'Try before you buy' when deciding on kitchen appliances

People planning to buy new kitchen appliances should test them before the purchase, especially if the device is innovative and new, according to an electronics expert.

Will Findlater, editor of Stuff magazine, said that it is important to just seeing how the device feels in your hand before making a significant purchase.

"The main issue isn't ease of use, as most gadgets can be deciphered pretty quickly," he said.

"What really matters is ergonomics … whether the weight is quite right, whether it sits comfortably in your hand or on your equipment rack."

Mr Findlater explained that "user-friendliness is absolutely key to a product's success," citing Apple's iPod as a prominent example of a product that is "not only intuitive but pleasurable" to interact with.

A recent survey by Accenture (February 10th) of over 2,000 British and US consumers found that over half experience frustration when using everyday electronic devices.