| You know what it's like, you've seen | | | | house insurance this can be a very |
| your favourite chef on TV try something | | | | costly venture in the kitchen. |
| new on their program, and there's that | | | | Three-quarters of those surveyed said |
| part of you that says to yourself "I | | | | they would still attempt complex cooking |
| could do that" | | | | techniques even though they described |
| Indeed, according to a recent survey, | | | | their cooking skill levels as 'average' |
| over 62% of us prefer to cook while | | | | or 'novice'. |
| watching our favourite chefs on TV. | | | | Worryingly, over 85% of respondents said |
| Before you reach for the tenderizer and | | | | they leave their kitchens unattended |
| the sharp knives, think about the effect | | | | while they check the television, with a |
| your culinary adventure could have on | | | | further 10% injuring themselves in the |
| your…home insurance? | | | | mad dash to keep up with the recipe. |
| Yes, it may sound ridiculous, yet every | | | | Damage can range from watermark damage |
| year there are reports of wannabe chefs | | | | caused by steam, crack and chips on |
| causing chaos in their own kitchens, | | | | surfaces as a result of adventures in |
| which is leading to an increasing number | | | | tenderising and personal injuries, |
| of claims on their home insurance. | | | | usually involving a knife or hot pan |
| In fact, over 6 million people a year | | | | handle. |
| suffer injury or cause damage to their | | | | In addition, over 70% of those surveyed |
| kitchens while trying out cookery | | | | do not keep a fire extinguisher handy, |
| techniques they've seen on television. | | | | whilst a quarter of those who had |
| Accidents can vary from slicing their | | | | accidents have caused damage to |
| fingers while trying to quickly chop to | | | | themselves or their appliances. |
| attempting to blowtorch the top of a | | | | The advice from the industry appears to |
| crème brulee with a torch that, let's | | | | be not to try anything too complex, |
| face it, is better suited for when | | | | regardless of your ability level, and to |
| you're looking to do some plumbing. | | | | ensure that your house insurance policy |
| According to research carried out by a | | | | includes some form of accidental damage |
| leading home insurance provider, wannabe | | | | cover alongside your buildings and |
| chefs are costing the industry | | | | contents to cover those little accidents |
| approximately £5 billion in household | | | | in the kitchen. |
| damages, and for those who don't have | | | | |