Utilita Energy reveals top British kitchen bugbears
Britain’s worst kitchen habits revealed -from dirty dishes to energy wastage
A study of 2,000 adults has revealed the most annoying kitchen habits – with one cleaning task in particular getting Brits hot under the colour when it comes to cleanliness.
Britain’s most infuriating kitchen habits have been exposed, with failing to clean up spills and abandoning dirty dishes in the sink top of the list of grievances. A Utilita-commissioned study found that maintaining food at a rolling boil causing splatters everywhere, and stuffing rubbish into an already brimming bin were also among the nation’s biggest culinary irritations.
To sidestep disputes, many of them refrain from discussing these ‘culinary crimes’ and instead opt to clean up themselves or attempt to set a good example. However, for some it’s simply too much. Four in 10 prefer to cook solo to maintain total control and dodge judgement if they do something that others find annoying.
Ella Moorey, Sustainability Lead at Utilita, which commissioned the research to promote its High 5 Energy Saving Tips for summer, commented:
“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 One Poll, 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 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.”
To join the movement to make smarter energy choices all year round, whatever the weather, visit utilita.co.uk/high-5.