Useless gadgets have been given the thumbs down in a new survey, which found electric nail files to be the most pointless product of all time.

The file, which supposedly gives ‘technician’ results to give a perfect shape and smooth finish, topped the poll of the top 20 most useless household gadgets.

In at second place were the Laser guided scissors, which claim to help you cut a perfect straight line. However, hundreds of people polled deemed the scissors useless as they don’t help people with unsteady hands - the laser is attached to the scissors, so when the hand shakes so does the light.

The poll of 4,500 Brits was commissioned by www.reevoo.com, the website which gives customers the opportunity to read reviews of thousands of products, written by real shoppers.

It revealed that electric or battery operated candles – which are supposed to be safer and last longer than the wax variety – are the third most pointless item, closely followed by retro eighties classic, the Soda Stream.

Chris Winstanley, spokesman for www.reevoo.com said:

“Some gadgets are really useful but this poll proves that many of them end up being a waste of money. Reading genuine reviews can tell you if a gadget or gizmo is likely to be the best thing you ever bought or something that gets stuck in a cupboard and forgotten about within a week.”

Foot spas, egg boilers, electric carving knives and face steamers also got a mention in the list.
 
The lifecycle of the average gadget is just over one year, largely because 62 per cent of folk admit they frequently buy gadgets only to get them home and find they are completely useless.

TOP 20 MOST POINTLESS GADGETS

1.Electric nail files
2.Laser guided scissors
3.Electric candles
4.Soda stream
5.Foot spas
6.Fondue set
7.Hair crimpers
8.Egg boiler
9.Electric fluff remover
10.Electric carving knife
11.Trouser press
12.Face steamers
13.Teas made
14.Mini disk player
15.Facial tanners
16.Egg slicer
17.Electric tin openers
18.Yoghurt makers
19.Towel warmer
20.Back scratcher