A method for detecting a mechanical load on a vibratory mechanism of a small electric appliance driven by an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is powered by a drive current having a predetermined frequency, wherein, at a predetermined time of measurement the electrical quantity generated by the electric motor is evaluated and wherein the evaluated electrical quantity is indicative of the mechanical load on the vibratory mechanism, as well as a small electrical appliance with a vibratory mechanism and an electric motor to drive the vibratory mechanism.
