The air fryer, a popular kitchen appliance that has taken the world by storm, has been touted as a healthier alternative to deep-frying and a convenient way to cook meals quickly. However, according to money expert Martin Lewis, the answer is not always a simple yes. In a recent podcast, Martin outlined his “rule of thumb” for determining when to use an air fryer versus a traditional oven.
Energy Costs
According to Energy supplier Utilita, the cost of running an air fryer for a year is £26.73, whereas a gas oven costs £33.22 and an electric oven costs £93.44. While these numbers may seem daunting, it’s essential to consider the factors that affect energy consumption.
Capacity and Cooking Time
The key to understanding the energy costs of an air fryer lies in its capacity and cooking time. If you’re cooking multiple items at once for a prolonged period, an oven is likely to be the more cost-effective option. This is because an oven can heat up to 2000W, allowing for a more efficient use of energy.
- Example 1: Cooking a turkey in an oven
- Example 2: Cooking a jacket potato in a microwave
- Example 3: Cooking multiple jacket potatoes in a microwave
On the other hand, if you’re cooking single objects, an air fryer may be the better choice. However, it’s essential to note that smaller appliances like air fryers and microwaves are not designed for batch cooking and may not be the most cost-effective option.
Wattage and Kilowatt-Hour Calculations
Martin Lewis’s “rule of thumb” is based on calculating the wattage of the appliance and the cost of kilowatt-hours (kWh). To calculate the cost of an appliance, you need to multiply the wattage by the cost per kWh.
- 1,000 watts = 1 kilowatt
- Cost of 1 kWh = 34p
- Cost of 1 kWh = 27p (latest prices)
For example, if you have a heated gilet that consumes 50 watts, the cost of running it for an hour is 1.7p. If you have an oven that consumes 1000 watts, the cost of running it for an hour is 34p.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while air fryers can be a convenient and healthier cooking option, they may not always be the most cost-effective choice. According to Martin Lewis’s “rule of thumb,” the key to determining the most cost-effective cooking method lies in understanding the wattage and kilowatt-hour calculations of your appliances. By considering the capacity and cooking time of your oven, you can make informed decisions about when to use an air fryer or a traditional oven.
“The problem with the equation for heating equipment is an oven is going to be about 2000W. A microwave gives you consistent heat whereas an oven is warming up to full temperature and then topping it up so it isn’t running at full power the whole time.”
Martin Lewis’s rule of thumb can help you make the most of your kitchen appliances and save money on your energy bills. By considering the wattage and kilowatt-hour calculations of your appliances, you can make informed decisions about when to use an air fryer or a traditional oven.