Which appliance is specifically meant for heating water or creating steam for various purposes?

The appliance specifically meant for heating water or creating steam is a boiler. Boilers are designed to convert water into steam or heat water for a variety of applications, including heating systems, industrial processes, and even for producing hot water in residential settings. They work by burning fuel or using electricity to heat water and produce steam, which can then be utilized for heating spaces or powering equipment.

In contrast, while a water heater also heats water, it typically operates at a much lower temperature and pressure than a boiler and is primarily used for supplying hot water for domestic use. A clothes dryer is intended for drying clothes and does not have a primary function of heating water. A heating pad is used externally for therapeutic heat application on the body and does not heat water or produce steam. Therefore, in the context of the question, the boiler stands out as the appliance explicitly designed for heating water or creating steam.