The major domestic appliance market was boosted by the premium cooking appliance sector which enjoyed a 'stable year', according to the latest figures by GfK.

In its latest retail and technology report, research and analyst company GfK reported that the cooking market was worth £620m in total value sales volume at the end of Dec 2011. As a sector this represents a 22% share of the total major domestic appliances (MDA) market which also includes washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, cooling and freezers.

The latest figures show that prices remain robust across most major appliance markets and in the cooking market the average cost of an appliance rose to around £422 from £409 in 2010. According to GfK, this increase has been driven by the freestanding sector, with average prices 4% higher in 2011 compared to 2010.

The premium range cooker market has seen value share grow to 32% from 28% in 2010. The freestanding cooking market now stands for 64% in value terms of the total cooking category.  

Another area of the market that showed significant growth throughout 2011 is the built-in sector. Results suggest that this is down to increased demand for pyrolytic ovens. According to GfK's latest figures, this sector is now worth £22m, which equates to a 10% share of the built-in cooking market.  

The report also suggests that online sales have continued to grow, with 21% of all cookers and ovens thought to be purchased online. GfK said that internet sales across all MDA categories have seen continuous growth over the past few years.