From breadmakers to rowing machines, the 10 household items most people regret buying

The most infamous money-wasting buys

Most of us have at least one purchase we wish we hadn't made, and surveys keep turning up more or less the same list of usual suspects. From breadmakers and foot spas that never get used to cringey fashion faux pas, the typical home is littered with well-meaning buys that didn't live up to expectations.

Get wise to the biggest offenders and read on for 10 common purchases that are notorious for inducing buyer's remorse.

Breadmaker

When the pandemic hit, breadmakers became a must-have as sourdough starters and home baking took over kitchens and social feeds. For a while, everyone seemed to be chasing the perfect loaf. Then routines returned to normal.

The catch isn't the machine itself. It's the time and effort bread still demands. Even with automated mixing and baking, the process takes planning and waiting, and once you factor in ingredients and electricity, it often costs little less than buying a quality loaf. That's why many breadmakers end up gathering dust.

Rowing machine

Another regular on post-pandemic regret lists is the rowing machine. Many people snapped one up during lockdowns when gyms were shuttered, only to stop using it once normal routines returned.

The space it takes up, along with the awkward folding and unfolding, often turns it into something else entirely: an oversized reminder of good intentions that's far more likely to be stashed away than rowed on.

Ice cream maker

Another classic impulse buy is the ice cream maker. There are stories online of people owning one for years without ever taking it out of the box. And even when used, the results rarely match the creamy texture of premium store-bought brands.

Inconveniently, budget models need their bowls frozen a full day ahead. Compressor versions fix that, but they're expensive, cumbersome and noisy. Unless you're absolutely obsessed with homemade ice cream or have specific dietary needs, this is one gadget that's probably best left on the store shelf.

Foot spa

Foot spas promise instant relaxation, but often deliver more hassle than relief. Filling them, emptying them and drying all the parts can feel like a workout in itself. And even the fold-up models take up a fair amount of storage space.

There's also a downside if they’re not cleaned properly. Leftover water and warm tubing can become a breeding ground for bacteria, turning a soothing soak into a potential infection risk, especially for people with cuts, sensitive skin or medical conditions like diabetes.

Hot tub

Hot tubs surged in popularity during the pandemic, with people stuck at home and craving creature comforts. But for many buyers, the novelty didn't last.

What remains is the maintenance, from regular water testing, chemicals filter changes, drains and refills. Factor in the energy bills, space they take up and how rarely they often get used, and what started as a fun luxury can quickly feel like a costly commitment.

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Spiralizer

The spiralizer was everywhere in the late 2010s, promising a healthier life one courgetti strand at a time. But the craze has since spiralled into oblivion it would appear, as the gizmo's novelty well and truly wore off for many.

In a recent survey by UK online magazine Saga, the spiralizer topped the list of most regretted gadget purchases.

Fad fashion

Flashy, on-trend clothes are often cited in regret surveys, and it's easy to figure out why. A gimmicky piece might feel like a bargain in the moment, only to be worn once or twice, making it far more expensive than it seems.

That's where cost-per-wear comes in. A well-made, timeless designer coat worn for years can cost pennies per outing, while a fast-fashion piece you never reach for ends up being a pricey mistake.

Massage chair

Massage chairs sell the idea of bringing a spa into your living room, but the reality can be less glamorous. Many owners realise only after delivery that the chair doesn’t quite suit their body, their room or how they actually relax.

On top of that, there's the sheer bulk, the awkward setup and the dozens of built-in programmes that often go untouched, turning what seemed like a wellness upgrade into a hefty, very expensive piece of furniture that's used far less than expected.

Cheap printer

Cheap printers look like a bargain at the checkout, but they often become expensive fast. The machines themselves can cost less than a set of replacement cartridges, so many owners end up paying nearly as much to keep them running as they did to buy them.

For most people it's easier and more economical to use a local print shop or office store when you actually need prints. High-priced ink, constant refills, and short lifespan quickly turn that 'deal' into a money pit.

Digital picture frame

Digital picture frames offer a rotating display of your favourite moments, but they frequently end up forgotten on a shelf. Setting them up can be fiddly and loading new photos can take more effort than expected, so much so that many owners stop updating them altogether.

In fact, with phones, tablets and smart displays showing photos on demand, the dedicated digital frame seems obsolete these days.

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