through a hub.
- Zoned cooking
- A cooktop or oven layout with separate heating areas that can be used independently or combined for larger cookware.
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