Is It Cheaper to Use a Fan Oven? A Cost Comparison Guide
Thinking about cutting your energy bills in the kitchen? Using a fan oven might be a solid move.
Fan ovens cook food faster and at lower temperatures, so they use less energy than conventional ovens. Over time, that can make a real dent in your electricity costs.
Maybe you’re asking yourself if the savings are actually noticeable or just a drop in the bucket. Understanding how fan ovens work—and how they affect your energy use—will help you figure out if they’re worth it for your kitchen and your wallet.
Factors Influencing Fan Oven Running Costs
Your oven’s running costs depend on how much energy it uses and the type of oven you have. How you set the temperature and how long you cook also matter.
Energy Consumption of Fan Ovens
Fan ovens have a fan that blows hot air around inside. This spreads heat evenly and speeds up cooking.
Because of that, fan ovens usually use less energy than ones without a fan. Electric fan ovens tend to use less power overall, since they work at lower temperatures and for shorter times.
Still, the actual energy use depends on the oven’s wattage and how long you keep it on. A typical electric fan oven might use about 2,800 watts.
Running it for an hour could cost you around 12 cents or even less, but that depends on your local electricity rates and the oven’s size.
Comparison with Conventional Ovens
Conventional ovens heat air inside without a fan, so heat doesn’t move around as much. That means food takes longer to cook.
Longer cooking times and higher temperatures mean conventional ovens usually use more energy. You can get the same results with a fan oven, but with less power.
Fan ovens often end up cheaper to run, especially for meals that need longer cook times or higher heat. Some sources claim fan ovens are more efficient because they transfer heat faster and use less energy.
Impact of Temperature and Cooking Time
With a fan oven, you usually set the temperature about 20°C lower than you would with a conventional oven. That drops your energy use quite a bit.
Cooking times are shorter, too. The oven’s on for less time, so you use less electricity.
For instance, if you set a fan oven at 180°C instead of 200°C and shave 10-20 minutes off your cooking time, you’ll see a noticeable drop in running costs. Tweaking temperature and timing really helps you save energy and money.
Maximizing Savings When Using a Fan Oven
Getting the most from your fan oven isn’t rocket science. Using the right settings, keeping it clean, and picking the right size all help you save.
Selecting the Most Efficient Oven Settings
Always use the fan setting—it cooks food quicker and at lower temps, so you save time and energy. You can usually drop the temperature by about 20°C compared to a conventional oven.
Skip preheating unless your recipe really calls for it. Use lower temperatures when you can, and let the fan do its thing.
Cooking several dishes at once also makes sense. You get more out of the heat inside the oven, which cuts down on total cooking time and energy use.
Maintaining and Cleaning for Efficiency
Wipe out grease and food bits regularly. If you let grime build up, the oven has to work harder.
Check the door seal—a tight seal keeps heat in. If it’s cracked or loose, swap it out so you’re not wasting energy.
Gently clean the fan blades, too. Dust can slow down airflow. Staying on top of maintenance keeps your oven running smoothly and using less electricity.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Needs
Pick an oven size that actually matches your cooking habits. If you only make small meals, a huge fan oven just wastes energy.
Smaller ovens heat up quickly and hold onto heat better when you’re not cooking for a crowd. But if you often cook for a group or love batch cooking, you’ll probably want something bigger.
Try to find that sweet spot between enough space and not overpaying on your energy bills. Don’t overload your fan oven—take advantage of those quicker cooking times instead.
For more info on fan ovens, check out Cooker Spare Parts.
