Britain's most annoying kitchen habits revealed - read the full list
The most vexing kitchen habits of Brits have been laid bare, with neglecting to clean up spills and leaving dirty dishes in the sink being the top annoyances. A study involving 2,000 adults revealed that other major culinary irritations include keeping food on a continuous boil causing it to splatter everywhere, and stuffing rubbish into already full bins.
Four in ten of those who have kitchen bugbears claimed they can't stand to have another person in the kitchen with them and 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'.
In an attempt to dodge confrontation, many often refrain from discussing these 'culinary crimes', choosing instead to clean up themselves or subtly set an example.
However, for some, the frustration is too much to bear, with four in ten preferring to cook solo to maintain total control and avoid criticism if they happen to do something others find annoying.
Ella Moorey, sustainability lead at Utilita, which commissioned the research as part of its High Five 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 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, a whopping 90 percent are willing to explore ways to cut down on their energy consumption.
Speaking on behalf of Utilita, which provides a Power Price List detailing the running costs of common household appliances, Ella commented: "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."
TOP 30 KITCHEN BUGBEARS:
Not cleaning up spills immediately
Leaving dirty dishes in the sink
Not wiping down surfaces after use
Forcing rubbish into an overflowing bin rather than emptying it
Leaving the fridge door open
Not washing up properly so there is still food on things on the drying rack
Not clearing up as you go
Not throwing away food in the fridge as soon as it's gone bad
Leaving used teabags on the side of the sink
Leaving food out on the side to go off
Leaving pans to soak for days
Cleaning the kitchen with a dirty sponge or cloth
Using a wet tea towel to dry things
Using too many pans or utensils unnecessarily
Putting leftovers in the fridge uncovered
Not cleaning the microwave after use
Leaving the washing up sponge soaking wet after use
Using metal utensils on non-stick surfaces
Leaving the toaster full of crumbs
Cooking something on too high a temperature so it smokes
Not drying dishes properly before putting them away
Using the same chopping board for everything
Having food on a constant boil so it spits
Stacking the dishwasher badly
Using the same knife for everything
Using every inch of counter space
Using incorrect utensils (e.g. stirring something with a knife, using the wrong knife to cut something)
Running the dishwasher when it's only half loaded
Not following a recipe properly
Rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher and wasting water
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