The National Kitchen & Bath Association and the Department of Near Environments at Virginia Tech funded the research reported in “Someone's in the Kitchen.” A telephone survey revealed that 67% of households have one person doing the cooking. The results also show 63% of respondents using their microwave oven as much as or more than the range/cooktop. On average, responding households have an average of 12 small appliances, with about four stored on countertops.
TYPICAL ACTIVITIES IN THE KITCHEN:
Food-related activities Plan meals: 71%
Eat in kitchen: 67%
Relaxing and recreation Read newspaper: 40%
Watch television: 39%
Do crafts and play games: 4%
Social activities Talk on telephone: 81%
Converse with family and friends: 76%
Entertain: 41%
Household management Take vitamins and medicines: 78%
Do paperwork and pay bills: 50%
Do laundry: 19%
Use a computer: 8%
Do homework: 4%
Feed and care for pets: 3%
IF YOU COULD IMPROVE ONE THING ABOUT HOW YOUR KITCHEN WAS DESIGNED, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Larger, more space 28%
Nothing, good as it is 24%
New cabinetry, better cabinetry and better storage 20%
More counter space, improve counters 10%
New appliances, add appliances 8%
Improve layout, change arrangement 7%
Add eating area, enlarge eating area 3%
Total renovation 3%
Improve accessibility 3%
Add an island 2%
New flooring 2%
