Air fryers have been championed as a top money-saving tool in the kitchen, but a recent study suggests there may be a more economical option available.
In 2023, the air fryer industry reached an impressive valuation of $1 billion, according to Global Market Insight.
It’s estimated that about two-thirds of American households own one of these popular appliances, often chosen for their ability to prepare food in a healthier manner compared to traditional frying methods.
Air fryers are known for their cost-effectiveness when compared to conventional fan ovens, making them an attractive investment for many.
CNET highlights that these devices are ’50 percent more energy-efficient than the average full-size electric oven and about 35 percent more efficient than the average gas oven’.
However, are air fryers the most economical kitchen appliance to operate? Cleaning experts at Vacuum Wars conducted a study to address this question.
The findings released in October revealed that, surprisingly, kettles are among the more costly appliances to operate, with an hourly cost of around £0.67 (84¢).
Ovens and grills came in at approximately £0.54 (67¢) per hour.
Air fryers, while cheaper to run than ovens, are not the most economical. Microwaves emerged as the least expensive option.
The study indicated that air fryers cost £0.34 (42¢) per hour, whereas a microwave with an average wattage of 1,050 costs just £0.26 (32¢) for an hour of use.
Christopher White, CEO of Vacuum Wars, explained the findings to UNILAD: “The air fryer has earned a reputation as one of the cheapest cooking options because it uses relatively low energy compared to traditional ovens or grills. At 1,400 watts, it costs about £0.34 per hour to run, and since it cooks faster than more ‘traditional’ methods, it’s a popular choice for saving both time and money in the kitchen.”
He added: “That being said, the microwave is still the real energy-saving champion. It costs only £0.26 per hour, making it a cheaper overall and more efficient option for heating up leftovers or cooking small meals.
“Unlike the air fryer or oven, the microwave doesn’t need time to preheat, so you’re using less electricity from the moment you turn it on. Plus, since it heats food directly, it often cooks faster, further cutting down your energy use.”
Though the air fryer may not be the absolute cheapest kitchen gadget, there are strategies to maximize its cost-efficiency.
Regularly cleaning your air fryer can enhance its performance, as GreenMatch, a renewable energy company, notes that ‘a clogged air filter can make it difficult for the hot air to circulate’.
They also recommend cooking multiple items simultaneously to get the most out of your energy consumption.
Enjoy your cooking endeavors!