Fridges, freezers, washing machines and driers etc...

[MORELLO]

Why are 'White Goods' white?

[smudge]

Do you mean "why are electriacl appliances white"?

[smudge]

*electrical

(Sorry just got my new spec's & they're taking some getting uesd to - believe me)!

[sddsddean]

In answer to your question smudge, Morello's question is correct. Electrical goods usually found in kitchens (eg fridge, washing machine, cooker) are normally referred to as 'white goods', because traditionally thats what colour they were. All the other stuff (TV, stereo, radiogram[if you are that old!]) are 'brown goods' as they usually were, more or less, brown.

[gastwo]

To make it more confusing, some "white" goods on the "black" market are called "grey"...

[KARL]

In case you are inferring that wall-to-wall white white-goods is unimaginative, then I would agree. We have a fridge-freezer, washing machine and dishwasher, none of which is white - or stainless steel for that matter. I have sometimes wondered how well a manufacturer might do if he chose to offer a limited range of colours but very few in Europe seem to, whereas it is not uncommon in the US, especially with fridges.

[smudge]

Oh I see - I didn't realise that, well I was only a lickle girl in the 50s!

[smudge]

KARL - we haven't got any white electrical appliances either. We have a mid oak & cream kitchen, so have ones to suit that colour scheme. Good old Hotpoint!

[Uriah Heep]

White goods are white because they blend in with any colour of kitchen units.  The same reason that caravans are nearly always white.  That way they do not clash with the towing vehicle.  Simple!