Martin Lewis highlights key differences between air fryers and ovens when it comes to cooking speed, cost, and meal size.
How Air Fryers Cook Faster and Cheaper
Air fryers use rapid superheated air circulation, allowing food to cook more evenly and quickly compared to traditional ovens. This method suits smaller portions like snacks or simple side dishes. Because air fryers heat up rapidly and cook food faster, their energy consumption per use tends to be lower, making them a cost-effective option for everyday small meals.
Limited Capacity of Air Fryers
A major drawback of air fryers is their restricted cooking space. Most models have small baskets or trays which suit only modest amounts of food. This makes them less suitable for preparing large meals such as roast dinners or multiple servings at once. Users needing to cook bigger quantities or multiple dishes simultaneously often find ovens more practical.
Ovens Excel with Larger and Varied Meals
Ovens provide significantly more cooking space and versatility, accommodating large joints, multiple trays, and a wider variety of cooking styles including baking, roasting, and grilling. This flexibility makes ovens the preferred choice for families or when preparing meals that require different textures or longer cooking times.
Comparing Energy Costs: Air Fryers vs Ovens
Energy cost studies suggest air fryers use around 13.6p per cooking cycle, while traditional ovens consume about 21p. These figures depend on variables like wattage, cooking time, and food quantity. For smaller portions, air fryers can reduce electricity bills due to their quicker cooking and lower power requirements. Ovens tend to be less efficient for small dishes due to longer preheating and cooking durations.
Choosing the Right Appliance for Each Meal
Martin Lewis recommends selecting appliances based on meal size and preparation complexity. Microwaves or air fryers are ideal for reheating or cooking small, simple foods, offering both time and cost savings. Meanwhile, ovens are more suitable for larger or more complex meals, where capacity and cooking methods matter more than quick energy savings.
Real-World Considerations and Usage Tips
Practically, users should consider how frequently they cook large meals versus quick snacks. For households mainly preparing single or two-person dishes, an air fryer can reduce power consumption and save money. However, kitchens without an oven or with larger families will benefit from an oven’s versatility. Combining both appliances strategically can optimize cooking efficiency.
Balancing Cost, Capacity, and Convenience
Choosing between an air fryer and an oven involves weighing factors beyond just energy bills. Air fryers offer convenience, faster cooking, and lower running costs in many cases, while ovens provide the capacity and flexibility to cook diverse and sizable meals. Understanding each device’s strengths helps consumers make informed decisions based on their cooking habits and budget considerations.