In 2024, finding ways to save both money and energy is more important than ever, especially in the kitchen where cooking can take a significant toll on your energy bill! Luckily, energy-efficient kitchen appliances like microwaves, air fryers and slow cookers are making it easier to prepare meals for your family without relying on your main electric fan oven. Whether you’re batch cooking for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, these small appliances use far less energy than traditional ovens, helping you to cut costs while still enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals. In this post, we’ll explore how each of these appliances can help you make smarter, more energy-efficient cooking choices.
Are air fryers deserving of their hype?
Air fryers have become one of the hottest kitchen appliances in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. With their ability to cook food faster and more efficiently, they’re a go-to option for families looking to save both time and money. A couple years back, we even had to have a waiting list for our customers at HBH Woolacotts due to the insanely high demand for Ninja’s AF400 dual drawer air fryer that took the market by storm!
If you’re wondering whether it’s cheaper to cook in an air fryer than a traditional oven, the answer largely depends on the food you’re preparing and how the appliance operates.
For instance, larger ovens can handle bigger meals and multiple dishes at once, but they require more energy to heat up and stay at the desired temperature, especially if you’re opening the door during cooking. In contrast, air fryers like the Ninja AF400 are designed to use less energy by cooking more efficiently. You can cook a batch of burgers for four people in just 12 minutes, costing as little as 14p* of electricity. French fries? They’ll be done in 14 minutes for only 16p*! Overall, Ninja says that using their air fryers can save you up to 75% on energy bills compared to using a fan oven**, all while reducing cooking times by the same margin. Whether you’re batch-cooking for the week or whipping up a quick family dinner, air fryers are a game-changer for energy-conscious households.
So are air fryers deserving of their hype? We say absolutely YES.
*Air frying based on Ofgem Apr-Sep ’22 price cap, 28p/kWh
**Testing and calculations based on recommended cook time for sausages, using air fry function versus conventional ovens
No more groaning at the sight of the slow cooker!
If you’re looking for a low-energy, cost-effective way to cook meals, a slow cooker could be your best friend in the kitchen. Slow cookers are incredibly energy-efficient, using far less electricity than traditional ovens or stovetops. With wattages ranging from just 50 to 300 watts—about the same as a standard lightbulb—these appliances are designed to simmer food over several hours without drawing much power. By comparison, a typical electric oven uses around 2200 watts, making slow cookers a great way to reduce your energy consumption while still preparing delicious, home-cooked meals.
Even though slow cookers take longer to cook, their energy usage is remarkably low. Cooking on a 100-watt setting for 8 hours can cost just 27p, which is far cheaper than the 85p it costs to run an oven for just one hour. Plus, with larger slow cookers offering capacities of up to 6.5 litres, they’re perfect for batch cooking, allowing you to prepare meals for the week ahead in one go. Whether you’re slow-cooking a budget-friendly stew or a hearty casserole, this appliance is not only easy to use, but also an excellent choice for families looking to save money and energy.
Looking to get inspired with some new slow cooker recipes? We stock some fantastic slow cooker recipe books (as well as slow cookers themselves, of course)!
Give your microwave some more love!
Microwaves are among the most energy-efficient kitchen appliances you can use, thanks to their ability to heat food directly rather than warming up the surrounding air. This efficiency not only shortens cooking times but also reduces energy waste. For instance, cooking a baked potato in a microwave costs just 3p compared to 55p in a conventional oven, while roasting a chicken in a combi microwave with a built-in convection oven will set you back just 25p, compared to 68p in a standard oven. With such drastic savings, using your microwave instead of your main oven can help you cut down on energy costs significantly.
When cooking for your family throughout the week, make the most of your microwave for everyday tasks like steaming vegetables, making scrambled eggs, or even preparing quick breakfasts like porridge. It’s also perfect for reheating batch-cooked meals, allowing you to cook in bulk and simply reheat small portions as needed—another way to reduce energy use. While microwaves can’t handle everything, they’re highly versatile and can save you up to 80% of the energy used by a conventional oven. And the best part? You probably already have a microwave in your kitchen, making it an easy, cost-effective tool to use more often for family meals.
If you’re looking for more advice on choosing the right energy-efficient appliance for your home, we’re always Happy to Be Helpful at HBH Woolacotts. Feel free to pop into your nearest branch in Cornwall or Devon, or give us a call—we’re here to help you make the best choices for your kitchen!
