When comparing appliances, the first thing to look at is power consumption (watts). A typical oven uses 2,000–5,000 watts, while most airfryers run on 1,000–1,800 watts – about half or even less than an oven.
But wattage alone doesn’t tell the full story. Cooking time matters too. Ovens usually take longer to preheat and cook meals, meaning more overall energy use. Airfryers, on the other hand, heat up quickly in their compact chambers, often finishing meals in a fraction of the time.
Strengths of Each Appliance
- Ovens: Great for large meals, baking, roasting and feeding a crowd. They distribute heat evenly but consume more energy, take up more space and generally require longer cooking times.
- Airfryers: Win on speed and convenience. They cook with little to no oil, making meals healthier and faster. However, their basket size limits how much you can prepare at once and they can’t fully replace an oven for tasks like baking large cakes or roasting a whole chicken.
When to Choose What
- For quick snacks, reheating or small meals → go with the airfryer.
- For baking, roasting or cooking for many people → the oven is your best bet.
Energy-Saving Tips (Oven or Airfryer):
- Only preheat when necessary and switch off a few minutes before the food is ready to use leftover heat.
- Don’t overcrowd the airfryer basket – this slows cooking and wastes power.
- Keep appliances clean; buildup reduces efficiency.
