Thousands of low-income households to be given free air fryers

North Lincolnshire Council is to give 6,000 local pensioners free air fryers to help with the cost of living.

According to BBC News, over 1,000 have already been delivered, and 5,000 more will be distributed in the coming weeks.

The council is paying for the air fryers from its Household Support Fund (HSF) allocation. It has chosen to offer the support after the government cut winter fuel payments for anyone not receiving pension credit.

North Lincolnshire Council announced the scheme last year to help local pensioners with energy bills, which, despite falling since summer 2023, remain well above 2021 pre-energy crisis prices.

The energy price cap rose 1.2% from 1 January, taking the average UK household’s energy bill to £1,738 a year. Experts predict further increases in energy prices in April.

The council will also give away over 1,300 slow cookers and nearly 400 one-cup kettles.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said the cooking appliances would help reduce people’s bills and “enable them to cook nutritious, healthy meals.”

How much can air fryers save on energy bills and why?

Air fryers circulate hot air at high speeds, which cooks food quickly and evenly. Unlike conventional ovens, which must heat a large space, air fryers focus their energy on a smaller area. This results in less energy being used and faster cooking times.

For instance, a typical air fryer uses around 1-2 kWh of electricity per hour, compared to a conventional oven, which can use 2-3 kWh. But an air fryer can cook a meal in 15-20 minutes, which might take 45 minutes to an hour in a standard oven. The energy savings combined with speed mean it’s far more cost-effective to cook with an air fryer.

Real savings on energy bills

According to recent research, switching to an air fryer for small to medium-sized meals can save households up to £50 a year on energy bills. The exact amount varies depending on usage patterns and electricity rates, but here’s a simple comparison:

• Roasting a chicken: This could take up to 90 minutes and costs around 40p. The same task could take just 45 minutes in an air fryer and cost about 20p.
• Cooking frozen chips: An oven might take 25 minutes and cost 15p, while an air fryer could handle it in 12 minutes for just 7p.

The savings can add up over time, especially for those who cook small portions or single meals, such as pensioners.

Can everyone get a free air fryer from their local council?

Lincolnshire Council has chosen to spend a proportion of its allocation from the Household Support Fund on cooking equipment to help resident pensioners in need.

The Household Support Fund is a government scheme to help low-income households manage essential costs such as energy, food and water bills. The scheme is distributed by local councils, who choose how to allocate their funds. Therefore, the help you receive will depend on your local council’s policy. Some offer cash and vouchers, while others provide practical support such as air fryers and slow cookers. Speak to your local council to find out what help is available to you.