British homes have their own unique quirks, and while they feel completely normal to anyone living here, they can be baffling — or even frustrating — to visitors from across the pond.
From our everyday appliances to traditional home setups, there are plenty of things that we wouldn’t think twice about, but Americans often find inconvenient or downright strange. These things are incredibly common in UK houses, but in America, they’re a major source of frustration.
1. Separate hot and cold taps
For us, having one tap for hot water and another for cold is just the way things have always been. But for Americans, it’s a frustrating design that makes washing hands an awkward game of flicking between scalding hot and freezing cold. While mixer taps are becoming more common, plenty of homes in this country, especially older ones, still have separate taps, leaving Americans wondering why we haven’t updated our plumbing.
2. No plug sockets in the bathroom
Anyone from the UK knows that bathroom sockets aren’t a thing due to strict electrical safety regulations. But Americans, used to plugging in their hairdryers and electric razors right next to the sink, find this an unnecessary inconvenience. Even when they spot a shaver socket, they’re often confused about why it only works for low-voltage devices. For us, it’s just the norm, but for visitors, it’s an annoying design flaw.
3. Washing machines in the kitchen
To us, having the washing machine in the kitchen makes perfect sense — it’s where the plumbing is. But for Americans, who are used to a dedicated laundry room or at least a washer and dryer in the bathroom, this setup seems completely out of place. Many find it odd that their clothes are being washed just a few feet away from where food is being prepared. However, in British homes where space is at a premium, this arrangement is just practical.
4. Carpeted bathrooms
While they’re becoming less common (thank goodness!), plenty of older British homes still have carpets in the bathroom, something that absolutely horrifies Americans. To them, having a soft, absorbent surface in a room full of moisture and potential spills is a hygiene nightmare. For us, it was once seen as a cosy touch, though most people now prefer tiles or vinyl flooring. That said, some homes still hold onto the tradition, much to the horror of American visitors.
5. Electric kettles everywhere
For Brits, an electric kettle is a kitchen essential — used for tea, instant coffee, and even quick meals like pot noodles. But in American households, where tea isn’t as much of a staple, many people don’t even own one. Some Americans visiting the UK are confused by how fast electric kettles boil water (thanks to the higher voltage), while others wonder why we make such a fuss over a cup of tea in the first place.
6. Tiny fridges
Source: Unsplash Walk into a British kitchen, and you’ll often find a fridge that’s half the size of what most Americans are used to. In the US, massive double-door fridges with ice dispensers are the norm, but over here, where kitchens tend to be smaller, compact fridges fit better. Americans visiting the UK often complain about having to shop more often since there’s less space for groceries. But for us, having a huge fridge just isn’t necessary (even if it would be nice to have).
7. Lack of air conditioning
Source: Unsplash Ask any American about their biggest UK complaint, and the lack of air conditioning will probably be high on the list. While AC is standard in American homes, it’s almost unheard of over here, where summer heatwaves are rare and usually short-lived. Instead, we rely on opening windows, using fans, and simply suffering through the heat. For Americans, who are used to cranking up the AC at the slightest hint of warmth, this is almost unbearable. To be honest, global warming might mean we eventually need it here, but for now, we’re fine.
8. Tumble dryers are pretty rare
In America, almost every home has a tumble dryer, but here, they’re far less common. Many of us air-dry our clothes on radiators, drying racks, or even outdoor lines — something that seems like unnecessary effort to Americans. For visitors from the US, waiting hours (or even days in winter) for clothes to dry seems inconvenient. But for Brits, it’s just part of everyday life and a way to save energy.
9. No window screens
Americans are used to every window having a screen to keep bugs out, so they’re often shocked to find that our homes don’t have them. The idea of opening a window without a barrier against flies, spiders, and other insects is unthinkable to them. But since we don’t have the same level of insect issues as many parts of the US, we don’t really see the need for screens. Still, Americans can’t help but wonder why this simple addition isn’t more common.
10. Separate hot water tanks
In many UK homes, hot water comes from a tank that needs time to refill, meaning long showers aren’t always possible. Americans, used to instant hot water from large-capacity systems, are often baffled when the hot water runs out mid-shower. For us, it’s just part of life — learning to time showers properly or waiting for the tank to heat up again. But for Americans, the idea of scheduling showers feels outdated.
11. Low water pressure
Showering here can be a disappointing experience for many Americans who are used to high water pressure at home. UK showers often rely on gravity-fed systems or electric units, which can result in a weaker flow. For us, it’s just the way things are, but for Americans expecting a powerful shower, it can be a frustrating surprise.
12. No light switches in bathrooms
Walk into a British bathroom, and you’ll likely find a pull cord or an outside switch instead of a standard light switch. This is due to electrical safety laws, but to Americans, it seems completely unnecessary. They instinctively look for a switch inside the bathroom, only to be left confused when they can’t find one. For us, though, it’s just how things have always been. We don’t even think twice about it.
13. Thick duvets all year round
In the UK, most people sleep with a thick duvet, even in summer. While Americans often switch to lightweight blankets when it’s warm, Brits tend to stick with the same heavy bedding no matter the season. For our Yankee friends, this can be baffling — why not just use a lighter option? But for us, it’s all about comfort, and the idea of sleeping without a duvet just doesn’t feel right.
