I’m an American – these are the things in British houses we NEED in the US

An American woman who moved to the UK has listed five things she loves in British homes that she would like to have in US homes.

Brittany Hayes, originally from Florida, moved to Birmingham where she and her fiancé are renovating.

She uses @thebrickhousechronicles on TikTok and has previously racked up views for revealing things in British homes that “don’t make sense to Americans” – which has now been viewed by more than seven million people.

So, the TikToker decided to make another video listing things she loves that she thinks could benefit American homes.

She told viewers: “So these are the things in British homes that I think we need in the US” – read on for her full list.

Electric kettles

First on Brittany’s list are electric kettles, a household staple that is hard to find in a British home without.

She explained: “I know some Americans who are obsessed with tea have a kettle, but it’s definitely not the standard.

“If we want to heat water, we do it on the stove or in the microwave, which honestly seems crazy now that I’ve had a kettle for years.”

One shocked viewer asked: “Are there really no teapots in America?” to which someone from the US responded: “We actually have them, people just prefer the old fashioned metal kettles that you put on the stove and wait to whistle when it’s ready.”

Others added: “Are there no teapots in America?” Wow” and “electric kettle”. wait until you try the boiling tap.”

Another chimed in: “Teapots are old school. We now have instant boiling taps.”

Meanwhile, an American justified the lack of teapots by explaining: “Why do Americans need another kitchen appliance if they’re not big tea drinkers?” Instant coffee is not the standard here.”

Conservatories

The TikToker continued: “Next up are conservatories, which are small rooms with glass walls at the back of people’s houses.

“These things are little boxes of warm magic. I love taking naps in my fiancé’s parents’ conservatory when everything is nice and toasty.

“Although I’m pretty sure if we had them in Florida, where I’m from, they would get so hot that you would burn if you went in there.”

However, one Briton disagreed in the comments, writing: “Winter gardens are a nightmare, it’s cold in winter and saunas in summer… no one uses them.”

Someone else wrote: “It’s nice in the winter garden until the morning.”

Doors to every room

Third on the Brittany list is having doors in every room rather than having an open plan home.

She told viewers: “I never thought I’d like the next film, but British homes seem to have a door for every room rather than the open-plan style that’s popular in the US.”

“I have to say, I like the separation, especially in the kitchen, because it means the food smells stay there.

“Does anyone else have a traumatic memory of your mom roasting peppers and needing a gas mask to avoid getting burned?” That would help with that.”

Someone wrote: “Doors are not meant to separate rooms, but to prevent the spread of fire.”

Another added: “And stay warm when the heating is on.”

Mailboxes on doors

Brits take it for granted that mail is delivered straight to their front door, rather than having to go somewhere to collect it.

Brittany said: “I’m also a big fan of door mailboxes, we definitely have them in the US, but it’s also very common to have a group mailbox for your area.

“These things are so ugly and I remember when I was a kid we were so far away and I didn’t want to go get the mail.

“So, this is my formal request to the US to only use in-door mailboxes – I know the postal delivery people are probably screaming at the screen right now.”

Toilet flush options

Finally, the American praised a bathroom feature common in the UK – the ability to do a “small” or “large” flush in the toilet.

She said, “Finally, big flush, little flush, that’s genius.” You pee, flush a little, poop, do a big flush.

“In the US, everything is big, so we do a big flush and waste water with a big flush—please give us a small flush.”

Although a Brit in the comments advised: “Every plumber I’ve ever met has said that you shouldn’t use the low flush button because it’s actually bad for the plumbing.” Especially in old houses.”

Commenters were shocked by some of the things Brittany said aren’t in most American homes, with one viewer writing: “I live in the UK and hear what we don’t have in my brain,” along with a shocked emoji.

Another realized, “So that’s why there are two buttons on the toilet,” and someone else asked, “Do Americans actually microwave their water…?”