A new study by U.S. PIRG Education Fund reveals that household appliances like coffee makers are significantly harder to repair than smartphones, highlighting a major gap in the Right to Repair movement.
The comprehensive study examined 58 common household devices, finding that while tech companies have made strides in repairability due to consumer pressure, appliance manufacturers continue to design products that prioritize replacement over repair.
Key barriers identified include proprietary components only available through manufacturers, lack of repair documentation, and designs that make disassembly nearly impossible without damage.
This disparity is particularly striking given ongoing battles over smartphone repairability, with many coffee makers now proving less repairable than iPhones.
The study serves as a wake-up call that Right to Repair advocacy needs to extend beyond electronics to include everyday appliances that contribute significantly to electronic waste.