With energy prices skyrocketing, investing in cheap but top-rated kitchen appliances can help reduce energy costs and save money in the long run. A May 2022 study by Unconventional Connections commissioned by Instant Brands found that cooking in electric ovens can cost over five times more than cooking in air fryers and electric pressure cookers.
Small kitchen appliances are not the only way to save; batch cooking, freezing pre-prepped meals, and sealing produce and leftovers can also reduce monthly bills. Here are seven affordable appliances under £75 that can make your kitchen more efficient.
The Crock-Pot Lift and Serve Digital Slow Cooker (4.7 litres) is reduced from £65 to £45 on Amazon. It feeds up to five people, has three heat settings, and an auto stay-warm function. For smaller households, Aldi's Ambiano 3.5L Slow Cooker features a removable ceramic pot and a chalkboard exterior.
Air fryers save money on cooking oils and are more energy efficient. The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Smart Cooker (3L) is now £70 on Amazon, serving as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, sauté pan, steamer, food warmer, and yoghurt maker. A larger 7.6L version costs under £100.
A toaster oven uses about half the energy of a standard oven. The Geepas mini oven has six heating functions and temperatures from 100C to 230C. A vacuum sealer helps prevent food waste by keeping fresh food and leftovers fresh longer; this Amazon's Choice model has dry and wet settings. Finally, a microwave reduces energy use; the Toshiba 800W 20L model is an Amazon's Choice for cheap microwaves, with manual timer and five power levels.
