Consumer portable appliances: which battery chemistry is most commonly used in cordless electric knives and similar legacy cordless tools?

Introduction / Context:
Battery chemistry impacts energy density, cycle life, self-discharge, and cost. Recognizing which chemistries are used in typical cordless appliances helps with maintenance, replacement, and safe disposal of older devices.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Appliance: cordless electric knife (handheld consumer device).
• Legacy designs prior to the widespread adoption of lithium-ion in small appliances.
• Rechargeable chemistry expected.

Concept / Approach:
Historically, nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd or Nicad) cells have been popular for cordless tools and small appliances due to high discharge rates, robustness, and reasonable cycle life. Zinc–carbon cells are primary (nonrechargeable). Mercury cells are primary button cells for low-drain applications and are largely discontinued for environmental reasons. Lead–acid is rechargeable but heavy, better suited for automotive or large tools, not compact handheld kitchen devices.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Product teardowns and service manuals for older cordless kitchen tools commonly specify Ni-Cd battery packs, often sub-C cells in series for 7.2–9.6 V packs.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming modern lithium-ion was always used; many legacy consumer appliances relied on Ni-Cd before Li-ion became ubiquitous.

Final Answer:
Nicad battery.