Washing machine ‘most indispensable gadget’

The washing machine is the most indispensable innovation around, according to a new survey.

A study by US pay-tv firm NDS reveals that 97 per cent of people believe they could not live without such a device in their home.

The research also found that 92 per cent of people consider the mobile phone to be an indispensable personal gadget, while 81 per cent could not cope without a digital video recorder (DVR).

Steve Tranter, vice-president of broadband and interactive delivery for NDS Americas, said: "Other than the washing machine, the mobile phone and the microwave, the DVR is now seen as the household item people would least like to give up."

Meanwhile, a similar survey by Comet reveals that the washing machine, home computer, television and cooker are among people’s top five innovations.

However, it also found that some gadgets are quickly forgotten with 92 per cent of respondents stating they do not remember telephones with dials on.