Consumers' postponement of replacement appliances due to the recession will lead to a surge in sales over the next five years, with the market set to reach £572m by 2014.
Research company Mintel has predicted a 'mini boom' in sales of small kitchen appliances, as consumers who have postponed replacing items during the recession, go out to refresh the look of their kitchen.

The small kitchen appliance market saw a modest growth of 1% in 2008, falling 2% last year, when it was worth an estimated £546m. However, Mintel believes pent-up demand will be released, with sales of appliances set to see volume and value increases of 15% and 5% respectively. By 2014, the company estimates market value to reach £572m.

Mintel senior retail analyst Richard Caines said: "The recession has had a mixed effect on sales of kitchen appliances. While many of us will have delayed the replacement of kitchen appliances, lack of funds has led to a boost in interest in in-home food and drink preparation, underpinning the growth prospects of the market."

He added: "Changing fashions in kitchen design and décor provide the opportunity for more frequent replacement of appliances, especially when consumer confidence returns."

Essentials such as kettles and toasters are both doing well, with volume sales up 12% and 24% between 2005 and 2009. Sales of food preparation appliances, including mixers, blenders, whisks and choppers have also performed well, with volume sales up 17% over the same five-year period.

Less essential or 'of thee moment' appliances, such as deep fat fryers, health grills and sandwich toasters have all seen volume declines of up to 11% between 2005 and 2009.

The research company warns that loss of novelty appeal is a major problem, with as many as four in ten Britons admitting to having kitchen appliances they have used for a while but that now sit at the back of their kitchen cupboards.

Mintel's findings also revealed that the big brands will need to give consumers more reasons to chose their products over retailer-own brands. Only one in four Britons prefer well-known brands, compared with three in ten that think retailer own-brands are just as good.

However, the research also found that consumers are becoming disillusioned with the short life spans of many modern small appliances and four in ten people said that they are prepared to pay more for quality that lasts to save them money in the longer run.