Is An Air Fryer Cheaper To Use Than A Oven?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, praised for their quick cooking times and energy efficiency. But how do they compare to an oven when it comes to cost? If you’re wondering which appliance is cheaper to run, this guide will break down the differences in energy consumption, usage scenarios, and overall cost efficiency.

1. Understanding Energy Consumption

To compare the cost of using an air fryer and an oven, we first need to understand their energy requirements.

Air Fryer Energy Consumption

Power Range: Most air fryers use between 1,200 and 2,000 watts (1.2 – 2 kW).
Cooking Time: Air fryers typically cook food faster, with most meals taking 10-30 minutes.
Efficiency: Air fryers use concentrated heat and smaller cooking chambers, which makes them more efficient for smaller portions.

Oven Energy Consumption

Power Range: Electric ovens use between 2,000 and 5,000 watts (2 – 5 kW), depending on the model and temperature settings.
Cooking Time: Ovens often take longer to cook food, with cooking times ranging from 20 minutes to over an hour.
Efficiency: Ovens are better for larger meals but less efficient for small portions due to their larger cooking space.

2. Cost Per Use

To calculate the cost per use, we’ll use the formula:

Cost = Power (kW) × Time (hours) × Energy Rate (£/kWh)

Example for an Air Fryer:

Power: 1.5 kW
Time: 20 minutes (0.33 hours)
Energy Rate: £0.30 per kWh

Cost Per Use: 1.5 × 0.33 × £0.30 = £0.15

Example for an Oven:

Power: 3 kW
Time: 1 hour
Energy Rate: £0.30 per kWh

Cost Per Use: 3 × 1 × £0.30 = £0.90

Summary:

Air Fryer: Costs approximately £0.15 for a typical use.
Oven: Costs approximately £0.90 for an hour of cooking.

Air fryers are significantly cheaper to use for shorter cooking times and smaller meals.

3. When to Use an Air Fryer vs. an Oven

Air Fryers Are Best For:

Small Portions: Ideal for single servings or small meals.
Quick Cooking: Perfect for snacks, reheating, or simple dishes like chips and chicken tenders.
Energy Savings: Great for reducing electricity costs with frequent use.

Ovens Are Best For:

Large Meals: Suitable for cooking roasts, casseroles, and batch baking.
Baking and Roasting: Ovens provide better results for baked goods and large cuts of meat.
Multiple Dishes: Useful when cooking multiple dishes at the same time.

4. Pros and Cons of Each Appliance

Air Fryer Pros:

Energy-efficient for small meals.
Cooks faster due to concentrated heat.
Compact and easy to use.

Air Fryer Cons:

Limited capacity—may not suit larger families or batch cooking.
Not ideal for baking or larger dishes.

Oven Pros:

Versatile for a wide range of cooking tasks.
Can handle large portions and multiple dishes.
Offers consistent temperature for baking.

Oven Cons:

Higher energy consumption.
Slower cooking times for smaller meals.

5. Tips to Save Money

Regardless of which appliance you use, here are some tips to reduce energy costs:

For Air Fryers:

Cook multiple items at once if possible.
Avoid overloading the basket, as this can extend cooking times.
Clean the air fryer regularly to maintain efficiency.

For Ovens:

Use the convection setting if available—it reduces cooking times and cooks more evenly.
Avoid preheating unless necessary.
Cook multiple dishes at once to maximise efficiency.

6. Environmental Impact

Using an air fryer instead of an oven for smaller meals can also reduce your carbon footprint due to its lower energy consumption. If you’re mindful of energy usage and want to reduce waste, opting for an air fryer for quick, small meals is a more eco-friendly choice.

Conclusion

When it comes to cost, an air fryer is much cheaper to use than an oven for small meals or quick cooking tasks, thanks to its energy efficiency and shorter cooking times. However, ovens are more versatile and better suited for larger meals and complex recipes. By choosing the right appliance for the task, you can save money and energy while enjoying delicious meals.