The annual spend on revolutionary gizmos -- such as electric grills, breadmakers and dehumidifiers -- tops $US1.75 billion ($A2.34 billion) a year, according to a poll by British insurance company.
It found that UK consumers have bought 80 million household gadgets that seemed incredibly useful at the time -- but have ended up rarely-used and gathering dust.
For the first time, internet technology has made an appearance on the list with voice-over internet protocol (VoIP) ranking number eight in the top 10 of unused gadgets.
One in 10 households have bought VoIP or "free" internet phones in the past two years but more than half of those questioned have used the technology just a few times -- if at all.
The top 10 continues to be dominated by kitchen gadgets, but with a new emphasis on health.
In previous years, sandwich toasters have led the poll, but this year they have slipped to third, with healthy grilling machines and coffee makers leading the list.
Juicers, electronic bathroom scales, electric slow cookers, breadmakers, electric steamers and dehumidifiers also make up the top 10.
Other white elephants include hand-held milk frothers, electric manicure kits, plastic bag sealing devices, massage chairs, foot spas and fondue sets, as well as devices to make yoghurt, waffles, popcorn, candy floss, smoothies and ice-cream.