Household gadgets: What you need and what you don't

If you buy a smoothie maker, it'll probably cost you more than a fiver per use! We look at the real value of other household gadgets like games consoles, paper shredders and more


That household gadget may be a 'must have' but will you ever use it? Find out how much it'll cost you per use based on average usage

Gadgets can be really useful and make our lives so much easier - that's if they ever make it out of the box.

We've all made impulse purchases on 'must-have' items such as paper shredders and smoothie makers, but how often do these items actually get used?

We've teamed up with shopping comparison website pricerunner.co.uk to find out just how much it costs to make a coffee with your espresso maker, or to play on a games console and much more - and let you know which gadgets are worth spending your hard-earned cash on!

Espresso machine

Can't function without your morning coffee? Don't worry, at 83p per cup this habit won't break the bank and it's much cheaper than buying from a coffee shop.

Average use: At least a few times a week

Cost: We found one for £79.99 at Sainsbury's

Cost per use: 83p

goodtoknow verdict: good value

Games console

Games consoles like an Xbox, Wii and PSP are something that the whole family can enjoy. They keep the kids occupied when you have things to do and are great to play as a family. At just £1.46 per play this is a cheap activity that can be enjoyed all year round.

Average use: A few times a week

Cost: An Xbox costs £151.95 at Asda

Cost per use: £1.46

goodtoknow verdict: good value

Smoothie maker

Blending fruit into a smoothie is an easy way to reach your 5 a day. On average this device is used just once a month, so it isn't as healthy for your bank balance.

Average use: Once a month

Cost: We found one for £28.00 at Debenhams

Cost per use: £2.33

goodtoknow verdict: not worth it

Soda stream

Fizzy drinks in the supermarket can be expensive, so making your own with a soda stream will save you money, right? Wrong. Soda streams are on average only used once, if ever! That's one pricey fizzy drink. Maybe you should head to the supermarket, after all?

Average use: Less than once a year or never

Cost: We found one for £59.99 at Currys

Cost per use: £59.99

goodtoknow verdict: waste of money

Paper shredder

Preventing identity theft is everyone's aim. Shredding your bills and letters each month with a paper shredder will give you peace of mind, which is priceless.

Average use: At least once a month

Cost: We found one for £19.99 at Maplin Electonics

Cost per use: £1.66

goodtoknow verdict: good value

Melon baller

A gadget that looks cool on the shelf, but isn't really that useful. How often do you really need to scoop out the inside of a melon?

Average use: Less than once a year or never

Cost: We found one for £2.99 at Lakeland

Cost per use: £2.99

goodtoknow verdict: waste of money

Ice cream maker

In theory an ice cream maker seems like a good idea - tasty ice-cream any time, who would say no? But be warned, at a whopping £16.87 per use these cool machines will melt your budget. When the weather gets hot, or you fancy an indulgent treat, it's probably best to head for the shop-bought ice-cream in your freezer instead.

Average use: Once every 3-6 months

Cost: We found one for £67.50 at House of Fraser

Cost per use: £16.87

goodtoknow verdict: waste of money

Pedometer

Ever wondered just how many steps you take each day? A pedometer will tell you. But before investing in one think about how many times you'll actually use it. Will you find out how many steps you take on one day and then discard it? If so, at an average cost of £15.94 this would be a waste of money.

Average use: Less than once a year or never

Cost: We found one for £15.94 at Argos

Cost per use: £15.94

goodtoknow verdict: waste of money

Garlic press

Garlic is an essential ingredient for many evening meals. A garlic press will save you time in the kitchen - a must for those who love to cook, or for those who just want their meals prepared as quickly as possible.

Average use: A few times a week

Cost: We found one for £17.99 at Dunelm Mill

Cost per use: 17p

goodtoknow verdict: good value

iPad

Surfing the web on tablets such as the Apple iPad and Samsung galaxy tab has never been so easy, with a tablet you can do it any time and anywhere.

Average use: Daily

Cost: We found one for £329 at John Lewis

Cost per use: 90p

goodtoknow verdict: good value (if you need one and can afford it)

iPod speakers

Like your music loud? On average using your iPod or smartphone speakers costs just 2p per use - now that's something to sing about.

Average use: At least a few times a week

Cost: We found one for £19.95 at Amazon

Cost per use: 2p

goodtoknow verdict: good value

Toasted sandwich maker

Sandwich makers may seem like a convenient way to make your lunch, but with the money you spend on buying one, you could just as easily buy a sandwich from a shop or café.

Average use: Once a month

Cost: We found one for £30.00 at Next

Cost per use: £2.50

goodtoknow verdict: not worth it

Fondue set

Fondue sets are great for dinner parties and the kids will absolutely love them too - but in terms of cost per use, it's the most expensive 'must-have' gadget you can buy. Maybe you could just melt some chocolate in a bowl instead?

Average use: Less than once a year or never

Cost: We found one for £20.84 on Amazon

Cost per use: £20.84

goodtoknow verdict: waste of money

Where to next?Energy bills - how much do your appliances cost?

More ways to save on household bills

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