Do you daydream of sleek and shiny American Style Fridge Freezers instead of an all-inclusive holiday? If so, you might well be part of a growing number of people experiencing kitchen envy. We spoke to 2,000 people across the UK to find out what they really think about the growing ‘Come Dine with Me’ culture, and their hopes and aspirations for their homes.
Our research results showed that almost 1 in 5 of Brits aged between 26 – 30 claim to be jealous of their friends kitchens, and a whopping 1 in 10 would even sacrifice a holiday to afford the kitchen of their dreams kitted out with top-notch appliances. At Beko, we know that it doesn’t have to cost the earth to equip your kitchen with stylish, efficient and innovative appliances, just take a look at our stunning built-in range and American Style Fridge Freezers which you can currently receive up to £200 cashback on, click here to find out more.
We also found that young people are choosing to socialise at home rather than nipping to the pub or dancing the night away in a club. With recent news that half of UK nightclubs and pubs have closed down in the last 10 years, it is not surprising that over half (50%) of those surveyed said that they now entertain more often at home, therefore turning the heat up on pressures for the perfect kitchen.
Our survey also revealed that 52% of people enjoy having friends over for drinks, with 50% hosting dinner parties. Over a third (35%) of couples entertain their friends together, it doesn’t matter if you are single, married or living together, the home is now the centre of our social culture. What do you prefer to do, entertain at home or pop to the pub?
We spoke to Harley Street psychologist Doctor Becky Spellman regarding the results of our research and she said; “The urge to compete is deeply rooted in our evolutionary past, and there is a good reason for it. Throughout time, those who have been able to show that they are “best” at what matters at the time (like being able to provide for a family by hunting, or being the most capable at raising children) have been the ones most likely to have their pick of potential mates, and to rise to positions of leadership.”
Doctor Spellman added, “It’s interesting that today, for both men and women, one of the most visible forms of competition between peers is seen in the home and perhaps most of all in the kitchen, which is the heart of the home for most people. It’s great that a brand like Beko recognises the changing needs of modern family life. They design stylish, energy efficient built-in appliances that enable you to overcome kitchen envy with the latest technology at an affordable price.
With this in mind, it’s hard not to see a connection with our hunter-gather past; where those who brought in the finest meat and had the best tools would be admired. Today we jealously ooh and ah at the grandest kitchen extensions, the fanciest ovens, and the shiniest, sharpest kitchen utensils.”
Are you keeping up with the Joneses?
