Britons have lifespan in mind when buying kitchen gadgets, survey claims

Consumers also allegedly buy gadgets they hardly ever use

According to figures, consumers expect washing machines to function without trouble for eight years (TOBIAS SCHWARZ/ (AFP/Getty Images))

Britons bank on nine years use from their fridge before it breaks- and at least six and a half years service from their toaster, a new study suggests.

Researchers who carried out a detailed study found the majority of us have a lifespan in mind when purchasing kitchen gadgets and white goods.

According to the figures, British consumers expect a washing machine to work trouble-free for eight years and ovens to last just over a decade.

It also emerged ideally a dishwasher should last eight years and a tumble dryer should last slightly longer.

Despite our love of the latest kitchen tech, the study also found 57 percent of Brits have gadgets and appliances in their kitchen they rarely, or ever, use.

A spokesperson for AO.com, which commissioned the research, said: “When we buy an appliance for our kitchen, we expect it to last, especially for larger purchases such as a washing machine as we want to get the most out of them.

“However, we recommend people check the efficiency of older appliances as these could run up the cost of the monthly energy bill.

“It’s also important to keep up to date with changing technology.

“Fridges are smarter than ever and ovens can be activated on your phone so there may be a better machine out there for you.”

The study of 2,000 homeowners also revealed how much it costs us to use each item before it comes to the end of its shelf-life.

According to research, an average washing machine lasting eight years and two months spins through more than 15 washing cycles every month – or a total of 1,470 washes.

This means that each wash will cost consumers precisely 22.6 pence.

Britons will put their toaster to work 16 times a month at a cost of five pence per use.

Assuming it makes two slices of toast each time, that means it will prepare 2,496 slices of hot toast for its owner before breaking.

The majority of Brits believe their kettle will be the kitchen appliance that needs replacing next, shortly followed by their washing machines.

Four in 10 Brits think the general build quality of kitchen appliance has become much worse in recent years.

And less than half of the population have an emergency fund put aside in case a large kitchen appliance needs replacing.

A fifth of respondents also claim to be ‘loyal’ to particular brands when it comes to purchasing white goods and other kitchen equipment.

According to the research conducted through OnePoll.com, food processors, bread makers, slow cookers and juicers are all gathering dust on millions of British homeowners’ shelves.

SWNS