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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                                AUDITOR'S CONSENT

         We have issued our report dated February 8, 2000, accompanying the
consolidated financial statements and schedule included in the Annual Report of
Applica Incorporated (f/k/a Windmere-Durable Holdings, Inc.) on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1999. We hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference of the aforementioned report in the Registration Statement of Applica
Incorporated on Form S-8.

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
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Grant Thornton LLP


Miami, Florida
June 21, 2000