Britain’s most infuriating kitchen habits have been exposed, with failing to clean up spills and abandoning dirty dishes in the sink topping the list of grievances. Research involving 2,000 adults discovered that keeping food at a rolling boil so it spatters everywhere, and cramming rubbish into already overflowing bins were also amongst the nation’s biggest culinary pet peeves.
Four in ten of those who have kitchen bugbears claimed they can’t stand to have another person in the kitchen with them, in case they commit one of these culinary crimes. A third who share cooking duties have a row with someone at least once weekly because they’ve committed what the other considers a culinary ‘ick’.
To avoid conflict, many people regularly avoid bringing up the topic of these ‘culinary crimes’ and instead end up cleaning up themselves or try to lead by example.
However, for some it’s just too much as four in ten prefer to cook on their own so they have complete control and can avoid judgement if they do end up doing something that is considered a bugbear to others.
Ella Moorey, sustainability lead at Utilita, which commissioned the study to promote its High Five energy-saving tips for summer, said: “Cooking together can be a joy or a nightmare, depending on where you stand on these divisive kitchen issues.
“Culinary compatibility is crucial for those who want to enjoy cooking together – as these common bugbears can cause a surprising amount of drama.
“Correcting these can not only save on friction, but also energy – as simmering rather than boiling sauces, for example, can save you £36 over a year.”
The study, conducted via OnePoll, also disclosed that 28 percent of those who cook rarely or never consider the amount of energy they’re consuming – despite rating themselves an average of six out of 10 for energy efficiency.
However, nine in 10 (90 percent) are open to exploring methods to reduce their usage.
Speaking for Utilita, which maintains a Power Price List detailing the running costs of typical household appliances, Ella remarked: “It’s great that so many are open to further reducing their energy usage – and bills – in the kitchen.
“Some simple tricks could really help in this department and are unlikely to cause you any hassle – the biggest saver being switching the oven for an air fryer, which costs a third of the price to run.”