07:47 Oct 20, 2011 

Very acute definition Tony, as usual, I can see clearly now the difference. Would it be possible to say simply “électroménager” (électroménager pour le plan de travail ou comptoir)?

07:33 Oct 20, 2011 

'petit électroménager' does include all this sort of smaller appliance, including microwaves and counter-top ovens; what differentiates it from other 'électroménager' is the fact that it is relatively portable and not floor standing; cf. fridge, freezer, cooker, washing-machine, which are all classed as 'gros électroménager'

07:28 Oct 20, 2011 

Je trouve que ce robot style Thermomix est à la limite du petit électroménager, c'est plutôt un appareil, comme le serait aussi à mon avis un micro-hondes

07:01 Oct 20, 2011 

Gilles has kindly provided some examples of translations for countertop as a noun, the real problem here is perhaps how best to formulate it here used as an adjective.