OnePoll surveyed 4,000 consumers across Europe (Germany, Italy, France and Netherlands) in partnership with reichelt elektronik. According to the research, the smart home products are already widely used amongst European consumers: three out of five (60%) have at least one intelligent device. In general, the results found that once European consumers had made their purchase, they tended to be satisfied with their smart home device. Smart home gadgets are popular for controlling lights (54%), security (50%) and controlling heating (41%) as well as for cleaning (40%). Here the owners of smart devices indicated that they were satisfied and would buy the product again. Opinions differ, however, when it comes to smart weather stations and indoor air sensors: 48% of those surveyed have never owned a product of this type, while just 26% own a device for monitoring air quality in their homes and consider it a worthwhile purchase. Almost half (45%) of European shoppers own health products such as heart rate monitors. Although many consumers are currently paying more attention to their health and want to boost their immune systems with a healthy lifestyle, products that monitor these more in-depth health stats are not very popular. More than a third (36%) do not have such a device and are not planning to purchase one.
Besides, considering other products, smart garden devices are growing. Smart tech for the garden or balconies is a relatively small part of the market, but it is increasing. The vast majority (74%) do not yet own such a product, however the consumers who own smart garden products say that the purchase has been worthwhile. 85% are either satisfied or very satisfied. Smart gardeners are mainly using their gadgets for watering plants (60%), lighting their gardens (54%) or mowing the lawn (42%).
When it comes to the main reasons people are buying smart home gadgets, the main reason given was to save money in the long term. Besides, 52% see energy savings as the main advantage of using smart home products. And when it comes to automating the home, European consumers say the following are the biggest advantages: the ability to remotely control the home (46%), getting automatic notifications that a device is not working and when repairs are necessary (34%), the ability to automate functions (33%) and the ability to use timers (30%).
Finally, cost and efficiency play a major role in purchasing decisions for European consumers. This is reflected in the answers as to why respondents do not yet own any smart products. 35% see no added value or have no interest. 54% say that smart home tech is too expensive, and 38% say that data security needs to improve first. Besides, 45% say they want gadgets to be easier to install and use.
There is a potential when it comes to new, innovative products. For example, 49% of European consumers are interested in intelligent household appliances, specifically in products that adjust themselves using sensors, such as washing machines or irons. Smart kitchen appliances such as smart pots, ovens, and microwaves also have potential.
