Martin Lewis recently issued a warning to people about the real cost of cooking with an air fryer compared to ovens. Lewis cautions that air fryers are not the most economical option. Read more in the article below.
How Air Fryers vs. Ovens Work
Air fryers are compact countertop appliances that cook food by circulating hot air rapidly, often delivering crispier results in less time. They’re typically rated between 800W to 2,000W, making them efficient for quick meals. Conversely, ovens—be they electric or gas—heat a larger internal space. Though they take longer to preheat, they maintain temperature by cycling on and off. That means ovens don’t always consume full power continuously, despite their higher wattage.
The Real Cost Breakdown
On his podcast, Lewis walked listeners through a simple yet revealing calculation. Using a standard 34 pence per kilowatt-hour (kWh) electricity rate as an example, he demonstrated how different appliances compare:
- 1,000W microwave for 10 minutes: consumes about 1/6 kWh → roughly 6p.
- Oven usage: around 2,000W; cooking for one hour could cost approximately 68p, although typical average estimates often put it closer to 21p per hour for general use
- 800W air fryer: roughly 13.6p per hour—cheaper than a full-size oven. But higher-wattage units (~2,000W) may cost nearly the same as an oven or even 34p+ per hour.
- Lewis emphasized: “If you’re only cooking something small and simple… it’s probably cheaper in the microwave and similarly the air fryer”.
When the Oven Wins
While air fryers are great for bite-sized or single-portion foods, the oven becomes much more cost-effective with larger meals. For example:
- Roasts and batch cooking: An oven can accommodate multiple dishes—roast potatoes, meat, veggies—all at once. A 2kW oven might cost around 54p per hour. However, cooking those same components one after another in a 1.4kW air fryer could tally 73p—a 19p difference per session, adding up over time.
- Sunday dinners: Energy expert Natalie Mathie from Uswitch explains that ovens shine when heating the full cavity, while using air fryers in repeated batches becomes less efficient.
- So unless you’re preparing small, quick meals for one or two, the oven remains the smarter financial choice.
Maximise Air Fryer Efficiency
To make the most of an air fryer:
- Choose the right size and wattage – smaller units (e.g., 800W) are generally cheaper to run.
- Cook full batches – fill the basket efficiently to avoid multiple cooking cycles.
- Skip preheating – air fryers heat up fast, so preheating is often unnecessary.
- Clean lint and grease regularly – a clean unit circulates hot air more effectively
- Monitor placement – keep the air fryer in a well-ventilated area to avoid overheating and longer run times.
Bottom Line
Air fryers are convenient, speedy, and cost-effective for small, simple dishes—but only when used efficiently. Low-wattage models cost around 13–14p per hour, rising sharply with larger devices. Ovens generally offer better value when cooking large meals or multiple dishes at once, even with their higher power draw. Microwaves remain unbeatable for ultra-quick, small meals—costing just a few pennies per use.
Conclusion
If you’re cooking for a family or batch prepping meals, the oven is likely your best bet. But for solo dishes or small portions, a properly sized and used air fryer can save you a few pence here and there.
