Tech savvy Brits hoard unused gadgets
British households are full of un-used gadgets despite the fact that more than half of us consider ourselves ‘techno-savvy’ it was revealed.
A survey of more than 2,000 homeowners commissioned by npower found that four out of five people admit they hoard items such as blenders, curling tongs and grilling machines in cupboards all over the house.
Two thirds of people claim to buy new technology or household products which they don’t really need and 34 per cent were disappointed to buy a new gadget, only to realise it was completely pointless.
Nikki Hadcroft, creative services manager for npower, said: “Our research found that a staggering 72% of Brits are interested in future technology, and this has formed the basis for our stand at the Ideal Home Show. From 11-27 March we’ll be showcasing smart buys for the home.
“Far from buying every gadget going, we’ll be advising consumers to invest in future technologies that will deliver long term financial and ecological benefits, such as solar panels or electric vehicles, rather than gadgets simply bought for their novelty value.
“There is a wealth of exciting and useful technology for our homes. It’s just a case of doing your research and finding out what would be most beneficial for you and your home.”
The study shows DVD players, printers, egg poachers and sandwich toasters are also amongst the most unused items. And more ridiculous novelty purchases include fondue sets, juicers and electric carving knives.
Other items deemed to be completely useless and un-used are steamers, slow cookers and exercise equipment such as rowing and running machines.
The research revealed Brits spend an average of £40 a month on gadgets in the hope they will make their lives easier (64%) their homes more energy efficient (20%) and to keep up with the Jones’ (11%).
However 23% admit they simply like to have the latest technology in their home, with one in 16 confessing to buying ‘every gadget going’.
Encouragingly, one in ten people plan to invest in solar panels, smart metres and hybrid cars in the next few years. And already more than 75% already use energy efficient light-bulbs and one in six have light timers installed in their home.
Nevertheless a fifth of Brits admit to frequently buying items on a bit of a whim, knowing they’ll probably never use them and 13 per cent never worked out how to use some of the more complex gadgets in the house.
A quarter of people polled reckon many of their useless gadgets were bought for them by friends and family, while 13 per cent bought them for a partner who doesn’t use them.
63 per cent find it incredibly frustrating when they something, only to find a newer version is released just six months later making their model useless or old fashioned.
npower will be exhibiting at the Ideal Home Show from 11 - 27 March. The npower stand will showcase home charging points for electric cars, with a Tesla - the fastest electric vehicle in existence - on hand to provide a demonstration. The stand will also feature a dedicated ‘environment’ section where visitors will be able to see video demonstrations of npower’s solar capabilities and find out how to make their homes more energy efficient for the future.
TOP 20 UNUSED GADGETS
1. Gym / sports equipment
2. Blender
3. Curling tongs
4. Grilling machine
5. Foot spa
6. Steamer
7. Sandwich maker
8. Coffee machine
9. Games console
10. Egg poacher
11. Drinks maker
12. Bread maker
13. Alarm clock
14. Fondue set
15. Electric carving knife
16. DVD player
17. Electric juicer
18. Printer
19. Slow cooker
20. Deep fat fryer