Air fryers have surged in popularity, touted as energy-efficient alternatives to traditional ovens. However, when it comes to cooking larger meals, such as a Sunday roast, they may not always be the most cost-effective option.
Understanding Energy Consumption
Air Fryers vs. Ovens
While air fryers are efficient for small portions, their energy consumption can increase significantly when used for larger meals. For instance, cooking a half leg of lamb, roast potatoes, and Yorkshire puddings in a 2kW oven for an hour costs approximately 54p. In contrast, preparing these items sequentially in a 1.4kW air fryer can cost around 73p, due to the extended cooking time required for each component.
Appliance Efficiency
Air fryers heat up quickly and are ideal for small meals, but they operate at full power throughout the cooking process. Conversely, ovens cycle their heating elements on and off to maintain temperature, potentially leading to lower energy consumption over extended cooking periods.
Cost Comparison
Energy Costs by Appliance
Based on average energy rates:
- Electric Oven (2-5 kWh): 54p–£1.35 per hour
- Gas Oven (1.3-1.7 kWh): 9p–12p per hour
- Compact Air Fryer (0.8-2 kWh): 22p–54p per hour
- Large Air Fryer (1.8-2.8 kWh): 49p–76p per hour
These figures highlight that while air fryers can be economical for small meals, their cost-effectiveness diminishes with larger portions.
Tips for Energy-Efficient Cooking
When to Use an Air Fryer
- Ideal for small meals or single servings
- Quick cooking tasks
- Avoiding preheating large ovens
When to Use an Oven
- Preparing large or multiple dishes simultaneously
- Batch cooking for future meals
- Cooking items that require even, prolonged heat
Monitoring Energy Usage
Utilize smart plugs or meters to track appliance energy consumption. This data can help in making informed decisions about which appliance to use for specific cooking tasks.
Conclusion
While air fryers offer convenience and efficiency for small-scale cooking, they may not always be the most economical choice for larger meals. Understanding the energy consumption of your appliances and choosing the appropriate one for each cooking task can lead to significant savings on your energy bills.
- Why your air fryer is costing you MORE to cook with than a normal oven - May 7, 2025
- My fiancé bought my engagement ring from Temu for £29 – he’s mad because I don’t want it & even told me to buy my own - May 7, 2025
- I found the perfect ornament for my lounge on Temu but when it arrived all I could do was laugh – it was an epic fail - May 7, 2025
Follow Me