As the weather gets warmer, al fresco dining will make a comeback – as will Brits’ trusty BBQs.
But new research, commissioned by Beko, reveals that 9 in 10 Brits find cooking for guests stressful, with a third citing timing the cooking so everything is ready to serve together as their biggest challenge.
While practical aspects of hosting, such as cleaning up (26%), cooking multiple dishes simultaneously (21%), and food going cold while waiting for other dishes to cook (15%), were also cited as significant ‘stressors’, almost a fifth (18%) worry that cooking leaves them with less time to spend with guests.
Despite research suggesting 32 million UK adults host BBQs*, only a third (38%) make ‘good use’ of indoor appliances to help ease hosting pressure.
Using the oven not only frees up space on the BBQ and helps ensure food is thoroughly cooked, but also allows hosts to spend more time with loved ones, explains Salah Sun, Head of Product Marketing at Beko:
“A combination of oven and BBQ cooking is one of the easiest ways for hosts to achieve safer, tastier, and more consistent results when hosting”.
“Not only does it reduce the time spent standing at the BBQ – giving hosts more time to spend with their guests – it also ensures food cooks evenly through the middle. Once cooked through, the BBQ can then be used to add that smoky, charred flavour people associate with alfresco cooking.”
New oven technologies are helping to ease the pressure of hosting and minimise stress by making cooking times more predictable and efficient.
Features designed to improve heat distribution and maintain consistent oven temperatures not only help to reduce the risk of over- or undercooked food, but also minimise the likelihood of dishes needing extra time in the oven – essential when entertaining.
“Beko’s AeroPerfect™ technology makes this even easier by minimising temperature fluctuations in the oven, helping deliver faster and more even cooking results”, explains Salah.
“That means hosts can spend less time worrying about timing and consistency, and more time enjoying the occasion with their guests.”
Top 10 stressors when cooking for guests
1. Timing everything to be ready at once (34%)
2. Cleaning up afterwards (26%)
3. Struggling to cook multiple dishes (21%)
4. Having enough space (e.g., across the oven, hob, fridge, grill, etc) (20%)
5. Spending more time cooking than socialising with guests (18%)
6. Food going cold while waiting for other dishes (15%)
7. Preparation in advance (e.g., shopping and preparing food) (14%)
8. Cooking for different dietary needs (14%)
9. Catering for a range of different ages (7%)
10. Ensuring recipes are followed correctly (5%)
