Kirstie Allsopp says keeping washing machines in kitchens is 'disgusting'

'Just shows how out of touch this so called property expert is with what people can actually afford,' says critic

Critics branded Allsopp a 'snob' and said the remarks were proof the presenter is out of touch with great swathes of the British public

(Getty Images)

Kirstie Allsopp has sparked outrage for suggesting it is “disgusting” to keep washing machines in the kitchen.

The TV personality, who presents Location, Location, Location, said her “life’s work” was dedicated to ensuring people do not keep the washing appliance where they prepare food.

Replying to a Twitter post from journalist Jim Waterston about Americans' disdain for the common location of washing machines in British homes, the Hampstead-born property mogul said: “It is disgusting, my life’s work is in part dedicated to getting washing machines out of the kitchen.”

Asked where people should put their washing machines instead, the 45-year-old, who is the daughter of sixth Baron Hindlip, said: “Bathroom, hall cupboard, airing cupboard”.

Critics branded Allsopp a “snob” and said the remarks show she is out of touch with the living conditions of much of the British public.

“Just shows how out of touch this so called property expert is with what people can actually afford. Snob,” said one.

“Not everybody is as privileged as you, Kirstie. Do you seriously think everyone has room to put a washer elsewhere?” added Darren Dee.

“Oh yes, and a wine cellar, a boot room and a feckin walk-in pantry! Some people have no choice!! Get real!” said Susan Gale.

Allsopp hit back at critics and labelled them a “bunch of total f***wits” for taking her remarks so seriously.

She added: “I was joking, although getting machine out of kitchen *when possible* does free up kitchen space. Clue is in ‘life’s work’ comment.”

In many parts of the US and Europe washing machines are placed in the bathroom or separate utility rooms but in most British homes they are generally found in the kitchen. This is due to the fact most bathrooms could not fit a washing machine and there are no electrical sockets in the bathroom in the UK.

This is not the first time Allsopp, who is a Conservative supporter, has sparked controversy. In 2014, the self-proclaimed “passionate feminist” urged young women to buy a flat, boyfriend and have babies before taking up a career.

The presenter said if she had a daughter, her advice would be: "Darling, do you know what? Don't go to university. Start work straight after school, stay at home, save up your deposit – I'll help you, let's get you into a flat. And then we can find you a nice boyfriend and you can have a baby by the time you're 27."

She added: “We should talk openly about university and whether going when you're young, when we live so much longer, is really the way forward.”

Allsopp has also previously claimed ironing helps keep mothers “sane” when coping with the pressures of family life.