Understandably, cooking at home increased dramatically during the pandemic. But did you know that the percentage of meals eaten at home in the U.S. is still higher than pre-pandemic levels? According to Circana’s 39th annual “Eating Patterns in America” report:

• In 2019, Americans sourced 83 percent of meals from retail or grocery stores and 17 percent from restaurants

• In 2024, Americans sourced 86 percent of meals from retail or grocery stores and only 14 percent from restaurants

Even after the pandemic, more Americans have continued working from home at least part-time. Additionally, “food at home” prices increased 1.1 percent in the past year alone, while “food away from home” prices rose 4.1 percent over the same period, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Whether it is out of convenience or to save money, the fact remains that more mealtimes are happening at home. Not surprisingly, cooking and recipe content is everywhere — trending on social media and on seemingly every TV network or streaming platform. And no matter the culinary skill level, there is something for everyone, from inspirational and educational to just plain entertaining. Yet, when it comes to skills, over half of Americans think of themselves as more than just a decent cook.

A survey commissioned by luxury appliance brand — and Nationwide (NMG) Vendor — Signature Kitchen Suite found that 58 percent of respondents consider themselves a “professional home chef,” with 62 percent believing their culinary skills warrant their own cooking show and 63 percent feeling confident enough to take on a celebrity chef. While the survey didn’t name specific chefs, Gordon Ramsay, the most Googled celebrity chef in the world, would likely be high on the list. Not only is he the most searched but also the most watched, with his television series franchise on FOX reaching 5.6 billion total viewers to date — making it the top competitive unscripted franchise on network TV.

Chef Ramsay’s name recognition, brand trust and culinary expertise are undeniable. Whether he hosts a new show, shares a new recipe or endorses a new product, the public takes notice. Just this month, Ramsay announced a collaboration with NMG Vendor THOR Kitchen on a new “chef inspired” collection of professional style ranges, French door refrigerators and dishwashers. The THOR Kitchen x Gordon Ramsay Collection features stainless steel appliances with handle options in bronze, rose gold and navy blue, along with a limited-edition black series.

READ MORE: Learn more about Chef Ramsay’s partnership with THOR.

Photo credit: THOR Kitchen x Gordon Ramsay Collection

For those “professional home chefs” and cooking show aficionados who are eating more meals at home, using professional grade, chef approved appliances is the dream. And kitchen appliance purchases are still on the rise, according to a recent Consumer Affairs report that projects the U.S. household appliance market to grow by over 12 percent between 2024 and 2028.

Independent retailers eyeing a larger slice of that “chef inspired” pie would be wise to consider more product differentiation — especially in the luxury and premium appliance categories. The time is ripe to help those home cooking customers feel like next level chefs.