Quick Answer
Air fryers do use a significant amount of electricity compared to other kitchen appliances, but not necessarily more than a conventional oven. The exact electricity usage depends on the wattage and size of the specific model. On average, an air fryer may use between 1200-1800 watts per hour when in use. This can add up to 0.6 – 1 kWh for a typical cooking session of 30-60 minutes. Over time, frequent use of an air fryer will increase electricity costs, however using it instead of the oven can result in net savings for some households. Proper usage habits can help minimize the electricity demand of an air fryer.
Air Fryer Electricity Usage
The electricity used by an air fryer depends on its wattage rating and how long it runs for each use. Here are some estimates:
- A small 3.5 liter air fryer may be around 1200 watts
- A medium 5 liter air fryer around 1500 watts
- A large 7 liter air fryer up to 1800+ watts
Based on typical 30-60 minute cooking times, this translates into:
- Small air fryer: 0.6 – 1.2 kWh per use
- Medium air fryer: 0.75 – 1.5 kWh per use
- Large air fryer: 0.9 – 1.8 kWh per use
So in general, an average air fryer session may use 0.6 – 1 kWh of electricity. The larger the capacity, the more electricity required to power the heating element and fan.
Comparison to Oven and Other Appliances
Compared to a standard electric oven, an air fryer uses less energy for smaller food loads. An electric oven can use 2000-5000 watts, so running it for an hour uses 2-5 kWh. However, for larger meals an oven may be more efficient than running multiple air fryer batches.
Other comparisons:
- Electric stove top element: 1000-1500 watts
- Microwave: 800-1500 watts
- Electric kettle: 1500-2200 watts
- Toaster: 800-1400 watts
- Slow cooker: 200-400 watts
So an air fryer generally uses more electricity than many other common kitchen appliances if run for the same amount of time. However, because it cooks much faster than the oven, it can use less total electricity for small meals.
Cost Impact in South Africa
To understand the cost impact of using an air fryer in South Africa, we need to know the residential electricity tariffs. These average around R1.60 – R2.50 per kWh.
Based on typical air fryer electricity usage estimates above, this translates into:
- Small air fryer: R1 – R3 per 30-60 min use
- Medium air fryer: R1.20 – R3.75 per 30-60 min use
- Large air fryer: R1.40 – R4.50 per 30-60 min use
For perspective, running a 2000W portable convection oven for an hour would cost R3 – R5 in electricity.
Frequency of use will determine the overall impact. A household using an air fryer 5 days a week could incur R300-R600 per year in added electricity costs compared to not having one. However this should be weighed against any oven electricity savings.
Tips to Minimize Air Fryer Electricity Usage
Here are some ways to reduce the electricity usage of an air fryer:
- Get the right size – don’t buy larger capacity than you need
- Don’t preheat longer than needed, 5-10 minutes is usually enough
- Cook in batches to avoid running multiple cycles
- Keep cook times short and don’t overcook food
- Clean air fryer regularly to maximize efficiency
- Use air fryer instead of oven whenever practical
- Compare electricity usage vs gas if available
Following these guidelines will help minimize the electricity costs of using your air fryer without sacrificing performance.
Cost Savings vs Oven
While air fryers use more electricity than many other appliances, they can provide net savings by being more efficient than the oven for smaller meals.
For example, cooking a meal for 2 people might take 30 minutes in an air fryer using 0.6 kWh but take 40 minutes in a 3000W oven using 2 kWh. That’s a 1.4 kWh or R2.24 – R3.50 savings per meal.
For a household cooking 5 small meals a week in the air fryer instead of the oven, the annual savings could be in the range of R580 – R910.
However, for larger meals the oven may be more efficient than running multiple air fryer batches. So the key is only using the air fryer instead of the oven when appropriate.
Conclusion
In summary, air fryers do use more electricity than many other appliances, but not necessarily more than ovens overall. The costs in South Africa for an average air fryer session are estimated at R1 – R4.50 depending on the model. Frequency of use and savings vs the oven determine if it results in a net gain or loss. By following usage tips and matching cooking load sizes, air fryers can be an efficient cooking option for small meals. But they are not a complete replacement for all oven uses. Considering how it will be used in your household is important to know if the costs are worthwhile for your needs.
References
- https://www.eskom.co.za/tariffs-and-charges/
- https://www.picknpay.co.za/help/appliance-running-costs/
- https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/appliances/how-much-electricity-do-appliances-use/#:~:text=An%20oven%20uses%203%2C000%20to,hour%20to%20keep%20food%20warm.
- https://www.bestreviews.guide/air-fryer