TOOLS & GADGETS
February/March 2026
housewareslive.net
Slice slice baby
As consumers cook more from scratch and seek to streamline food prep, demand is growing for well-designed tools that deliver speed, precision and long-lasting performance in the kitchen.
tools away,” Ms Thomas notes. Social media is also playing a growing role. “Products that demonstrate a
clear, instantly visible benefit tend to perform particularly well in short-form video,” she says. Looking ahead, Ms Thomas expects demand to continue focusing on efficiency and longevity. “Consumers want products that save time, reduce waste and deliver long-term value without sacrificing style.”
Sharp thinking Maria Spagnuolo, Senior Marketing Manager at OXO, also highlights the importance of performance-led design. “Our goal is to make prep work feel easier and more intuitive,” she says.
T
he tools and gadgets category continues to evolve as UK consumers spend more time preparing meals at home and look for products that make everyday cooking quicker and easier. As the kitchen becomes
a more social and multifunctional space, demand is growing for practical, well-designed tools that simplify prep while complementing modern interiors.
As Owner of kitchen retailer Kutchenhaus Huddersfield, Barry Reed, explains: “Everyone wants an island… they’re perfect for cooking big meals but also hosting friends and family.” It’s always worth remembering the surroundings of where customers will be using
products.This shift towards open-plan living is influencing purchasing decisions, with shoppers favouring durable, space-efficient gadgets that look good on display and genuinely earn their place in the kitchen.
Kitchen efficiency For Zyliss - the cleverly Swiss brand - product development centres on reliability, ease of use and intuitive design. “Our hero products are designed around ergonomic comfort and intuitive
use,” says Heidi Thomas, Head of Marketing at DK Household Brands. “We want tools that make everyday cooking tasks feel easier and more enjoyable.” Key products include the Easy Pull Food Processor, Zick Zick 3 chopper, Gourmet Drum Grater and Susi 4 garlic press, all designed to simplify everyday prep. “Across the range, the common thread is practical innovation that fits real-
life kitchens,” Ms Thomas explains. “Our approach is to simplify the repetitive jobs people do every day – chopping, grating and preparing ingredients should feel quick and effortless.”The brand’s focus on manual efficiency reflects broader consumer demand for convenience without complexity. “The efficiency comes from intuitive design and tools that help make cooking more joyful,” she adds. Trends in the category are also shaping product development. “We’re seeing strong demand for tools that combine performance with compact storage,” Ms Thomas says. “Consumers are increasingly adopting a ‘buy once, buy better’ mindset.” Durability, ease of cleaning and sustainability are key considerations,
particularly in smaller kitchens. “People want tools that genuinely earn their place,” she explains. “There’s also growing interest in more responsible materials and packaging.” Visual appeal is equally important as kitchens become more design-led spaces. “Design matters because people don’t necessarily want to hide these
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“Across the range, we focus on precision, comfort and durability to deliver consistent performance in everyday cooking.” OXO’s portfolio includes a range of graters, slicers and mandolines designed to reduce effort and improve accuracy. Products such as the Etched Box Grater with Removable Zester and the Etched Zester Grater combine sharp stainless-steel surfaces with ergonomic handles and non-slip bases for added control. “It’s about removing friction from everyday tasks,” Ms Spagnuolo explains.
“We design tools that help people cook with more confidence.” Compact, multifunctional tools are particularly in demand. “Consumers
are prioritising lightweight, precise solutions that reduce prep time while maintaining quality and safety,” she says. The Precision Handheld Mandoline reflects this shift, offering the
accuracy of a full-size mandoline in a more accessible format. “It makes slicing uniform vegetables effortless while removing the intimidation factor,” she adds. More broadly, the category is moving towards practical, problem-solving design. “We’re seeing a growing focus on tools that address real kitchen pain points and enhance the overall cooking experience.” Ms Spagnuolo also highlights the influence of social content. “Clear, visible results resonate strongly, particularly in short-form video.”
Looking ahead, she identifies efficiency, durability and fresh food preparation as key drivers. “People want to cook more at home but spend less time on prep, and they’re looking for fewer, higher-quality tools that last.” “At OXO, we don’t innovate for
innovation’s sake,” she adds. “Every product begins with a simple question: how can we make this task easier at home?” Precision tools
Samuel Stenhem, CEO of Tormek AB, points to the growing importance of knife care as part of the wider tools category. “At Tormek we offer a kitchen knife sharpener that delivers true precision sharpening results in the home, using
the same method trusted by professional chefs,” he explains. The Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener combines adjustable angle settings, a diamond grinding wheel and a honing wheel for polishing and
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