Air Fryer vs Electric Stove: SA Man Reveals Potential Cost Savings on Electricity Consumption

• A South African man shared a video comparing the electricity consumption of an air fryer and an electric stove, highlighting potential cost savings
• According to his calculations, both appliances use similar amounts of electricity, but the air fryer's efficiency can cut down cooking time, leading to potential savings
• The clip has sparked a discussion online, with many viewers appreciating the information and sharing their thoughts on the electricity issue in South Africa

The increased cost of living in South Africa continues to paralyse many South Africans, with some unable to make ends meet. One of the most frustrating issues for Mzansi peeps is the electricity price.

Electricity prices in South Africa have significantly increased, with Eskom, the state-owned power utility, implementing a 12.74% tariff hike for direct customers starting April 1, 2025. Municipalities are also raising their electricity prices, with some facing increases of up to 14% from July 1, 2025. These hikes are well above the current inflation rate, putting additional strain on South African households and businesses.

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One gent in Mzansi took it upon himself to help folk as he broke down two appliances that use more electricity. The video of the man's insightful findings sparked an online discussion by comparing the electricity consumption of an air fryer and an electric stove.

Air fryer vs stove: Which uses more electricity?

The gentleman who goes by the Facebook handle Wes Reddy broke down the costs in rands to help households make informed cooking choices.

In the video, which he uploaded on 30th July 2025 on Facebook, he explained that a typical air fryer uses about 1.8kW of power, which is roughly the same as one single plate on an electric stove. Based on his calculations, using an air fryer for 10 minutes consumes around 0.33 kWh, costing about R1.50. Doubling the time to 20 minutes would use 0.66 kWh, costing approximately R3, while 30 minutes would be just under one full kilowatt-hour, costing around R4.50.

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“The same numbers apply to each single plate of your electric stove,” he noted. “So, if you’re frying something for 50 minutes, the cost will be the same whether you use the stove or the air fryer.”

According to Wes Reddy, the real savings come in when you use the air fryer’s efficiency to cut down cooking time.

“Instead of cooking for 45 minutes to an hour on your stove, you can cook something in an air fryer for 15 to 20 minutes; that’s where you save," he added in the clip.

Eskom’s average domestic electricity tariff currently sits at roughly R4.50 per kWh. Using this rate, a 60-minute cooking session on either appliance would cost about R8 to R9 if both are running at full power. Over a month, shaving just 20 minutes off daily cooking time could save households more than R150.

Airfryers also have the added benefit of not heating up the kitchen as much, which could indirectly reduce costs for households that use fans or air conditioning in summer. However, it is important to note that larger meals, especially those requiring multiple batches, may offset these savings.

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The man’s comparison has left many South Africans rethinking their meal prep methods, especially in a time when food and electricity costs are climbing.

Watch the video below:

SA voices their thoughts on the electricity issue

People in South Africa took to the comments section to share their thoughts on the man's insightful findings and the electricity issue in Mzansi.

Savy Pillay said:

"Thank you for that information. I always thought it was cheaper. What about the comparison of a normal oven to an air fryer?"

Gerhard Goossens wrote:

"The air fryer does not use that amount of energy the whole time. When it gets to the set temperature, it uses much less electricity until it needs to warm up again."

Rani Moodley added:

"This is really informative, thanks for sharing!"

Alain Nkodia commented:

"And less /no oil, which makes that more cheaper."

Joeline Hansraj replied:

"Thank u so much for this information. Really appreciate it."

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More stories on electricity by Briefly News

• A South African man has sparked conversation online after breaking down the cost of using an electric blanket, showing just how affordable it can be to stay warm during winter.
• The cost of living in South Africa continues to rise, and many are struggling to make ends meet. One woman in Mzansi showcased just what life has come to in South Africa, where basic needs are not even affordable.
• South Africans are voicing widespread frustration over the escalating cost and lack of transparency in electricity pricing, which, exacerbated by complex tiered tariffs and hidden deductions, is straining household budgets and impacting businesses.

Source: Briefly News