Dishwashers pull ahead in appliances sales

A study on major home appliances by The NPD Group showed overall growth in the category in 2010, with an 11% increase in dollar sales compared to 2009.

Although sales for most appliances did not reach pre-recession levels, dishwashers were one exception, showing a 22% increase in dollar sales over 2009, putting them on level with 2007. 

Full-sized refrigerators and range hoods both experienced double-digit unit and dollar growth, with laundry appliances coming in just under 10% in dollar growth. 

One of the smallest categories, ovens, showed significant growth in 2010, up 42% in dollars compared to 2009.

Peterman Goldman, president of NPD’s home division, attributed some of the gains to government rebate incentives and the abundance of promotional offers early in the year.