Useless gadgets gathering dust

It’s almost a Christmas tradition to receive a present that will never make it out of the box.
 
In fact, Brits already own millions of pounds worth of gadgets that are hardly ever used.
 
Fondue sets, chocolate fountains and bread makers are amongst the pricey gadgets languishing in kitchen cupboards, shows research* from AA Home Membership.
 
Nearly nine out of ten respondents confessed to owning at least one gadget. Chocolate fountains were the least used item; a huge 74% said they’ve used theirs once a year or less. Fondue sets (70%) and cocktail fountains (63%) round-off the top three most useless appliances.
 
In contrast, electric tin openers, fruit corers and milk frothers were both the cheapest and most-used items. Toasted sandwich makers were the most popular item with almost half of households (47%) owning one.
 
Nearly half don’t think these sorts of gadgets are good value for money, while a quarter say they regret purchasing one because they’ve never used it.
 
Helen Brooker, head of AA Home Membership said: “Most people own at least one appliance or gadget they barely use. It’s not until you clear out your cupboards, or try to find space for new Christmas presents that you realise how much stuff you actually have – and a lot of it is still in the box.
 
“Many items on the list were once really popular, but not for very long. Fondue sets used to be a must-have – now every charity shop must have at least one on their shelves!”
 
Mrs Brooker added: “Gadgets can be useful if there’s a particular task you struggle with, though you’ll often realise it wasn’t that difficult in the first place!”