Men 'increasingly investing in kitchen design'

Men are taking more of an interest in kitchen design than ever before, according to a new study.

Research conducted by Sigma 3 revealed that although the British kitchen has been regarded as the territory of mothers and wives for many years, bachelors, husbands, boyfriends and dads are now getting in on the act.

The company polled 2,500 people and found four in every ten male consumers spend an hour or more in the kitchen each day, with a quarter spending over two hours.

With celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay proving popular, a spokeswoman for the firm said this is inevitably leading to men getting more involved in picking out kitchen appliances and fittings.

Paula Morris, marketing manager of Sigma 3, said: "Kitchens are increasingly becoming the hub of a home and men are prepared to invest significant amounts in a room that really makes a statement and will impress guests."

Ice and water dispensing fridge freezers - such as the Samsung RSH1DTMH model - were found to be popular, with 15 per cent of respondents admitting they are a product to lust after.