The term Domestic appliance is one of the English variants used to identify household appliances along with Home appliances or Household appliances. These terminologies refer to all electrical, electronic and multifunctional devices that facilitate people's daily household chores. The Domestic or Home appliance sector is commonly divided into categories: small white appliances and large white and brown appliances. White appliances include refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and air conditioners; all of those products that were originally traditionally white. The "brown appliances" category, on the other hand, includes household and consumer electronics, i.e. all electronic equipment (analog and digital).
Starting from 2021, the sector has experienced sustained development across all its subcategories, accompanied by a boom in production.
However, in 2023, according to data released by Applia Italia, demand for the domestic and European household appliance market experienced a decrease, influenced both by the climate of uncertainty generated by the geopolitical context and by the negative impact of inflation. These factors have delayed the purchase and renewal of appliances. However, there has been a growing interest in smart and premium products, which have helped support the market.
Today, manufacturers of large and small household appliances are becoming increasingly avant-garde and focus on advanced solutions: technological, intelligent and sustainable. As manufacturers of light indicators for household appliances, we are called upon to understand and overlook market trends and consumer needs to remain at the forefront of innovation and ensure the utmost satisfaction of our customers. In this article, we will explore the main trends shaping the landscape of domestic appliances and home appliances.
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In recent years, the home appliance market has evolved to meet new consumer needs and has been driven by trends such as sustainability, design, smart functionality and sanitization.
The domestic appliance sector is increasingly witnessing the emergence of trends related to sustainability and energy efficiency.
The long-term goal is to minimize the impact of domestic appliances on the environment. Manufacturers are now offering green household appliances, equipped with more efficient technological solutions and programs that, when used correctly, help to reduce energy and water waste.
The growing attention towards environmental sustainability has also emphasized the use of eco-friendly materials in household products. In this context, indicator lights must also be designed with the perspective of minimizing energy consumption and overall environmental impact, while ensuring high visibility of the signal and longevity.
Today, consumers are not only seeking high performance with low energy impact but also an appealing aesthetic that seamlessly integrates into household spaces. Brands are responding to this need with minimalist designs, clean lines, and high-quality finishes that complement a variety of decorating styles. Design is a rather important aspect of new home appliances. The aesthetically appealing design and high-quality materials, when combined with innovative functionality, offer the right path to market growth. Stainless steel is still the main finish for household appliances, but many manufacturers are turning to new materials and finishes to expand their offers and meet the diverse aesthetic needs of consumers.
Technological innovation continues to drive the evolution of household appliances, offering new features and greater user experience customization. From big to small, devices with smart functionality are increasingly enabling device-to-device and cloud-to-cloud interoperability, promising an easier and smoother user experience by integrating even products from different brands and unlocking specific features. From vacuum cleaners to coffee machines to body care devices, there is a greater integration of Artificial Intelligence that helps deliver a personalized and scalable experience to consumers.
But not only that, there is increasing talk of multifunctional appliances: devices with advanced features and high performance capable of carrying out different tasks, just think of wall ovens that integrate air frying functionality in addition to traditional steam cooking, etc.
Finally, safety and reliability remain fundamental concerns for consumers when it comes to purchasing appliances for their homes. In the wake of the pandemic, consumers have shifted to a more holistic awareness of home health and hygiene, and interest in technologies that sanitize the home has grown. Many appliances, from fridges to dishwashers, have technologies to sanitize and disinfect water through UVC.
In conclusion, today's home appliance market is very multifaceted and offers significant growth opportunities for manufacturers who want to offer devices that are increasingly easy to use and help improve the quality of life.
Do you want to discover which lighting solutions can be integrated into the latest generation of household appliances? Click the button below to download the brochure dedicated to electromechanical components and indicator lights for the HoReCa sector, coffee machines, and appliances.