Slash your electric bill! Discover the surprisingly affordable alternative to a well-loved kitchen appliance experts swear by
By
Veronica E.
- Replies 0
If you're like many of us, you've probably fallen in love with air fryers for their ability to whip up crispy meals without the hefty energy costs of traditional ovens.
But what if we told you that there's an even more energy-efficient alternative sitting right in your kitchen?
It’s time to rethink your kitchen habits and consider a simpler, more cost-effective solution that could save you money on your electric bill.
Sometimes, the answer is already right in front of us—no fancy gadgets required.
By making a few small changes, you can enjoy your meals without stressing over rising energy costs. You don’t need to break the bank to keep cooking efficiently!

The microwave: Your secret weapon for energy savings
Often underestimated, the microwave is an unsung hero when it comes to cooking on a budget.
While air fryers are all the rage, a study by Vacuum Wars reveals that microwaves are actually the more affordable choice for saving on your electric bill.
Here’s the breakdown: The study found that air fryers cost about £0.34 (42¢) per hour to operate, while a microwave (at an average wattage of 1,050) only costs £0.26 (32¢) per hour. That’s a noticeable difference, especially for anyone trying to keep an eye on household expenses.
Christopher White, CEO of Vacuum Wars, shared his insights with UNILAD, explaining, "While air fryers have gained attention for their energy efficiency, the microwave is the true energy-saving champion. Not only is it cheaper to run, but it’s also quicker and more effective when reheating leftovers or preparing smaller meals."
Why microwaves take the cake (or heat it)
What makes microwaves so energy-efficient? Unlike air fryers or traditional ovens, microwaves use radiation to directly heat the water molecules in your food.
This process requires no preheating and cooks food faster, meaning it uses less energy overall.

Also read: The unexpected hot chocolate twist you need to try: is bone broth the missing secret ingredient?
Maximizing your air fryer’s efficiency
Still love your air fryer? Don't worry, it can still be part of your energy-conscious kitchen. To make it more efficient, consider cooking multiple items at once.
This ensures that every watt is used to its fullest, so you can enjoy your favorite crispy meals without the waste.
While the microwave stands out for its energy efficiency, both air fryers and traditional ovens have their benefits. Air fryers are perfect for getting that crispy texture without the oil, while ovens are great for larger meals or specific cooking techniques.
The secret to managing your electric bill while keeping meals exciting is balancing your kitchen tools. By knowing when and how to use each appliance, you can cook efficiently without sacrificing flavor or fun.
Related articles:
Stop microwaving these 5 foods immediately–expert warnings you can’t ignore
Transform your meals in 2025: 22 air fryer recipes you can’t afford to miss!
This irresistible new treat from Costco is flying off the shelves–shoppers can’t buy just one!
We’d love to hear from you! Have you noticed any changes in your electric bill after incorporating a microwave or air fryer into your routine? What energy-saving tips do you have to share with the GrayVine community? Drop a comment below!
Read next: 7 genius cleaning tricks you’re missing—Save time like a pro!
But what if we told you that there's an even more energy-efficient alternative sitting right in your kitchen?
It’s time to rethink your kitchen habits and consider a simpler, more cost-effective solution that could save you money on your electric bill.
Sometimes, the answer is already right in front of us—no fancy gadgets required.
By making a few small changes, you can enjoy your meals without stressing over rising energy costs. You don’t need to break the bank to keep cooking efficiently!

Discover the energy-saving power of your kitchen appliances—small changes can lead to big savings on your electric bill! Image Source: Pexels / Lisa Fotios.
The microwave: Your secret weapon for energy savings
Often underestimated, the microwave is an unsung hero when it comes to cooking on a budget.
While air fryers are all the rage, a study by Vacuum Wars reveals that microwaves are actually the more affordable choice for saving on your electric bill.
Here’s the breakdown: The study found that air fryers cost about £0.34 (42¢) per hour to operate, while a microwave (at an average wattage of 1,050) only costs £0.26 (32¢) per hour. That’s a noticeable difference, especially for anyone trying to keep an eye on household expenses.
Christopher White, CEO of Vacuum Wars, shared his insights with UNILAD, explaining, "While air fryers have gained attention for their energy efficiency, the microwave is the true energy-saving champion. Not only is it cheaper to run, but it’s also quicker and more effective when reheating leftovers or preparing smaller meals."
Why microwaves take the cake (or heat it)
What makes microwaves so energy-efficient? Unlike air fryers or traditional ovens, microwaves use radiation to directly heat the water molecules in your food.
This process requires no preheating and cooks food faster, meaning it uses less energy overall.

Your microwave might just be the unsung hero of energy savings—efficient and cost-effective for quick meals! Image Source: Pexels / Mike Bird.
Also read: The unexpected hot chocolate twist you need to try: is bone broth the missing secret ingredient?
Maximizing your air fryer’s efficiency
Still love your air fryer? Don't worry, it can still be part of your energy-conscious kitchen. To make it more efficient, consider cooking multiple items at once.
This ensures that every watt is used to its fullest, so you can enjoy your favorite crispy meals without the waste.
While the microwave stands out for its energy efficiency, both air fryers and traditional ovens have their benefits. Air fryers are perfect for getting that crispy texture without the oil, while ovens are great for larger meals or specific cooking techniques.
The secret to managing your electric bill while keeping meals exciting is balancing your kitchen tools. By knowing when and how to use each appliance, you can cook efficiently without sacrificing flavor or fun.
Related articles:
Stop microwaving these 5 foods immediately–expert warnings you can’t ignore
Transform your meals in 2025: 22 air fryer recipes you can’t afford to miss!
This irresistible new treat from Costco is flying off the shelves–shoppers can’t buy just one!
Key Takeaways
- A study by Vacuum Wars found that microwaves are cheaper to run than air fryers, with air fryers being cheaper than traditional ovens and grills.
- The cost per hour to run an air fryer is approximately $0.42, while a microwave costs about $0.32 for the same amount of time.
- The microwave was highlighted as the "real energy-saving champion" because it requires no preheating and cooks food directly, thus using less electricity.
- To make air fryers more cost-effective, it’s advised to cook multiple items at once to optimize energy consumption.
We’d love to hear from you! Have you noticed any changes in your electric bill after incorporating a microwave or air fryer into your routine? What energy-saving tips do you have to share with the GrayVine community? Drop a comment below!
Read next: 7 genius cleaning tricks you’re missing—Save time like a pro!