Air fryers have rapidly become a kitchen essential, prized for their speed, convenience, cost-efficiency compared to traditional ovens, and ability to produce healthier meals without oil. However, operating an air fryer can still incur significant expenses, especially with prolonged use. From April, these costs are set to decline, offering relief to households across the UK.
Electricity Price Reduction Details
Currently, the average electricity price stands at 27.69p per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Following Ofgem's decision to lower gas and electricity prices by an average of 6.6% relative to the previous cap, this rate will drop to 24.67p per kWh starting 1st April. This adjustment translates to an annual saving of approximately £117 for typical energy consumers.
Impact on Air Fryer Running Costs
According to analysis from comparison website Go Compare, the typical air fryer consumes between 800 watts and 2,000 watts per hour for heating and cooking. At the current electricity rate, running an average air fryer for one hour costs 39p, amounting to £141.50 per year if used daily for an hour.
With the revised prices effective from April, the hourly cost will decrease to 35p, reducing the annual expense to £126.06. This represents a saving of £15.44 per year for households that regularly use their air fryers.
Comparison with Traditional Ovens
Go Compare highlights that air fryers remain more economical to operate than conventional ovens. Ovens typically use between 2,000 to 5,000 watts on average, costing roughly 49p per hour to run. The efficiency of air fryers is further enhanced by their faster cooking times, which reduce energy consumption.
For example, a bag of frozen chips takes 20 to 25 minutes in an oven but only 8 to 20 minutes in an air fryer. To maximise savings, users are advised to switch off appliances immediately after use and consider securing a fixed energy tariff, as some deals currently undercut April's price cap and offer locked-in rates for 12 months.
