Households could be missing out on important safety information because they have
yet to register over 40 million large appliances in use in their homes. Even though they
willingly admit these machines have transformed life and they are very heavily reliant on
them.
With an estimated 133 million fridges, washing machines and ovens in use in UK homes,
nearly a third of household have never or rarely registered their large appliances, rendering
them extremely hard to trace if a safety repair is ever needed.
Though, as a nation we are all clearly dependent on our appliances, there are surprising
generational divides on priorities. A new survey by OnePoll3 for the Association of
Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA) found that, a resounding two thirds (68%)
of baby boomers said they could not live without their washing machine, closely followed by
Gen X (67%). Millennials differed, however, with 56% valuing equally their washer and
fridge.
Inter-generational harmony was shown over the impact washing machines had on domestic
life with more than half (58%) agreeing it was significant. High regard was also manifested
for vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, fridges and freezers.
And a quarter of women surveyed particularly praised the cheeky appliance newbie – the air
fryer – for having improved life in the kitchen.
Today, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is supporting Register My Appliance Week (20-26 January 2025) and urging all households to register these machines, small or large, to ensure their brands know where to find them. Whether machines are newly-purchased, long-installed, have been acquired ‘nearly-new’ or second-hand, registration is vital to help ensure the longest possible safe lifespan.
Emma Roberts, HWFRS’s Head of Prevention said: “We all value how appliances have changed our lives and are excited by how smart and efficient tech makes chores easier. However, it’s important to ensure these machines we use every day are registered. It’s quick as well as absolutely free and means you will be the first to know if a safety repair is ever needed. Just a few minutes well spent will ensure you can enjoy the machine’s perks without sacrificing safety.”
The survey revealed products once considered luxury items are now regarded as everyday
necessities by younger generations. Two thirds of Gen Z considered hair tongs, tumble
dryers and air fryers as necessities rather than luxury items. By contrast, however, nearly
half (47%) of Gen X (just two ‘generations’ older) consider the trusty tumble dryer an
extravagance.
Gen Xers are particularly excited by smart tech and are more than five times more likely than
their parents to view it as an important feature when buying a new appliance.
Satisfyingly, everybody regardless of age is switched on to the benefits of energy efficiency
in appliances. A whopping 80% of all adults said energy efficiency was an important factor
when buying a new appliance, with 65% checking its green credentials before parting with
their cash.
However, even though attitudes are evolving in how we regard our appliances, people are
still behind the curve – and so demonstrate a need to change their ways – when it comes to
the bonus safety aspect provided by registering. Recalls on home appliances are rare but
issues with the equipment can develop over time and a simple, free in-home adjustment by a
qualified engineer can ensure a longer and safer life for machines. But, unlike our cars for
which logging details is mandatory, a vast number of these valuable possessions are still
untraceable because they are unregistered.
AMDEA’s Register My Appliance portal provides a quick and easy remedy offering online
access to more than 70 leading brands, with most accepting registration of both new and
older appliances.
Love your appliance? Get it on @ registermyappliance.org.uk
Anyone who thinks they might qualify for a free Home Fire Safety Visit can call the HWFRS Prevention team on 0800 032 1155.
People can complete a free online Home Fire Safety Check at www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc/.