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Small kitchen electrics sales gained nearly 10 percent in dollars for the first half of 2010, compared to the first half of 2009. According to The NPD Group's consumer tracking service, the top five small kitchen electric categories, in terms of dollar sales between January and June 2010, were drip coffeemakers, blenders, mixers, food processors, and toaster ovens. Each of these categories experienced more than 8 percent growth.

Now accounting for nearly 30 percent of the drip coffeemaker dollars, Pod- type models are on the rise, up from just 20 percent in the first half of last year. This segment is certainly one key driver in the growth of the drip coffee category, with an average selling price that is more than double the category average, and triple the average price of 11-12 cup models which represents more than 40 percent of category dollars.

Across all small kitchen electrics, features, price, and brand were the top purchase motivators cited by consumers at the start of this year. Looking at blenders and mixers, performance was also a key influencer, and for toaster ovens, product appearance played a key role in purchase decisions. Brand name, features, performance and appearance are important to consumers, as well as price.

Source: NPD Group