The average Leeds kitchen hosts 182 arguments, 520 bouts of laughter and sips 2,938 cups of tea in just one year, new research has revealed.
A survey has revealed that more than 70 percent of Leeds 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 213 pieces of gossip and enduring 192 kids tantrums to enjoying 218 singalongs, the research found the average Leeds 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 182 drinks and sharing 494 kisses.
The survey, commissioned by British cooking appliance brand Belling, found Leeds 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 18 percent of relationships coming to an end, 21 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 Leeds 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 67 percent of Loiners admitting that the females of the family rule the room. Roughly 62 percent of the cooking and preparing of vegetables are managed by women, whilst the washing up is more equal, with 46 percent of men claiming the task of doing the dishes.
Taking the rubbish out is a male job, with almost two thirds of men (64 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 29 percent. This is followed closely by disputes over what to cook (24 percent) and taking the bins out (also 24 percent).
On average it’s been 7 years since the Leeds kitchen has been renovated, and locals have big ideas for what would be the dream appliance in their ideal kitchen.
39 percent each would like a large American-style fridge and underfloor heating, and 32 percent want a freestanding “island”. Around 30 percent chose a breakfast bar as their dream item, and 24 percent said a range cooker would perfect their family kitchen.
Finally, the research found that when families are looking for inspiration, Leeds’ favourite chef is Jamie Oliver who was chosen by 31 percent of respondents, narrowly pipping Gordon Ramsay (28 percent) to the top spot, and ahead of Mary Berry at 20 percent and Gino D’Acampo (18.9 percent).
