Homeowners appear to be splashing out on high-end kitchen appliances, with figures showing a growth in sales. Delegates attending a conference organised by Housewares Magazine were told that sales of top-of-the range gadgets were up with their share of the market rising from 11 per cent to 13 per cent.Speaking at the event, Erol Sukan, business group director with GfK Retail and Technology, added that middle-priced cookwares volume share of the market shrank from 52 per cent in 2006 to 47 per cent a year later.The increase in popularity of top-end kitchenware represents a rise in the number of UK homeowners who believe the look of the room is important. Families are spending more and more time in the kitchen and top-of-the range goods are, for many, a must have. As well as high-end kitchen sinks, the installation of waste disposal units and designer taps is also on the wish list for many homeowners.