Air fryers, renowned for their convenience and ability to quickly prepare dishes from pot roasts to flavorful vindaloos, have become a popular choice among home cooks. However, financial expert Martin Lewis cautions against abandoning traditional ovens in favor of this time-saving alternative, as excessive use of air fryers can come with a hidden cost. While these appliances excel in cooking small items with short cooking times, Lewis warns that utilizing air fryers for multiple different foods can lead to increased energy consumption and, consequently, higher utility bills.
According to Lewis, in an interview on ITV’s This Morning, “Air fryers are beneficial for cooking small items that cook quickly. However, if you find yourself using your air fryer multiple times for various items, it may be more energy-efficient to use an oven instead.” His advice comes amidst an international cost-of-living crisis, with millions of Britons facing soaring energy prices and inflation.
A study by Which? further supports Lewis’s claims, indicating that while air fryers can save energy when cooking small quantities, the savings diminish with larger meals. Steph Kipling of Which? explains, “The energy savings decrease significantly if you have to cook in batches. Air fryers also have less capacity than typical ovens or hobs, which can be a limiting factor when cooking large quantities of food. Therefore, for substantial meals, ovens or hobs might still be the more economical option.”
However, it’s important to note that the energy consumption of air fryers can vary depending on factors such as the wattage and size of the device. For instance, Tech Radar estimates that a 1500-watt air fryer used for approximately 30 minutes daily would cost around £1.78 per week, while a more powerful 2400-watt air fryer used for the same duration would cost £2.85 per week. On the other hand, electric ovens typically consume between 2,000 to 5,000 watts of electricity per hour, depending on the heat setting.
As Lewis explains in a recent podcast, “The general formula is to determine the wattage of the appliance, calculate how many kilowatts or fractions of a kilowatt it consumes, and multiply that by 34 pence per hour of usage.” Additionally, Steph Kipling highlights that “The air fryers we’ve tested range in price from £30 to £250. Even though air fryers can be more energy-efficient than ovens, it could take a while to recoup the initial investment if you opt for a more expensive model.”
In conclusion, while air fryers can offer convenience and time savings, it is crucial to consider the energy consumption and potential costs associated with their use. For small and quickly cooked items, air fryers may provide energy savings, but for larger meals or frequent use, traditional ovens might be a more economical choice. Consumers are advised to carefully assess their cooking needs and the specific features and energy efficiency of different air fryer models before making a purchase.
