“It’s Cheaper”: Johannesburg Man Drops Knowledge on How Much Power Air Fryer and Stove Use

• A Johannesburg energy expert shared a viral TikTok video comparing the electricity costs of air fryers versus electric stoves
• The content creator broke down exact costs and times, showing how air fryers can save money
• Thousands of South Africans reacted with appreciation for the practical advice
• Briefly News spoke to financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha about how South African households could benefit financially by adopting electricity-saving measures

Energy expert Wes Reddy from Johannesburg left thousands of South Africans with their calculators out after sharing a detailed breakdown of air fryer versus stove electricity costs on 28th July.

The man who goes by the TikTok handle @djwesreddy, specialises in energy tips and works as a General Manager in solar and meters. He posted the educational video with the caption:

"Air fryer vs stove: Which wins?"

In his explanation, he revealed surprising facts that many South Africans didn't expect to hear about their favourite kitchen appliances.

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"So how much power and cost does an air fryer use and how does it compare to an electric stove? The air fryer uses around 1.8 kilowatt hours of power which is exactly the same as one single plate on the electric stove," he explained in the video.

He then broke down the costs in detail:

"Now if you use an air fryer for 10 minutes it will use 0.33 kilowatt hours and cost around R1.50. 20 minutes is double that and thirty minutes is almost one kilowatt hour used and costs around four rand 50. Now the same numbers will apply to each single plate of your electric stove."

The real money-saving revelation came when he explained where the actual savings happen:

"So if you're going to fry something for 15 to 20 minutes the cost is going to be the same for the stove and the air fryer. The saving comes in when you decide that 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 and that will halve the cost for cooking for that day."

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Briefly News spoke with financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha about the potential savings South African households could achieve by implementing energy-efficient practices. She said:

"Actively seeking ways to improve efficiency-whether through energy-saving habits, using cost-effective appliances, or adopting smart home technologies-can lead to meaningful long-term savings.

These savings, when redirected, can strengthen financial security and help households meet other important financial goals."

Mzansi appreciates the breakdown

South Africans flooded the comments section with gratitude and follow-up questions:

@kelerato showed how the content inspired action:

"I love your content. Because of you, I'm getting myself an electric blanket."

@ralton expressed the stress many feel:

"The word 'electricity' is a trigger word for my anxiety😭😩"

@delmonddirks praised his research:

"You suppose to have over 50 million South African followers... Your research is suppose to count for everyone household... Keep up the good work..."

@maryg_skhandzisa found her own saving method:

"I cook once a week, that means I'm saving electricity 🫣🫣"

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@don raised a technical question:

"Stoves use higher amperage to operate than a standard 16A plug point the air fryer uses. Does that not make a difference."

@user474831 asked about phone chargers:

"Off the topic now. Sorry. If you leave your phone charger plugged in without charging a phone, does it use electricity?"

Health benefits of air fryers

According to BBC Food, air fryers offer several health advantages beyond just saving electricity. The appliances use significantly less oil than traditional deep-fat frying methods, making them a lower-calorie cooking option. They also reduce levels of acrylamide by up to 90%, a potentially harmful compound that forms when starchy foods cook at high temperatures.

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food, creating crispy textures with minimal fat. This convection heating method may also preserve nutrients like vitamin C and protective plant compounds during cooking.

Watch the TikTok clip below:

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According to Beko SA, if you're trying to save electricity in the kitchen, there are great options besides an air fryer. An induction hob heats food fast without wasting power. Microwaves use less electricity and are perfect for quick meals. A slow cooker uses very little power and works well for stews and soups. A small convection oven is also more efficient than a big oven. These appliances are useful during loadshedding and work well for small households. They’re also easier on your wallet when it comes to electricity bills.

Other stories about South Africans and electricity

• Briefly News recently reported on a woman who completely stopped using her geyser after R1,000 electricity only lasted 10 days, but her alternative solution shocked everyone.
• A content creator's detailed calculations about the true cost of boiling a kettle had Mzansi thanking him for breaking down numbers they never thought to work out themselves.
• South Africans are questioning why their R800 prepaid electricity is buying fewer units than before, with the real reason behind the costs leaving many frustrated.

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A shopper’s Checkers bill of R344.49 dropped to zero after she swiped her Xtra Savings card

Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News