Top 10 things Americans want in their dream kitchens

According to a new survey, 45% of Americans invest more money into their kitchens than any other room in the home.

The poll of 2,000 US adults with an annual household income of at least $150,000 found 72% felt like their kitchen is “priceless” when compared to other rooms, and 82% have an ideal “dream kitchen” in their mind they hope to have someday.

The most coveted features of a dream kitchen remodel all have to do with wanting more space: an extra-large fridge (50%), extra counter space (50%), additional pantry space (48%) and extra shelf space (45%).

When asked to name the most-loved tool or equipment they use in their kitchen, the famed cast iron skillet took the top spot (26%), followed by stainless steel hand tools (16%) and baking sheets (11%).

Commissioned by Signature Kitchen Suite and conducted by OnePoll, the study found that people have a strong attachment to their kitchens, with many describing feelings of satisfaction (66%), joy (49%) and productivity (47%) when they’re in the “heart of the home.”

Close to half (45%) said they only use high-end equipment when they cook, claiming it makes a better meal. Four in five have employed the use of smart technology in the kitchen to assist in their cooking, and 40% stated they need a specific kitchen utensil for everything they cook.

“There’s a definite relationship between the amount of effort people put into their kitchens and the end result being a source of pride and satisfaction — and, of course, deliciousness,” said Nicholas Ritchie, Executive Chef at Signature Kitchen Suite. “That is why it is so important to create a dream kitchen space that feels inviting and energizing to be in.”  

The study also revealed that quality cooking comes from years of practice and embracing a bit of kitchen chaos.

For half, cooking tends to be frantic, fast-paced and not exact. Meanwhile, 37% prefer a slow, methodical approach.

The average respondent also said they’ve been cooking independently at home for nine years, but it took them five years to really feel like they knew what they were doing in the kitchen.

Many credited their learned cooking skills to themselves (55%), their parents (55%) or YouTube (30%).

The average respondent was found to cook 10 meals at home per week, and two out of three (67%) have a passion for cooking difficult meals.

“With many people spending more time at home these past few years, homeowners have become more comfortable and confident in the kitchen,” continued Ritchie. “Now is the time for them to capitalize on that newfound confidence and surround themselves with innovative tools and technology to ensure that their meals are made in the best possible way.”

TOP 10 FEATURES OF A DREAM KITCHEN

• An extra-large fridge - 50%
• Extra counter space - 50%
• Additional pantry space - 48%
• Extra shelf space - 45%       
• An in-wall oven unit - 42%
• An island - 40%      
• A basin sink - 38%
• An induction oven range - 37%
• A faucet above the oven range - 29%
• Built-in sous vide equipment - 23%

Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 Americans with an annual household income of at least $150,000 was commissioned by Signature Kitchen Suite between November 12 and November 21, 2022. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).