10 Fun Kitchen Facts for 2026

The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, and for good reason. It's where we prepare food, gather with family and friends, and create memories that last a lifetime. But did you know that there are many fun and interesting facts about the kitchen? In this blog, we'll explore some of the most fascinating kitchen fun facts.

The Microwave Was Invented by Accident

The microwave was invented in 1945 by Percy Spencer, an engineer at Raytheon. While working on a radar system, he noticed that a candy bar in his pocket had melted. Intrigued, he experimented with different foods and discovered that microwaves could be used to cook food quickly.

The Oldest Cookbook Dates Back to 1700 BC

The first recorded cookbook was written in cuneiform on tablets in ancient Babylon around 1700 BC. It contained recipes for meat stews, poultry, and vegetarian dishes.

The Most Expensive Spice is Saffron

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, with prices ranging from $500 to $5,000 per pound. It's made from the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus and is used to add color and flavor to dishes.

The Average American Spends 37 Minutes a Day in the Kitchen

According to a survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends 37 minutes a day cooking and cleaning up in the kitchen. Clearly, I don't qualify as the average American.

The First Refrigerator Was Invented in 1834

The first refrigerator was invented by Jacob Perkins in 1834. It used ether vapor compression to cool the air, but it wasn't until the early 1900s that electric refrigerators became popular.

Bananas are Berries, but Strawberries Are Not

Botanically speaking, bananas are considered berries because they have seeds encased in a fleshy fruit. On the other hand, strawberries are not considered berries because their seeds are on the outside. Did you also know we share 50% of our genes with the banana?

Honey is the Only Food That Never Spoils

Honey is the only food that never spoils. It has a low water content and high acidity, which creates an environment that is hostile to bacteria and other microorganisms. Most recently, a container of honey was found that was thousands of years old, and the honey was still good!

The First Pizza Was Made in Naples, Italy

The first pizza was made in Naples, Italy, in the late 18th century. It was a simple dish made with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, which represented the colors of the Italian flag.

The First Modern Dishwasher Was Invented in 1886

The first modern dishwasher was invented by Josephine Cochrane in 1886. She wanted a machine that could wash dishes faster and more efficiently than her servants.

Coffee is the Second Most Traded Commodity in the world.

Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world, after oil. It's grown in more than 50 countries and is consumed by millions of people around the globe.

The workstation sink was first introduced by Rachiele Custom Sinks around 2010. Rachiele Custom Sinks, founded in 1999, has garnered over a dozen patents over the years. The workstation sink idea, however, was not patented. Dino Rachiele felt the idea was so important and helpful that he thought it would be selfish to keep the idea to his very small company. 

There you have it, ten fascinating kitchen fun facts that are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you're a foodie or just love spending time in the kitchen, these facts offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of cooking and dining.