By 2026, the global home appliance market is projected to hit $500 billion. But here’s the catch - up to 30% of that is spent on appliances that are barely used. (Source: Statista, Deloitte Consumer Trends 2024, McKinsey Design Index).

In a world where shelf space is shrinking and consumer expectations are rising, the message is clear: appliances must be smarter - not showier.

The “Too Much” Problem in Home Tech

Today’s consumers are bombarded with feature-packed appliances boasting Wi-Fi connectivity, 36 presets, and complex touchscreens. Yet, according to McKinsey’s Design Index, over 70% of users regularly use less than 25% of the features in their home appliances.

This over-engineering leads to:

• Decision fatigue during purchase.
• User frustration post-purchase.
• Increased maintenance due to more failure points.
• Higher costs passed onto the consumer - with lower usage ROI.

In other words, a rice cooker that doubles as a pressure washer might sound exciting - but is anyone actually using it that way?

Enter: Smart Minimalism

Smart Minimalism doesn’t mean basic. It means purposeful. Appliances designed with the essential user flow in mind, where every button, feature, and component serves a real purpose - often several.

This design philosophy is growing fast, especially in Asia and the Middle East, where urban homes demand efficiency without excess. It focuses on:.

✔️ Multi-use functionality ✔️ Durability over decoration ✔️ Intuitive controls ✔️ Compact design ✔️ Ease of maintenance

🔍 Sanford’s Take on Minimalist Design

At Sanford, our philosophy is simple: “Build for daily life, not showroom appeal.”

Here’s how we implement that in real-world appliances:

Multi-Use Appliances with Real-Life UtilitySleek, Practical DesignsNo Unnecessary Features = Lower PricesData-Driven Upgrades Only

For Consumers: How to Choose Smartly

Next time you’re shopping for an appliance, ask these questions:

Will I use this at least 3 times a week? Can my parent/grandparent use this without a manual? Does this replace multiple tools or take up more space? Is the brand known for support and part availability? Is it energy-efficient? Built to last?

If the answer to most is no, you’re likely buying clutter - not a solution.

Real Example: Function Over Flash

Let’s take two customers:

• Zainab, a working mother in Sharjah, buys a Sanford Air Fryer with 4 presets. She uses it daily for quick school lunches and evening snacks.
• Mira, a tech-savvy student, buys a smart fryer with app integration and 36 modes. After 3 weeks of confusion and updates, she’s back to using a stovetop pan.

This isn’t about price. It’s about fit.

Where the Market is Headed

According to Deloitte’s 2024 Consumer Behavior Trends, more than 60% of consumers now prioritize ease of use and practicality over “smart” tech in kitchen and grooming appliances:

• “Smart” without simplicity is just stress.
• Brands that win will be those that make life feel easier, homes feel lighter, and value feel honest.

The Sanford Promise

As we continue expanding across global markets, Sanford remains committed to building tools that:

Serve everyday life.Require no steep learning curve.Fit in homes of every size and income.

We don’t believe in loud product design. We believe in quiet impact.

Final Thought: Innovation = Reduction

Real innovation doesn’t always mean adding. Sometimes it means subtracting everything that distracts from purpose. That’s where the future of appliances lies - in the functional, not the flashy.

Let’s build homes, not museums.