Which kitchen gadgets have been most popular in lockdown?

Ice cream makers, smoothie makers, and pizza ovens were popular

More families are baking together thanks to lockdowns (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

British families have been dusting down old bread makers, sandwich toasters and food processors as they spend 14 hours extra a week cooking up a storm.

A survey of 2,000 families found over half are finding new ways of being inventive in the kitchen, by turning to the likes of ice cream makers, smoothie makers, and pizza ovens as a way of creating entertainment.

Other gadgets relied on for family fun include air fryers, waffle machines and sandwich makers.

It also emerged seven in 10 mums and dads are spending more time baking and making with little ones than ever before.

Families have been experimenting in the kitchen together by baking cakes, homemade pizzas and desserts.

Toasties have also become a regular lunchtime treat in many households, while pancakes have featured heavily.

However the increased use of kitchen gadgets may result in a spike in energy costs for some households, with almost all of adults admitting they have no idea how much energy their culinary tech items use.

More than half rarely factor in running costs when buying new gadgets for the kitchen, and the majority don’t bother to check the appliances’ energy rating factor.

A spokesman for Utilita, the pay as you go energy company that carried out the poll as part of its #EnergyHigh5 campaign said: “A renewed focus on cooking has undoubtedly helped to keep people’s spirits up during the pandemic, but it’s important that we all consider what these gastro gadgets are costing in terms of the impact on our pockets, and the planet.

“For items that are only on for a few minutes, energy consumption shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

“It’s the items that stay out on the worktop to be used more regularly, or for longer periods, such as coffee machines, slow cookers and air fryers – mainly those that produce heat or refrigeration - that could be costing more than we expect over a year.”

The study found for half of families, eating together during the past 12 months has become the main form of evening entertainment, and many have turned to cooking as a way of bonding together.

Some have simply been looking for ways to keep the children busy, which means items like the food processor and smoothie maker have been getting used more than usual.

And recipe books have also made a reappearance in the majority of family kitchens.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, six in 10 families polled via OnePoll have been eating more food than normal over the past year.

SWNS