Kippers Named Worst Kitchen Smell by Brits in New Survey

Kippers have been crowned the nation's most hated kitchen odour by appalled Brits, according to a new survey from built-in kitchen specialist NEFF. The stomach-churning pong of the quintessential British breakfast fish topped the list of worst smells, closely followed by burnt toast and cabbage.

Survey Reveals Strong Reactions to Cooking Smells

The study of 2,000 Brits highlights just how divisive food aromas can be, with garlic and fried onions appearing on both the nation's favourite and most hated lists. Baking gets mouths watering, with bread topping the list of favourite cooking smells, while cakes and roast dinners also prove hugely popular.

Some aromas are an assault on the senses, leading to arguments that spill out from homes into offices and public transport. A whopping two-thirds (65%) of those quizzed admit they have argued over food odours.

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Impact of Smells on Daily Life

Almost half (48%) say they have been driven out of a room because of someone else's cooking, while 45% feel embarrassed when food smells linger in their home for too long. To combat cooking smells, most Brits open the window (76%), others rely on extractor fans or ventilation (57%), and 32% use candles or air fresheners to mask unwanted odours.

Public transport emerged as Britain's biggest hotspot for unpleasant food smells, with 42% naming smelly food on trains and buses as a top commuter gripe.

Regional and Generational Differences

The nation may be united on kitchen rows, but when it comes to favourite smells it is a postcode lottery. Swansea loves the smell of a bacon sandwich, while Belfast backs a roast dinner as its top kitchen scent. Kippers topped the most-hated lists in both Edinburgh and Cardiff.

The research also highlights a growing appetite for bolder scents, with hot honey and kimchi emerging as rising favourites. Kimchi proved particularly popular among 25-34-year-olds, reflecting the growing influence of Korean cuisine on UK tastes. At the other end of the scale, liquorice, aniseed and wasabi ranked among the least appealing of the emerging scent trends.

Expert Comment on Managing Odours

Sue Flowers, cooking specialist at NEFF, said: "Food smells are deeply personal. One person's comforting dinner can be someone else's worst nightmare, especially in shared spaces like open-plan offices or kitchens. As more people cook in shared spaces or live in open-plan homes, it's no surprise that food smells can spark such strong reactions. That's why managing cooking odours is becoming an increasingly important part of modern kitchen design."