The average Birmingham kitchen hosts 177 arguments, 603 bouts of laughter and sips 2,652 cups of tea in just one year, new research has revealed.
A survey has revealed that almost 70 percent of Birmingham residents see the kitchen as the heart of the home, and therefore the setting for many of life’s best, worst and most crucial moments.
From sharing 202 pieces of gossip and enduring 208 kids tantrums to enjoying 244 singalongs, the research found the average Birmingham family kitchen to be a busy place over one year.
An average of two parties, whether planned or spontaneous, are hosted in the kitchen every year, alongside spilling 166 drinks and sharing 426 kisses.
The survey, commissioned by British cooking appliance brand Belling, found Birmingham residents to spend an average of almost three hours a day in the kitchen, with it being the setting for many of life’s big moments, including 14 percent of relationships coming to an end, 19 percent of small businesses being planned and even almost two percent of people giving birth there.
“This research shows just how integral the kitchen is to the Birmingham family home” says Jane Rylands, spokesperson from Belling. “It’s a place of treasured moments, spontaneous fun and life-changing events. Belling has been proud to feature in British family kitchens for over 100 years, and it’s clear to see that even as modern family life has developed, the kitchen remains the beating heart of the home.”
The research also revealed that women remain in control of the kitchen, with 72 percent of survey respondents admitting that the females of the family rule the room. Roughly 67 percent of the cooking and preparing of vegetables are managed by women, whilst the washing up is more equal, with 48 percent of men claiming the task of doing the dishes.
Taking the rubbish out is a male job, with more than two thirds of men (70 percent) being kings of the bins and taking them out when required.
Arguments in the kitchen will generally come over a mess on the floor, which was the top cause of arguments at 33 percent. This is followed closely by disputes over what to cook (26 percent) and taking the bins out (24 percent).
On average it’s been 7 years since the Birmingham kitchen has been renovated, and locals have big ideas for what would be the dream appliance in their ideal kitchen.
44 percent would like a large American-style fridge and 41 percent desire underfloor heating, while 43 percent want a freestanding “island”. Around 34 percent chose a breakfast bar as their dream item, and 34 percent said a range cooker would perfect their family kitchen.
Finally, the research found that when families are looking for inspiration, Birmingham’s favourite chefs are Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay, both at 32 percent. Following at 22 percent is Nigella Lawson.
