An air fryer can be a useful addition to the kitchen, while an oven remains valuable for larger meals. Choosing which to use is often about the amount of food you are cooking rather than one appliance being best for every job.

Where an air fryer is convenient

An air fryer heats a relatively compact cooking space. It can be convenient for smaller portions, side dishes and foods that benefit from circulating hot air. Depending on the model and recipe, preparation can be quicker than heating a full-size oven.

Keep within the recommended load and allow space for circulation. Overcrowding can affect the result and lead to extra cooking time.

Where an oven earns its space

A full-size oven can accommodate several trays, larger dishes and meals for a group. If you can cook dinner and another dish together, the larger space may be useful rather than wasteful. It can also be more practical for foods that do not fit comfortably into an air fryer basket.

Compare the whole meal’s energy use

The Energy Saving Trust’s cooking comparison highlights air fryers for smaller quantities and ovens for larger batches. There is no single saving that applies to every model, recipe and household.

Include preheating, cooking time and the number of batches. An air fryer used repeatedly to feed a group may be less convenient than an oven cooking everything together.

Understand the running-cost calculation

Electricity cost is energy used in kilowatt-hours multiplied by your unit rate. For example, an appliance using 0.5kWh on a tariff of 25p per kWh costs 12.5p for that use. This is an illustration, not a current tariff quote or a measured cost for a particular appliance.

Rated wattage alone does not reveal the exact energy used during cooking, because heating elements can cycle on and off. A suitable energy monitor can help compare your own routines.

Use the appliance that suits the task

For a small, quick meal, an air fryer may be a convenient choice. For multiple trays or batch cooking, the oven may be easier. Many homes benefit from having both options.

Explore our cooking appliance range for practical additions to your kitchen.