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Shopping habits have changed this year due to the cost of living crisis
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Data from Yahoo! UK research shows internet users are looking for air fryers, heated air fans and electric blankets
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Other popular products have included technology and gadgets such as Apple’s iPhone14 and Ring doorbells
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Read on to see the other most wanted products of 2022 and where to buy them
This year, more than ever, we’ve been looking for discounts, deals and smart shopping to help you navigate the cost-of-living crisis.
As the year draws to a close, we’ve looked at the data to highlight the most searched products of 2022 on Yahoo! Search in the UK.
The energy crisis has had a huge influence on popular shopping topics this year, as we have all been eager to find innovative ways to cook and keep warm at home. So, it’s no surprise that air fryers, electric blankets, and heated clothes racks have piqued everyone’s interest.
From ring bells to the Dyson Airwrap, the diverse list includes a mix of tech gadgets, clever kitchen tools and styling tools.
Yahoo UK’s most searched products of 2022
Air fryers
Ninja was the most searched for air fryer brand of the year, with its air fryers and multi cookers selling out numerous times.
Compact and cheaper to run than electric ovens, it’s no surprise that buyers are eager to buy them.
Other sought after air fryer brands also included Tower, Tefal, Aldi, Cosori and Salter who offer slightly cheaper air fryers starting at £29.99.
Ninja AF100UK Air Fryer | £129.99 from Ninjas
Playstation 5
Fans of the game have been eager to get their hands on the elusive PlayStation 5 and the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, which has continuously sold out since it first launched in November 2020.
Both offer ultra-high-speed SSDs that have accelerated load times, along with 3D audio technology and adaptive triggers on the controllers to make gameplay as realistic as possible.
The PlayStation 5 costs £449.99, while the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition will set you back £389.99. Third-party retailers like Argos, Very, and Currys are gamer favorites for new drops.
PlayStation 5 Digital Edition | £389.99 from the game
Apple iPhone 14
Recently released this year by Apple was the iPhone 14, which didn’t see many design changes, but an impressive list of new features internally.
It boasts an improved front and rear camera, satellite connectivity and shock detection, as well as a 6.1-inch OLED display and a super-fast Apple A15 bionic chip. No wonder it has remained popular throughout the year.
As with all Apple products, it’s not cheap and will set you back £849 for 128GB, £959 for 256GB or £1,179 for 512GB.
iPhone 14 | £849 from Apple
Nintendo Switch
Another popular console this year was the Nintendo Switch, one we imagine is on many holiday lists.
Always insanely popular, it’s another great investment, starting at £299.99. However, throughout the year, there are flash sales thanks to Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday, so if you’d like to grab one, be sure to check your calendar for prime shopping times to snag a rare bargain.
Boasting up to nine hours of battery life, connectivity to your TV using TV mode, and the option for competitive or co-op multiplayer use anywhere, it’s one of the smartest ways to enjoy video games.
Nintendo Switch | £259.99 from Argos
apple watch
Wearable tech also proved popular, and despite competition from the likes of Garmin, Samsung, and Fitbit, it was the Apple Watch that came out on top among Yahoo searches.
It has a sleek design and interchangeable bands, but as well as looking great, it’s an easy way to set up, monitor and track your workouts and sleep, and thanks to its Bluetooth capabilities, you can also use it to listen to music, answer to messages and answer calls.
If you’re new to an Apple Watch, we suggest you opt for the Apple Watch SE model, which costs slightly less than the Series 8 and Ultra models.
2022 Apple Watch SE | £259 from John Lewis
Ring the bell
Unsurprisingly, video doorbells have seen a boom in popularity. Given that many jobs remain hybrid or fully remote, nobody likes missing packages, so they’re a worthwhile tech addition to invest in.
Being indoors much more than we would have been five years ago means that we are more in tune than ever with what is happening outside our front door.
They are also ideal for extra security when you are on holiday or have pets (e.g. cats) who like to roam around.
Amazon’s brand, Ring Doorbell, is a retailer bestseller due to its simple setup and affordable price. It’s wireless and has a two-way talk feature, so you can hear and talk to anyone from your smartphone, and get instant notifications when someone rings the doorbell or when motion is detected.
Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) | £59.99 (was £89.99) from Amazon
Heated clothesline
With heating bills at an all-time high, Yahoo users were looking for cheaper ways to stay warm at home, which has seen a rise in the search for heated clotheslines.
These compact, foldable designs have sold out at every retailer imaginable; Robert Dyas, Lakeand, Amazon, John Lewis you name it.
The best solution to avoid damp laundry this winter or clothes hanging in the kitchen for days on end, it has quickly become a must for shopaholics.
Our top pick if Aldi’s £39.99 Easy Home heated drying rack, which is one of the most affordable designs we’ve found.
Easy Home Heated Drying Rack | £39.99 from Aldi
Xbox Series X
The game scored a hat-trick this year in Yahoo searches, with the Xbox Series X rounding out the third gaming product on our list.
Offering 4K Ultra HD gaming with 3D spatial audio and Dolby TrueHD with Atmos audio, it is one of the best ways to enjoy truly immersive gameplay.
However, that’s not all, it can also be used for Blu-ray and 4K TV show streaming.
Xbox Series X | £449 at Currys
Slow cooker
Searches for kitchen appliances, especially slow cookers, also increased in 2022. These efficient devices do all the work so you don’t have to, and are a quick way to organize dinner time among large families.
They aren’t limited in their cooking capabilities either, you can also use them to whip up soups, stews, pies and jams.
Also perfect for small living spaces, most are multi-purpose and can also steam, bake, grill, sear and saute.
Ninja Foodi MAX Multi-Cooker 9-in-1 7.5L OP500UK | £229.99 from Ninjas
Dyson Airwrap
While the Dyson Airwrap isn’t new, in 2022 it unveiled new blue and vinca and copper and nickel colors with updated attachments, meaning interest was at an all-time high.
Speaking of its attachments, both use air instead of heat to style your hair, thus minimizing any damage to your strands.
There are also two types – the Complete Airwrap and the Complete Long Airwrap, as you’d expect, the long version features a slightly longer shaft so is more suited to longer hair types.
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler | £479.99 from Dyson
Electric blankets
Another winter heating product was electric blankets. These comfortable products mean that working from home or going to bed doesn’t need two sweaters and socks to stay warm.
An affordable solution to soaring central heating bills, there are plenty of options under £50 and most come with an automatic shut-off feature so you don’t have to worry about overheating.
This Premium Comfort Double Electric Blanket was an Amazon bestseller and regularly sold out as shoppers raved that it was “perfect for these cold winter nights!!”
Comfort Premium Double Electric Blanket | £44.99 from Amazon
Watch: 5 tips for getting the best Boxing Day deals
Originally published