Appliances are arguably the most important part of any kitchen, and consumers are always being confronted with new product styles and trends. However, new research from appliance manufacturer Beko has discovered that advanced technology and classic designs are the most desired features in today’s modern kitchens.
The report found that the top three values consumers favored in kitchen appliances were aesthetics, quality, and functionality. Over half of the participants said that quality was the most important feature, with 61 percent citing the importance of products being durable and built to last. This is at odds with a growing trend in some markets, where consumers are purchasing cheaper and trendier items, according to Beko.
Another feature that consumers are looking for is advanced kitchen technology. Over half of the study’s respondents said that innovative and energy efficient appliances were something they admired. This will come as no surprise to most retailers; consumers have increasingly been moving towards sustainable products that have less of an impact on the environment. In fact, a report from Grand View Research found that consumers are now more inclined to purchase energy-saving, low-carbon kitchen products. Most companies are working to meet this new demand – Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, and many others are now creating products that use less energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
How a product looks was also an important factor for consumers, with many stating they liked “sleek and modern” designs. Aesthetics are now playing more of a role in kitchens than in previous years, as one in three consumers no longer use them solely for cooking. These spaces are now being used as communal areas, where families and friends gather to spend time.
“The kitchen is no longer a room exclusively for preparing meals,” Ragıp Balcıoğlu, chief commercial officer at Arçelik, said in a press release. “This research confirms what we’ve observed; high quality products that look great and are equipped with the innovative technologies sit at the heart of our consumers’ dream kitchens.”
The global kitchen appliance market is expected to reach a value of $351.11 billion by 2029, a report from Data Bridge found. This growth is mostly being fueled by the growing demand for better-looking products that are environmentally friendly, as consumers begin to spend more time in the kitchen.
