With energy bills now a staggering 46% higher than just four years ago, UK households are being urged to make simple kitchen swaps to combat the escalating cost of living.
The Hidden Cost of Your Kitchen
While many homeowners focus on heating and entertainment systems as primary energy drains, experts from Plumbworld highlight that kitchen appliances are significant contributors to hefty bills. A typical oven running at 2.1kW uses approximately 3.15kWh daily, costing about 83p per day or £303 annually.
Substantial Savings from Simple Swaps
Making strategic changes to cooking habits can yield impressive financial returns. Switching from an oven to an air fryer could save nearly £100 per year. A standard 1.5kW air fryer costs around 59p daily, using 2.25kWh for normal usage, amounting to £216 annually.
Even greater savings come from using a microwave. At just 0.7kW, a microwave uses approximately 1.05kWh for average daily use, costing only 28p per day or £101 per year. This represents a substantial saving of £202 compared to using an oven for the same tasks.
When the Oven Makes Financial Sense
There is one notable exception where using an oven remains more economical. During occasions requiring bulk cooking, such as preparing Christmas dinner, the oven's larger capacity becomes cost-effective. Money saving expert Martin Lewis explained on his podcast: "An oven isn't always using all the wattage as it's heating up and then topping up. So if you've got a turkey in there that may well be effective if you're cooking lots of stuff in there."
He added: "If you've got something small and simple in there.... that's where the microwave and also the air fryers tend to come into their own because they're better at cooking single objects."
As energy costs continue to pressure household budgets, these kitchen appliance swaps offer practical, immediate ways for families to reduce their outgoings without sacrificing their lifestyle.
