Martin Lewis is back with another thought-provoking piece on widely used goods.
He once warned against using debit cards, but this time it’s a deep fryer.
Unfortunately, there is not much evidence to support a practical electronic kitchen appliance.
Since the epidemic and the subsequent increase in the cost of living, the fryer has become increasingly popular. They say that a kitchen appliance is far healthier. In addition, they should have lower average operating costs than ovens. But maybe we’ve been quick to judge this little electric oven and it isn’t as good as it seems.
Martin Lewis’ honest thoughts on the Air Fryer
On a recent episode of The Martin Lewis podcast, Lewis clarified that ovens can sometimes be more affordable than deep fryers. Martin, now 50, clarified that microwaves produce constant heat. However, ovens only heat to their maximum temperature and then only provide enough heat in short bursts to keep them there. Therefore, the ovens do not run continuously at maximum power.
Martin Lewis goes so far as to present a specific situation where furnaces have proven to be much more economical. “If you’ve done a full roast dinner and cooked a lot of potatoes in a bag, it’s probably cheaper [to put them in the oven] than putting five or six potatoes in a bag in the microwave because every other item you put in the microwave needs to last longer because the microwave only heats individual pieces”
However, don’t take this as a complete disapproval of the deep fryer. For example, in the scenario above, the air fryer/microwave would undoubtedly win if there was only one mashed potato instead of ten. However, we can’t always use math to determine which option is cheaper for a specific amount of food.
Or are we able?
Cost-effectiveness of the kitchen: a mathematical basis
Martin Lewis gives us an equation that together with the description of the situation gives us the answer to the previous question. “The general formula is to determine the wattage of the item, multiply that number by the number of kilowatts or fraction of a kilowatt it uses, and then multiply the result by 34p ($0.42) per hour of use. I…]
The equation for the heating device has a problem because the oven uses roughly 2000W. Let’s say you have a 1000W microwave oven that you turn on for ten minutes. One KWH would be equal to one-sixth of an hour, or roughly six points. So the cost of using the microwave for that time is 6p ($0.07). So it’s a very useful equation. To be clear, deep fryers can also use this equation.
Lewis even receives support from The Money Edit, an alternative resource. They concluded that a deep fryer costs only 13.6 pence ($0.16) to run, while an oven costs 21 pence on average. However, the average operating costs of higher-powered air fryers would inevitably be higher.
A few, such as the 2000W model, cost 34p for each typical use. They also support Lewis’s argument that the amount of food consumed is an important additional consideration.
Martin Lewis directly deduces that in this case “if you’re cooking something small and simple there, it’s probably cheaper to microwave and similar to a deep fryer”.
Martin Lewis’s professional perspective on financial matters is not new. He also talked about the general risk associated with debit cards. Additionally, the money marketing expert thinks that switching from debit to credit cards is a good idea because credit cards protect against fraud.
In his latest podcast episode, Martin Lewis offers valuable insights into the cost-effectiveness of popular kitchen appliances, namely deep fryers and ovens. While deep fryers have seen a surge in popularity, especially during the pandemic, Lewis urges consumers to consider the true operating costs and benefits of these devices. He points out that while deep fryers may seem more efficient, the reality is different and depends on several factors, including the type and amount of food being prepared.
Lewis’s analysis highlights that contrary to popular belief, ovens can sometimes be more economical, especially when cooking larger meals. By presenting a mathematical formula for calculating energy costs, it equips listeners with the tools to make informed decisions. His findings suggest that while air fryers are advantageous for small, quick meals, traditional ovens may offer better value for larger dishes.
Finally, Lewis emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific context of use. Consumers should consider the convenience of air fryers and the potential cost savings of traditional cooking methods. This balanced approach not only helps us make smarter financial decisions but also improves our overall cooking experience. As consumers navigate their kitchen options, Lewis’ insights serve as a timely reminder to critically evaluate what truly best suits their needs.