Bruno Pugh
Foreigners often have curious ideas about the contents of American households, shaped by movies, TV shows, and stereotypes. While some assumptions hit the mark, others can be surprising. Let’s take a look at 15 things that people outside the U.S. assume can be found in every American household!
Red Solo Cups
American movies and TV shows practically made red solo cups a pop culture icon. People imagine these cups showing up at every house party or college bash. Be it a summer BBQ, a laid-back gathering, or a holiday celebration, outside America, people believe that those bright red cups are important in every American kitchen cabinet.
BBQ Grill
It’s a common belief that Americans are grilling experts, with everyone imagining a BBQ-ready backyard. And Americans can’t deny that grilling is an important part of family life. Proof? The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association reports that 80% of Americans have a grill or smoker at home.
Fireplace
Not every part of the U.S. gets cold, but people still think every American home has a fireplace. They imagine cozy gatherings around the fire during holidays or cold nights. Most holiday movies like Home Alone or The Holiday make the fireplace the heart of the home for many outside the U.S.
Coffee Machine
Coffee is seen as the way to start your day in the U.S. So people outside the U.S. often think every home has at least one coffee maker. Many believe Americans rely on their morning caffeine fix, using everything from fancy espresso machines to simple drip coffee pots in their kitchens.
Attics
Attics aren’t common in a lot of countries, but people often picture every American home having one. Having watched Hollywood horror movies and TV shows, they often picture basements and attics as mysterious, sometimes creepy spaces in every house. Can you really deny this stereotype, though?
Big Fenced-in Yards
A big, fenced yard is usually thought of as part of the ‘American Dream.’ People assume every house has a spacious, grassy yard, perfect for pets, kids, and those famous BBQs. It’s often pictured as a sign of suburban life and family-focused living in the US.
A Security System
Since America is seen as a tech-savvy place, a lot of people think every home has a security system. They imagine things like cameras and alarms, believing that Americans really want to keep their homes and stuff safe from any trouble that might come their way.
Cereal
American breakfast culture has made cereal a symbol of U.S. households. People imagine aisles upon aisles of brightly colored boxes of cereal lining kitchen cabinets, assuming it’s the go-to breakfast for both kids and adults. The perception is that every household has an endless supply of sugary or whole-grain cereals.
A Garage
Many foreigners assume every American home has a spacious, multifunctional garage, thanks to films like Back to the Future. These garages often serve as storage for vehicles, tools, and DIY projects, embodying both practicality and status. This perception overlooks regional variations, where some homes may lack such dedicated space entirely.
A Mailbox
In many places, mail is delivered directly to doors or communal boxes. However, people have this made the stereotype that every American home has a big, classic mailbox out front, ready for daily deliveries. It’s a symbol of suburban life, reinforced by the “flag up” image from movies or TV series.
Refrigerator Full of Soda
Many non-Americans believe that American fridges always have a wide variety of soft drinks stocked in them. This idea probably comes from movies showing massive fridges stuffed with every soda flavor like Dr. Pepper, Pepsi, and Mountain Dew. It’s part of the larger-than-life image people have of U.S. homes.
Tons of Snacks and Sweets
Many believe Americans love to snack on the go, picturing homes stocked with chips, cookies, and candy. This perception likely comes from movies and commercials showing kids grabbing quick bites after school or families enjoying snacks during movie nights and casual gatherings.
Thermostat
With the U.S. experiencing a variety of climates, non-Americans imagine every home has a thermostat. It’s just a standard feature to keep things comfy, whether it’s hot or cold. Another reason for this assumption is that foreigners believe the country’s per capita income is higher than in most other nations.
Stocked Pantry
Families in the U.S. are often seen as always ready for anything, keeping their pantries stocked with snacks, canned goods, and other non-perishables. They’re pictured with pantries brimming with supplies that ensure there’s enough to handle busy weekdays or surprise guests at any time.
Themed Holiday Decorations
he U.S. homes are believed to be decked out in red, white, and blue for holidays like the Fourth of July. People think Halloween and Christmas are huge in America, with decorations always ready for both, making flags, banners, and festive items a household staple.