Cooking with Air Fryers: Are They Really Worth It?

If you’ve been considering purchasing an air fryer, you might want to take a minute to hear what Martin Lewis has to say. Known for his insightful financial advice, Martin Lewis has now turned his attention to a popular kitchen appliance: the air fryer. In a recent podcast, he shared some interesting insights that might make you think twice before buying one.

Are Air Fryers the Cost-Efficient Option?

One of the main attractions of air fryers is their perceived health benefits and lower operating costs compared to ovens. But according to Martin Lewis, this might not always be the case. He explained that ovens, despite taking longer to heat up, consume less energy overall as they cycle on and off to maintain the desired temperature. This means that for certain cooking scenarios, ovens can actually be more cost-efficient than air fryers.

Martin Lewis even provided a specific example to illustrate his point. If you were cooking a full roast dinner with multiple jacket potatoes, it might be cheaper to use an oven. However, for smaller quantities, like just one jacket potato, the air fryer or microwave would be the more cost-effective choice. So, it really depends on the amount of food you’re cooking.

Crunching the Numbers

To determine which option is more cost-efficient, Martin Lewis shared a handy equation. By finding the wattage of your appliance and multiplying it by the cost of electricity, you can calculate the running cost per hour. This equation works for both ovens and air fryers, giving you a clear idea of which option may be cheaper in the long run.

However, it’s worth noting that more powerful air fryers will naturally have higher average running costs. So, it’s crucial to consider not only the quantity of food you’re cooking but also the wattage of the appliance itself.

Making the Right Choice

In the end, Martin Lewis offers a simple piece of advice: if you’re cooking something small and simple, both the microwave and the air fryer could be cheaper options. It all depends on the specific circumstances and the amount of food you’re preparing.

While air fryers have their advantages and can be a healthier alternative to deep-frying, it’s important to weigh the cost efficiency and convenience factors as well. Sometimes, sticking with the trusty oven might be the smart choice for your budget.

Remember, Martin Lewis is known for his financial expertise, and he’s here to help you make informed decisions about your money. Whether it’s air fryers or debit cards, he’s got you covered. Stay tuned for more of his valuable insights to make your money go further.

Share on Facebook