Air fryers have become a popular alternative to ovens because they cook quickly and use less energy. While both appliances rely on electrical resistance heating, the compact chamber of an air fryer warms up faster and circulates hot air more effectively. The question is just how much money you can save by choosing one over the other. This calculator shows the difference in both energy consumption and cost.
Electrical energy in kilowatt-hours is calculated by multiplying power in kilowatts by time in hours. If the air fryer uses watts and the oven uses watts for minutes, the energy consumed by each appliance is:
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o
Multiplying each energy value by your electricity rate yields the operating cost. The difference between the two costs shows which appliance is cheaper for a given recipe.
| Appliance | Power (W) | Time (min) | Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Fryer | 1500 | 20 | $0.07 |
| Oven | 2400 | 30 | $0.16 |
Energy efficiency isn’t the only factor. Air fryers can crisp food with little or no oil, which may appeal to health-conscious cooks. Ovens can handle larger portions and often produce better baking results. Use this calculator to gauge regular weekday meals, then decide which appliance suits each recipe.
Shorter preheat times and smaller cooking chambers mean air fryers generally use less energy. To maximize savings, try batching meals or using residual oven heat for side dishes. Always keep seals clean so hot air doesn’t escape, and unplug appliances when not in use to avoid standby power loss.
Ultimately, both methods can coexist in a busy kitchen. This tool simply helps you see how much each cooking choice adds to your monthly power bill.
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