Household appliances in France: small appliances set records while large appliances decline

The French market for home appliances is running at two speeds. According to the 2025 report published by Gifam, the manufacturers' association, small appliances set a new record while large appliances continue to decline, weighed down by a real estate market that remains at a standstill.

An overall market stable on the surface, contrasted in reality

Over the whole of 2025, the sector generated €9.8 billion in revenue in France, down 1.3% compared with 2024, for a total of 75.8 million appliances sold. An overall snapshot that appears almost stable, which in reality conceals two opposite trajectories between the market's two segments.

Small appliances, the engine of growth

Small appliances (PEM) — kettles, food processors, handheld vacuums, beauty devices — sold 61.3 million units for revenue of €4.41 billion, up 2.9% year-on-year. An unprecedented level, driven according to Gifam by innovation: manufacturers are betting on smarter, more energy-efficient appliances perceived as more durable by consumers, which pushes up the average basket value despite strained household budgets.

Large appliances hit by the housing crisis

Conversely, large appliances (GEM) — refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, dishwashers — fell 4.5% in value to €5.38 billion, with volume stable at 14.5 million appliances. The average price of an appliance has also trended downwards, at €372 versus €387 in 2024, a sign of households switching to retailer brands. The main explanation put forward by industry professionals: the persistent stagnation in new construction, which has deprived the market of an estimated 800,000 to one million appliances over the past three years, due to a lack of newly equipped housing.

• Total market 2025: €9.8 billion, -1.3%; 75.8 million appliances sold
• Small appliances: €4.41 billion, +2.9% (record), 61.3 million units
• Large appliances: €5.38 billion, -4.5%, 14.5 million units, volume stable
• Share of connected appliances in GEM: 17.8% in 2025 versus 11.3% in 2021

Towards a rebalancing in 2026?

Sector studies suggest that in 2026 this two-speed movement will continue: small appliances would increase further, by around 2%, while large equipment would remain under pressure, with a decline expected at around 2%, in the wake of a real estate sector struggling to restart. Manufacturers are betting on upmarket moves and connectivity to offset falling volumes, a strategy that is also found on the shelves of specialist retailers and e-commerce, where smart appliances increasingly occupy prominent positions.

Frequently asked questions

What distinguishes small appliances from large appliances?

Small appliances include mobile and compact devices (multicookers, handheld vacuum cleaners, beauty or hygiene devices), while large appliances refer to fixed kitchen and laundry equipment such as refrigerators, ovens, washing machines and dishwashers.

Why did large appliances fall so much in 2025?

The main cause cited by professionals is the slowdown in new housing construction over the past three years, which mechanically reduces the number of appliances purchased to equip new households, combined with household budget decisions favoring savings.

Does innovation really benefit sales?

Yes, according to Gifam: the share of connected appliances in large appliances rose from 11.3% in 2021 to 17.8% in 2025, and these higher value-added products support the sector's revenue despite declining volumes in some segments.

Sources

• Gifam
• Neomag
• Univers Habitat

This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence. Editorial policy