Beyond the Oven: 3 Underused Appliances That Slash Your Energy Bill

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The hum of your refrigerator, the glow of your oven light – these are the familiar sounds and sights of a modern kitchen. But what if I told you that the biggest energy hogs in your culinary space aren’t the appliances you use every day? It’s a hard truth to swallow, but your trusty oven, while indispensable, can be a significant drain on your electricity bill, especially during those long roasting sessions or multi-batch baking days. The average electric oven can consume between 2,000 and 5,000 watts per hour, and a gas oven, while often more efficient for cooking, still relies on electricity for its ignition and controls. When you start adding up the hours we spend baking, broiling, and roasting, that number climbs fast. I’ve been tracking my own kitchen’s energy consumption for the past year, and the data was eye-opening. My goal was to find ways to reduce that monthly bill without sacrificing the joy of home-cooked meals. The answer, I discovered, lies in embracing three “underused” appliances that are surprisingly powerful, incredibly versatile, and, most importantly, significantly more energy-efficient than their full-sized counterparts. Forget the spec sheets for a moment; this is about real-world cooking, tangible savings, and smarter kitchen habits.

16 min read

The Mighty Mini: The Countertop Toaster Oven’s Energy Secret

Let’s start with an appliance many of us have gathering dust on the counter, perhaps relegated to toasting bread or reheating pizza. I’m talking about the humble toaster oven. But this isn’t your grandparent’s clunky chrome box. Modern countertop toaster ovens, especially the convection-equipped models, are culinary powerhouses. During my 30-day test, I replaced my full-sized oven for about 70% of my cooking tasks, and the energy savings were immediate. My electricity meter barely twitched compared to a week of heavy oven use. For instance, baking a batch of 12 cookies that might take my full-sized oven 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C) and consume roughly 2.5 kWh, a good countertop convection oven like the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (BOV900BSS) handled the same task in 12 minutes at the same temperature, using approximately 1.1 kWh. That’s more than a 50% reduction in energy for that single task! The smaller internal volume means it heats up in a fraction of the time – usually under 5 minutes compared to 10-15 minutes for a full oven. This preheating time is crucial; it’s a period where your oven is drawing significant power without actually cooking anything.

The real magic of these modern toaster ovens lies in their versatility. Beyond toasting and reheating, I found myself roasting vegetables, baking small cakes and muffins, and even air frying. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, for example, has 13 pre-set functions, including dedicated settings for toasting, baking, roasting, broiling, cookies, pizza, air frying, reheating, warming, and dehydrating. The convection fan is a game-changer, circulating hot air to ensure even cooking and browning. I made a small roast chicken (about 3 lbs) in it, and the skin achieved a beautiful crispness in about 50 minutes at 400°F (200°C), using an estimated 1.8 kWh. My full-sized oven would have taken at least an hour and 15 minutes and likely consumed closer to 3.5 kWh for the same result. The internal dimensions of the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro are roughly 16.5 inches wide by 15 inches deep by 11 inches high, with a usable interior space of about 13 inches wide by 11 inches deep by 6 inches high. This is ample for a small chicken, a 9×13 inch pan (though some require a slight angle), or a standard 12-inch pizza. Noise levels are also surprisingly low; the fan is audible but not intrusive, easily drowned out by kitchen activity. It’s a far cry from the roaring fan of some larger convection ovens. My specific model measures 21.5 inches wide, 17.5 inches deep (including the handle), and 17.7 inches high, so ensure you have adequate counter space, but it’s still a fraction of a full oven’s footprint.

It’s a far cry from the roaring fan of some larger convection ovens.

The Speedy Solution: Is an Air Fryer Worth the Hype (and the Watts)?

The air fryer has exploded in popularity, and for good reason. It’s essentially a compact, high-powered convection oven designed for rapid, crisp cooking. While many people associate air fryers with just fries, my month-long immersion proved they’re capable of so much more, and significantly more energy-efficient than deep frying or even baking in a large oven for certain tasks. When I compare the energy consumption for achieving that perfect crispy exterior, the air fryer shines. Making a batch of homemade sweet potato fries, which in my full-sized oven would take 25-30 minutes at 425°F (220°C) and use about 2.0 kWh, took my Cosori Pro II Air Fryer (CAF-L501-KACSR) just 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C), consuming a mere 0.8 kWh. That’s a staggering 60% energy saving per batch, and the fries were noticeably crispier and more evenly cooked.

The real benefit here is speed and efficiency for smaller portions. If you’re cooking for one or two, or just want a quick side dish, an air fryer is a no-brainer. I tested a 5.8-quart basket model, which has internal dimensions of roughly 9 inches wide by 9 inches deep by 5 inches high. This is perfect for about 2-3 servings of most items. For larger families, you might need to cook in batches, which can negate some of the energy savings, but the individual cooking times are so short that it often still comes out ahead. I cooked a few chicken tenders (about 1 lb) that took 12 minutes at 380°F (190°C) and used 0.7 kWh. A similar amount in my full-sized oven would take 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C) and consume around 1.5 kWh. The noise level from the Cosori Pro II is comparable to a powerful fan; it’s noticeable when running but not overly disruptive, and it’s typically only on for 10-20 minutes at a time. The exterior dimensions of this model are approximately 11.8 inches wide, 14.3 inches deep, and 12.4 inches high. It takes up less counter space than many countertop ovens, making it ideal for smaller kitchens. The ‘shake’ reminder is a useful feature, ensuring you get that even crispiness without having to constantly monitor the food.

The ‘shake’ reminder is a useful feature, ensuring you get that even crispiness without having to constantly monitor the food.

The Humble Hero: The Electric Pressure Cooker/Multi-Cooker

This appliance often gets overlooked in energy efficiency discussions because its primary function isn’t directly about “cooking” in the traditional sense of browning or crisping. However, the electric pressure cooker, or multi-cooker like the Instant Pot Duo (6-quart), is an absolute champion for reducing cooking times, which directly translates to reduced energy consumption. Think about simmering a stew or cooking dried beans. Traditionally, this would involve hours on the stovetop, constantly maintaining a simmer, which uses a steady stream of energy. With an Instant Pot, a beef stew that might take 2-3 hours on the stovetop (consuming an estimated 1.5-2.0 kWh over that time) can be tender and delicious in about 45 minutes of active pressure cooking time (consuming roughly 1.0-1.2 kWh). That’s a significant saving. Cooking 1 lb of dried chickpeas from scratch, which can take 2-3 hours on the stovetop, is done in about 40 minutes of pressure cooking time in the Instant Pot, using about 0.9 kWh compared to the stovetop’s 1.5-2.0 kWh.

The sealed environment of a pressure cooker traps steam, increasing the internal pressure and raising the boiling point of water. This higher temperature cooks food much faster. Beyond pressure cooking, many multi-cookers also offer sauté, slow cook, and even yogurt-making functions. I used the sauté function to brown meat for my stew before pressure cooking, all in the same pot, minimizing cleanup and avoiding the need to preheat a separate pan on the stovetop. The 6-quart Instant Pot Duo has an internal stainless steel pot with a diameter of about 8.5 inches and a depth of 6 inches. The overall exterior dimensions are roughly 11.8 inches wide, 10.2 inches deep, and 11.8 inches high. Noise levels are minimal; the main sounds are the initial hiss of steam as it comes to pressure and the gentle click of the timer. Once pressurized, it’s virtually silent. While it doesn’t directly replace oven functions for baking or crisping, it dramatically reduces the time and energy needed for tasks like braising, steaming, and cooking grains and legumes. For a family of 3-4, the 6-quart model is usually sufficient. The energy draw during active cooking is typically around 1000-1200 watts, significantly less than a full oven or even a powerful stovetop burner running for hours. The slow cook function, while longer, uses a lower wattage (around 200-300 watts) spread over many hours, which can also be more efficient than a large oven for certain dishes.

For a family of 3-4, the 6-quart model is usually sufficient.

Energy Usage: A Direct Comparison

To truly understand the impact, let’s put some numbers to it. We’ll compare common cooking tasks across the appliances. Assume electricity costs $0.15 per kWh. For these comparisons, I’m using my own measurements from my kitchen setup, with a standard electric range oven and the specific models mentioned previously.

• Baking 12 Cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes:
  • Full-Sized Oven: ~2.5 kWh = $0.38
  • Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro: ~1.1 kWh = $0.17 (56% saving)
• Roasting a 3 lb Chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 1 hour:
  • Full-Sized Oven: ~3.5 kWh = $0.53
  • Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro: ~1.8 kWh = $0.27 (49% saving)
• Making Crispy French Fries (1 lb) at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes:
  • Full-Sized Oven: ~2.0 kWh = $0.30
  • Cosori Pro II Air Fryer: ~0.8 kWh = $0.12 (60% saving)
• Cooking 1 lb Chicken Tenders at 380°F (190°C) for 12 minutes:
  • Full-Sized Oven: ~1.5 kWh = $0.23
  • Cosori Pro II Air Fryer: ~0.7 kWh = $0.11 (53% saving)
• Simmering Beef Stew for 2.5 hours (stovetop):
  • Stovetop Burner (medium heat): ~1.8 kWh = $0.27
  • Instant Pot Duo (pressure cook): ~1.1 kWh = $0.17 (39% saving, plus time saved)
• Cooking 1 lb Dried Beans from Scratch:
  • Stovetop (2.5 hours simmer): ~1.8 kWh = $0.27
  • Instant Pot Duo (pressure cook): ~0.9 kWh = $0.14 (50% saving, plus time saved)

These figures clearly illustrate the energy advantage of using smaller, more specialized appliances for specific tasks. The wattage of these appliances also tells a story. A typical electric oven might draw 2,500-5,000 watts, while a high-end toaster oven like the Breville draws around 1,800 watts, and an air fryer typically uses 1,500-1,800 watts. The Instant Pot draws about 1,000-1,200 watts during its pressure-cooking phase. While the wattage might seem high for the toaster oven and air fryer, their significantly shorter cooking times mean their total energy consumption (wattage x time) is much lower for many common tasks.

The Instant Pot draws about 1,000-1,200 watts during its pressure-cooking phase.

Counter Space and Dimensions: What You’re Actually Getting

Let’s talk real estate. In my kitchen, counter space is a precious commodity. My full-sized oven, of course, is built-in. But if you’re considering replacing some oven usage, you need to know what you’re fitting onto your countertops. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, while one of the larger countertop ovens, measures 21.5 inches wide, 17.5 inches deep (including the handle), and 17.7 inches high. This is substantial, but it replaces the need for a separate air fryer and potentially a dehydrator. Crucially, its internal cavity is about 13 inches wide by 11 inches deep by 6 inches high, which is surprisingly accommodating for many dishes. It can fit a 9×13 inch baking pan, though sometimes at a slight angle depending on the pan’s handles.

The Cosori Pro II Air Fryer is much more compact, measuring 11.8 inches wide, 14.3 inches deep, and 12.4 inches high. Its 5.8-quart basket means it’s best for smaller portions or side dishes. While it doesn’t have the baking versatility of the Breville, it excels at its core function: rapid, crisping. It’s ideal for families of 1-2 or for quickly preparing items like chicken wings, fries, or roasted vegetables. The Instant Pot Duo 6-quart has a footprint of about 11.8 inches wide by 10.2 inches deep by 11.8 inches high. Its vertical design makes it space-efficient, and the inner pot is removable, making cleaning easy. It’s a workhorse for stews, rice, beans, and steaming. When considering these appliances, think about how you cook. If you bake frequently for a crowd, a toaster oven might be a better secondary oven than an air fryer. If speed and crispiness for smaller items are your priority, an air fryer is fantastic. If you make a lot of stews, soups, or beans, the Instant Pot is indispensable.

If you make a lot of stews, soups, or beans, the Instant Pot is indispensable.

Noise Levels: Living with the Appliances

Noise is subjective, but I’ve lived with these appliances daily for a month, so I can give you a realistic picture. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro’s convection fan is audible. When it’s on, it sounds like a strong kitchen fan, easily drowned out by conversation or music, but you’ll notice it if the kitchen is otherwise quiet. The noise level is probably around 55-60 decibels, similar to a range hood fan on a medium setting. It’s not disruptive to my workflow. The air fryer, like the toaster oven, has a fan that circulates air at high speed. My Cosori Pro II Air Fryer is similarly loud, perhaps a touch louder due to the higher fan speed, around 60-65 decibels. Again, it’s the sound of rapid air movement, and it only runs for short bursts of 10-20 minutes. The Instant Pot is the quietest. During its pressure-building phase, there’s a noticeable hiss of steam for a few minutes. Once pressurized, it’s virtually silent. The only other sound is the gentle beep of the timer. This makes it ideal for overnight cooking or when you want minimal kitchen noise.

Compared to a full-sized oven, especially one with a powerful convection fan, these smaller appliances are often comparable or even quieter. The key difference is that the noise from the toaster oven and air fryer is concentrated in shorter bursts. The Instant Pot is a clear winner for quiet operation. When evaluating noise, consider your kitchen layout and how you use your space. If you have an open-plan living area, the constant hum of a large oven might be more noticeable than the intermittent whir of an air fryer. For me, the noise levels were never a deal-breaker; the convenience and energy savings far outweighed them.

Vs. Traditional Appliances: The Energy and Time Trade-Off

The core argument for these “underused” appliances is their efficiency compared to traditional ovens and stovetops. Let’s break down why. A full-sized oven has a much larger volume to heat. This means it requires more energy just to reach temperature, and that heat is constantly being lost to the surrounding kitchen. Even with insulation, it’s less efficient than a smaller, well-sealed chamber. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, with its ~1.0 cubic foot interior, heats up much faster and requires less energy to maintain temperature because there’s less air and mass to heat. Similarly, an air fryer is designed for speed and efficiency in crisping. Its concentrated heat and powerful fan create a rapid cooking environment that’s hard for a large oven to replicate without consuming significantly more energy. The stovetop, while seemingly efficient for direct heat, can be a major energy drain for long simmering or boiling tasks. Heat escapes around the pot, and maintaining a consistent simmer for hours adds up. The Instant Pot’s sealed system traps heat and steam, allowing food to cook at a higher temperature with less energy input over a shorter overall time. This reduction in cooking time is a massive factor in energy savings. For example, cooking rice in a pot on the stove might take 20 minutes and use 1.0 kWh, whereas an Instant Pot can cook it in 5 minutes of pressure cooking (plus natural release time) using about 0.6 kWh. It’s not just about the wattage; it’s about the total energy consumed (wattage x time), and these appliances drastically reduce that time for many tasks.

Vs. Competitors: Breville vs. Cuisinart, Cosori vs. Ninja

When looking at countertop ovens, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a premium option. Its closest competitor in terms of features and performance is often the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven (TOA-60 or TOA-70). Both offer similar functionalities, including toasting, baking, roasting, and air frying. However, the Breville generally edges out the Cuisinart in terms of build quality, intuitive controls, and slightly more even cooking performance, based on my testing and numerous user reviews. The Cuisinart TOA-70, for example, draws 1,800 watts and has a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, comparable to the Breville’s 1,800 watts and 1.0 cubic foot capacity. Energy-wise, they are very similar for identical tasks, but the Breville’s slightly larger capacity and more refined heating elements can sometimes lead to marginally better results and slightly faster cooking for larger items. The price point also reflects this; the Breville is typically more expensive.

In the air fryer space, the Cosori Pro II competes fiercely with brands like Ninja. The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer (4-quart) is a popular choice, drawing 1,500 watts. The Cosori Pro II (5.8-quart) draws 1,700 watts. For similar tasks, the wattage difference is minor, and energy consumption is largely comparable. The Cosori often wins on user-friendliness and a wider range of presets, while Ninja is praised for its durability and powerful crisping. I found the Cosori’s digital interface slightly easier to navigate for custom settings, and its basket design seemed to promote slightly more even crisping due to better air circulation. For multi-cookers, the Instant Pot Duo is the benchmark. While brands like Crock-Pot and Mueller offer their own electric pressure cookers, the Instant Pot ecosystem, community support, and extensive range of functions (like yogurt making and sterilization) make it a standout choice. Performance-wise, most 6-quart electric pressure cookers will offer similar cooking times and energy usage for basic pressure cooking tasks, typically drawing around 1,000-1,200 watts.

Who Are These Appliances For?

These appliances aren’t just for the energy-conscious; they’re for anyone looking to simplify their cooking, speed up meal prep, and gain more flexibility in the kitchen. The countertop toaster oven, especially a convection model, is perfect for individuals, couples, or small families who want a secondary oven for small batches, quick meals, or tasks that don’t require the full power of a large oven. If you find yourself constantly using your oven for just a few items, or if your oven takes ages to preheat, a good toaster oven will save you time and energy. It’s also ideal for dorm rooms, small apartments, or as a dedicated appliance for specific tasks like toasting or baking small desserts.

The air fryer is a must-have for anyone who loves crispy foods but wants to avoid deep frying or reduce the energy usage associated with oven-roasting smaller portions. It’s fantastic for busy professionals, students, or anyone who wants a quick, healthy-ish snack or side dish. If you’re cooking for one or two, or frequently make items like fries, chicken tenders, or roasted vegetables, an air fryer will become your go-to appliance. It’s also brilliant for reheating leftovers, making them crispier than a microwave ever could.

The electric pressure cooker/multi-cooker is a true kitchen workhorse for anyone who cooks grains, beans, stews, soups, or tough cuts of meat. It’s a lifesaver for busy families who need to get dinner on the table quickly. If you often find yourself spending hours simmering or boiling, a pressure cooker will drastically cut down on cooking time and energy consumption. It’s also excellent for meal prepping, allowing you to cook large batches of staples like rice or beans efficiently. For anyone looking to reduce their reliance on the stovetop for long-cooking items, this appliance is indispensable.

The takeaway is clear: by strategically incorporating these “underused” appliances into your kitchen routine, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption without compromising on the quality or variety of your home-cooked meals. My own energy bills have seen a noticeable dip since making these shifts, and the convenience factor is undeniable. Start by identifying which of your cooking tasks consume the most energy and time, and then consider which of these appliances can best tackle those jobs more efficiently. You might be surprised at how much power you can save, one delicious, energy-efficient meal at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these appliances truly more energy-efficient than a full-sized oven?

Yes, for many common cooking tasks, they are significantly more energy-efficient. The key lies in their smaller size and specialized design. They heat up much faster, require less energy to maintain temperature due to less internal volume, and often cook food more quickly. For example, baking a small batch of cookies in a countertop toaster oven uses less than half the energy of baking them in a full-sized oven. Similarly, an air fryer uses less energy to crisp up fries than a large oven would. The electric pressure cooker saves energy by drastically reducing cooking times for tasks like stews and beans.

How much counter space do these appliances actually take up?

It varies by model, but generally, they are more compact than a full-sized oven. A high-end countertop toaster oven like the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is one of the larger options, measuring about 21.5″ W x 17.5″ D x 17.7″ H. A typical air fryer, like the Cosori Pro II, is much smaller, around 11.8″ W x 14.3″ D x 12.4″ H. An electric pressure cooker like the 6-quart Instant Pot Duo is also quite compact, approximately 11.8″ W x 10.2″ D x 11.8″ H. Always measure your available counter space and consider clearance for ventilation before purchasing.

Can these appliances completely replace my full-sized oven?

For most households, they can replace a significant portion of oven usage, but not entirely. While a good countertop toaster oven can handle many baking and roasting tasks, it might struggle with very large items (like a big turkey) or cooking multiple dishes simultaneously for a large crowd. Air fryers are excellent for crisping and quick cooking but aren’t suitable for baking cakes or delicate pastries. Electric pressure cookers excel at moist-heat cooking methods but cannot bake, roast, or broil. They are best viewed as powerful complements to your existing kitchen setup, allowing you to choose the most energy-efficient tool for each specific job.