Research Reveals the Average Brit Doesn’t Learn to Cook Until Age 19

Whilst a large majority (94%) of parents think it’s important to teach their children how to cook at an early age, less than half (44%) of Brits say they actually learned to cook from their own parents, according to a recent study by appliance retailer AEG¹. 

In fact, the research found that most Brits don’t learn to cook until they’re around 19 years old and almost a quarter of British adults (23%) admit they aren’t confident in their cooking skills.

When it comes to kitchen safety, many parents are understandably cautious. They’re most comfortable letting their kids use a microwave (31%), followed closely by an air fryer (29%). However, fewer feel at ease with their children using more traditional appliances – only 21% would allow oven use, and just 14% are comfortable with a hob.

To help encourage better culinary literacy in Brits, AEG has created a set of safe, simple cooking tips and meal ideas for parents and children to try together during the school holidays. 

Natasha Sweet, Training and Engagement Lead at AEG, shares some tips on getting kids into cooking whilst avoiding hazards in the kitchen:

Learn to Cook – Start small

“Choosing age-appropriate tasks to begin with is advisable. From the ages of 3-6, getting them to help with basic steps like washing vegetables, stirring batter and weighing ingredients can get them involved without giving them too much responsibility or exposure to appliances. 

“As they get older, introduce them to following recipes, cracking eggs and chopping vegetables under supervision. By the time they reach their early teens, you’ll be able to introduce them to basic cooking techniques like using the microwave and oven with guidance.”

Learn to Cook – Teach them hygiene rules

“Getting them into the habit of washing their hands before cooking from an early age is a small but important ritual to learn. As they get older, teaching them the basics of handling meat and the importance of keeping certain foods refrigerated is also key to ensuring they’re safe when cooking.”

Learn to Cook – Add extra safety measures

“Ensure any chopping boards are sturdy and stable – placing a damp cloth or tea towel underneath can help to avoid them slipping. For younger children, consider avoiding chopping altogether by using pre-chopped ingredients or having the parent pre-shop the ingredients instead.

“Always ensure that pan handles are turned inwards when cooking together on a hob to avoid any accidents and remove spoons or ladles when they’re not in use.”

Learn to Cook – Focus on safe appliance use

“Start out with using appliances like ovens under strict supervision, allowing children to watch and understand whilst the parent carries out the activity. If the dish being cooked doesn’t require pre-heating or the appliance being used has a fast heat-up setting, a safe way of allowing children to participate is by letting them place food in a cold oven and then turning the appliance on after.

“Introduce ovens and hobs under supervision and be sure to teach them the different settings and their uses (e.g. grill and fan).

“Whilst they also use heat and water, steam ovens are a useful appliance for cooking healthy meals and ingredients such as vegetables or potatoes. Care should be taken when opening and closing these, and an adult should be sure to do this step when cooking with children.”

For those wanting to introduce their children to cooking this summer, AEG suggests a few easy, simple meals to try out:

1. Fruit & Yoghurt Parfaits – Ages 3+

Ingredients:

• Yoghurt (plain or flavoured)
• Berries or chopped fruit (banana, kiwi, mango)
• Granola

Instructions:

1. In a clear cup or jar, add a spoonful of yoghurt.
2. Add a layer of fruit, then a layer of granola.
3. Repeat until the cup is full.
4. Serve with a spoon and enjoy!

2. Microwave Egg Mug Muffins – Ages 5+ (with supervision)

Ingredients (per mug):

• 1-2 eggs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 2 tbsp grated cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped veggies (e.g., bell peppers, spinach)
• Optional: diced ham or cooked bacon
• Pinch of pepper

Instructions:

1. Crack the eggs into a microwave-safe mug.
2. Add milk and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Stir well with a fork until fully mixed.
4. Add cheese, veggies, and optional ham or bacon. Stir again.
5. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir.
6. Microwave for another 30-60 seconds until the eggs are fully cooked (no liquid remains).
7. Let cool slightly and enjoy!

3. Mini Pita Pizzas – Ages 4+ (for assembling, parents handle oven)

Ingredients:

• Wholemeal pita bread
• 2 tbsp tomato sauce or passata
• ¼ cup shredded mozzarella
• Toppings: sweetcorn, mushrooms, pepperoni, olives, etc.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Place pita on a baking tray.
3. Spread tomato sauce evenly on the pita.
4. Sprinkle cheese and add toppings.
5. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.
6. Let cool before eating.

For more cooking inspiration or to shop appliances, visit the AEG website.