Protect Your Bubble
BRIGHT SPARK
The electric candle was yesterday (Thurs) hailed as the most useless gadget of all time.
The flameless light source, which is powered by batteries or mains, beat electric nail files and lazer-guided scissors to claim the title.
Other engineering follies to make the top ten include the breadmaker, the egg slicer, egg boiler and backscratcher.
Electric fluff removers, a fondue set and a mini disk player also made the top ten.
The list emerged from a study carried out among 3,000 Brits by gadget insurer www.Protectyourbubble.com.
Spokesman Stephen Ebbett said: ''Some gadgets might seem like a great idea when you first see them, but often, once you get them home, you soon realise you have no use for them.
''We seem to be drawn in when we see a gadget which looks like it could make our lives easier, but in reality, they are more likely to spend their lives sitting at the back of a cupboard.
''Some are even left in the wrapper.
''But sometimes, as is the case with the electric candle, it's can be just as quick and easy to go for the normal version instead of a fancy gadget.''
Other useless gadgets to feature in the top 20 include the Sodastream, which made it in at number 15 despite the fact it is now back on the shelves.
The teasmade was placed at 17 and the foot spa at number 19.
Researchers also found three quarters of people have bought a gadget they have rarely or never used, with almost 30 per cent admitting taking something back to the shop.
More than half said they regretted buying a gadget because once they got it home they realised they had no use for it.
Worryingly, the study also revealed the average Brit will spend more than #540 during their lifetime on things they will never use.
The mobile phone was named as the best gadget of all time, closely followed by the iPhone, digital camera, laptop and sat nav.
Stephen Ebbett added: ''Whilst many gadgets are destined for the back of the cupboard, some like the mobile phone and laptop have become indispensable - so it pays to get them insured.''
Top 20 Most Useless Gadgets
1. Electric candles
2. Electric nail files
3. Laser guided scissors
4. Bread maker
5. Egg slicer
6. Egg boiler
7. Back scratcher
8. Electric fluff remover
9. Fondue set
10. Mini disk player
11. Yoghurt maker
12. Back Massagers
13. Cocktail shaker and stirrer
14. Electric carving knife
15. Sodastream
16. Facial tanners
17. Teas made
18. Waffle iron
19. Foot spa
20. Towel warmer
