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

About Reevoo:

Reevoo's website is the place to decide what to buy, with impartial reviews, product images, features and price comparison. We work with around 50 retailers including Comet, Dixons, Vodafone, Woolworths and dozens of other High Street and Pure Play retailers. Because we only publish reviews that have been written by our retail partners' customers, we know that they are all genuine and unbiased. All of our reviews are available at www.reevoo.com.