Almost nine in ten UK consumers (87 per cent) have at least one kitchen appliance they would most like to upgrade, according to new research by Hamilton Beach which highlights continued opportunities for retailers and manufacturers across the small kitchen appliance market.

The Hamilton Beach UK Home Cooking Index 2026* found air fryers at the top of the nation’s kitchen upgrade list, with 45 per cent saying they would most like to upgrade their current model. Microwaves follow at 33 per cent, while almost a third (30 per cent) are keen to upgrade their coffee machine. Blenders, kettles and toasters were all 24 per cent, followed by slow cookers at 21 per cent and food processors at 19 per cent.

The findings suggest that even after several years of rapid growth and innovation across the small domestic appliance sector, there remains significant consumer appetite for replacing or trading up existing kitchen products, and the research provides an indication of what could persuade consumers to invest in their next appliance.

More than half of UK consumers (53 per cent) agree that good kitchen equipment gives them greater confidence when cooking, while 40 per cent want appliances that feel durable and built to last and 39 per cent believe better appliances can improve their cooking results. One in four (25 per cent) say they would rather buy fewer, better-quality appliances, while the same proportion say they research kitchen appliances carefully before buying.

The findings point towards a consumer increasingly interested not simply in owning more kitchen technology, but in whether the products they buy can deliver a meaningful improvement in performance, quality and longevity.

There are particularly strong indications of this among younger consumers. Six in ten 25 to 34-year-olds (61 per cent) would most like to upgrade their air fryer, compared with the 45 per cent national average, while 43 per cent identify their microwave and 37 per cent their blender.

Harry Singh, Managing Director of EPE Group, exclusive UK distributor for Hamilton Beach, commented, “The kitchen appliance market has changed enormously over the past few years, but these findings show there is still considerable appetite among consumers to upgrade. What is particularly interesting is what people appear to want from that next purchase. Consumers want appliances that are built to last, help them achieve better results and give them greater confidence in the kitchen.

For retailers and manufacturers, the opportunity is therefore not simply about introducing another appliance into the home. It is about giving consumers a compelling reason to replace what they already have with something demonstrably better.”

While air fryers emerge as the clear national leader, the Index also reveals geographical differences in where some of the strongest upgrade opportunities lie. Sheffield records the highest appetite for upgrading air fryers, at 55 per cent, followed by Cardiff at 49 per cent and London at 48 per cent.

The appliance findings form part of the inaugural Hamilton Beach UK Home Cooking Index 2026, created to examine Britain’s changing relationship with home cooking and the trends influencing the future of the kitchen appliance market.

Hamilton Beach recently launched its Professional Range in the UK, offering professional-inspired kitchen appliances designed to combine performance, versatility and durability for the home kitchen.

To find out more, visit – www.hamiltonbeach.co.uk/pages/professional

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