Britons are spending around £76 billion kitting out their kitchens with the latest culinary accessories, according to industry figures.

Householders fork out an average £3,113 on kitchen goodies each year, claims Churchill Home Insurance.

The average home holds £1,539 worth of electrical goods at any one time which is made up of a combination of basics (eg cookers and fridges) and gadgets such as popcorn machines and electric pepper mills.

An increased interest in cooking has resulted in Britons filling their kitchens with £486 worth of kitchen utensils - from scissors and chopping boards to olive oil decanters and fruit juicers.

However, Churchill warns that nine per cent of household accidents happen in the kitchen with the average accidental damage claim costing £496.

"The research shows that the kitchen is full of expensive electrical equipment and accessories so it is imperative that house-holders make sure they are covered against any accidental damage," said Martin Scott, head of Churchill Home Insurance.