Kitchen appliances in 2025: What Americans plan to buy
As eating trends get re-shaped by semaglutides, New Year health kicks and technological developments, we look at which countertop appliances Americans want for their kitchens in 2025. A recent YouGov survey provides insights into which appliances people are considering for their next purchase, as well as which they currently use the most.
Which kitchen appliances are on the shopping list?
We asked 1,000 Americans about their appliance shopping plans for the next year. Most Americans (68%) are considering buying a kitchen appliance in the coming 12 months. Air fryers are sizzling hot among new appliance considerers, with 29% thinking of buying one. Fryers are followed by toaster ovens (25%), blenders (20%), rice cookers (17%), and food processors (17%).
Demographic preferences: spotlight on the toaster oven
Perhaps nothing says you're an adult more than buying a new set of kitchen appliances. And once you buy them, it can often be a long time before they need replacing. This may explain why consideration for appliances is higher among younger consumers.
Consider the toaster oven. Nearly a third of those aged 18-29 (29%) are considering buying one, compared to only 12% of those over 30, many of whom may have already set up their kitchen. Toasters can also highlight other demographic differences. Nearly a quarter of city-dwellers (22%) are considering one, compared to 10% of suburbanites. Racial differences are apparent as well, with 28% of Black respondents interested in buying a toaster oven, compared to 13% of white respondents.
Usage frequency: from daily essentials to occasional gadgets
The survey also explored how frequently certain appliances are used, highlighting which are considered essentials versus those that sit gathering dust. Unsurprisingly, drip coffee makers are used at least once a week by 62% of their owners, making them the most frequently used kitchen appliance. Electric kettles and air fryers also show high weekly usage rates, at 57% and 47% respectively.
Conversely, some appliances are rarely used. Getting out the ice cream maker is apparently a special occasion for owners of this appliance; for around a fifth of them (21%) , it comes out less than once a year. Waffle makers and food dehydrators also spend a lot of time on the shelf, with 18% and 16% of their owners respectively using them less than annually.
Whether they are used frequently or not, gadgets take up space. Most Americans (62%) say they have little or no space for more kitchen appliances. Yet even those who say they have no space at all might be willing to make space for the right gadget. This includes 5% who would consider buying a rice cooker or air fryer in the coming year, as well as 4% who would consider a coffee maker, electric kettle, toaster oven or slow cooker.
The findings from the YouGov survey reveal clear preferences for certain types of kitchen appliances. While air fryers and electric kettles are becoming kitchen staples, others such as ice cream makers and waffle makers are relegated to less frequent use. Space (and therefore the size of products) is a key consideration for many consumers who are running out of space for new additions. The survey also shows some key demographic insights. Appliances are most sought after by younger, urban audiences who may be setting up new kitchens or, in some cases, trying to keep up with food cooking trends.
Methodology: YouGov polled 1000 US adults online on November 26, 2024. The survey was carried out through YouGov Surveys: Self-serve. Data is weighted by age, gender, race, political affiliation, education level and region. The margin of error is 3% for the overall sample. Learn more about YouGov Surveys: Self-serve.