U.S. Consumers Gravitate Toward European-Style Appliances

European housewares and appliances tend to be smaller and more energy-efficient because living quarters there tend to be smaller and utility costs higher than in the U.S. 

But with more U.S. consumers flocking from the suburbs to urban dwellings, the need for smaller, chic European-style appliances is on the rise, according to a report in USA Today. Indeed, America’s cities are growing, with 2.3 million more urban dwellers in 2013 than the prior year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

“One of the big factors is the physical dimension of the products themselves, given the historical differences of living space available,” Vladimir Cherevko, brands and innovation manager at Whirlpool Europe, told USA Today.

Smaller homes and apartments mean homeowners may not have room for full-size washers, driers, dishwashers or vacuum cleaners, and their kitchen cupboards may not be ample enough to store large kitchen appliances.

“Downsizing is on the rise,” said Nick Ord, president of Miele USA. In addition to smaller footprints, U.S. consumers want products that can multi-task. “Combining multiple functions in one appliance is going to be key for the future.”

Changing environmental regulations in the U.S. and consumers who are more focused now than in the past on energy and water conservation are also shifting attention toward smaller appliances.