We tested 7 models and crunched the numbers. The cheaper appliance is not always the cheapest to run. Here’s what the data says.
The Contenders
Air fryers and convection ovens both use a fan to circulate hot air, producing crispy, evenly cooked food. But despite their similarities, the cost to buy and run them can differ significantly. We pitted three popular countertop appliances against each other: the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL ($129.99), the Cuisinart TOB-260N1 Convection Toaster Oven ($299.95), and the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro ($399.99). Our goal: determine which saves you the most money over a year of typical use.
What We Tested
We ran each appliance through identical cooking tasks over four weeks: frozen french fries, chicken wings, roasted vegetables, and reheating leftovers. We measured:
- Preheat time (minutes to reach 400°F)
- Energy consumption (kWh per cooking session using a Kill-A-Watt meter)
- Cooking time to achieve target doneness
- Temperature accuracy using an infrared thermometer
- Food quality (crispiness, even browning)
All tests were repeated three times and averaged.
Design & Build
Air Fryer: Compact and Specialized
The Ninja Air Fryer Max XL (5.5-quart capacity) is a basket-style unit with a simple interface: temperature and time dials. Its nonstick basket is easy to clean, but its small footprint means you can only cook for 2–3 people at once. Build quality is good for the price, though the plastic exterior feels less premium than its rivals.
Convection Oven: Multifunctional but Bulky
The Cuisinart TOB-260N1 fits 9 slices of toast, a 13-inch pizza, or a 4-pound chicken. It offers bake, broil, toast, and convection modes. The stainless steel body feels sturdy, but it takes up nearly twice the counter space of the Ninja. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro goes a step further with 13 cooking functions, an Element IQ system that adjusts power, and a super-convection mode. Its build quality is excellent, with a die-cast metal handle and capacitive touch controls. But at 21 pounds and 21 inches wide, it demands a permanent spot on your counter.
Performance
Energy Consumption: The Surprise Winner
The Ninja air fryer averaged 0.35 kWh per 30-minute cooking session at 400°F. The Cuisinart consumed 0.52 kWh, and the Breville came in at 0.48 kWh for the same task. That means the air fryer uses about 30% less electricity per use. Over a year of daily cooking (30 minutes per day), that saves roughly $15–$20 compared to the convection ovens (based on the U.S. average electricity rate of $0.13/kWh). During peak summer months, the air fryer also releases less waste heat into the kitchen, potentially reducing air-conditioning costs.
Cooking Speed and Quality
Air fryers preheat in 3–4 minutes versus 8–10 minutes for convection ovens. The Ninja air fryer cooked fries in 15 minutes, while both ovens needed 20 minutes. Chicken wings were crispier and drier in the air fryer (more surface area exposed). However, the convection ovens handled larger batches more evenly—the Breville’s super-convection mode browned a whole chicken perfectly, while the air fryer’s basket required flipping half-way.
Temperature accuracy: Both ovens were within 5°F of set temp. The Ninja air fryer sometimes ran 10–15°F hotter (common in basket-style air fryers), leading to slightly faster cooking but occasional burning if not checked.
Price & Value
| Appliance | Purchase Price | Annual Energy Cost* | 3-Year Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Air Fryer Max XL | $129.99 | $16.71 | $180.12 |
| Cuisinart TOB-260N1 | $299.95 | $24.96 | $374.83 |
| Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro | $399.99 | $23.04 | $469.11 |
*Based on 365 days of 30-min cooking at average electricity rate.
The air fryer is cheaper to buy and run. But if you already own a convection oven (a common built-in appliance), the marginal cost of using it is just the energy difference—roughly $8–$10 per year extra. If you’re trying to replace a microwave and toaster, the convection oven offers more versatility (bake, broil, toast) for a higher upfront cost.
It’s worth noting the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro often goes on sale. Check our Best Time to Buy Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (2025 Guide) for deal predictions and alternatives like the Cuisinair TOB-260N1 or the Instant Omni Plus (another solid convection air fryer toaster oven).
Who Should Buy Which
Choose the Air Fryer if:
- You cook for 1–2 people most of the time
- Counter space is tight
- You want the lowest upfront cost and minimal energy bills
- Crispy frozen foods (fries, chicken nuggets, fish sticks) are a staple
Choose the Convection Oven if:
- You regularly cook for 3+ people or large batches
- You need a toaster, broiler, and oven in one appliance (space replacement)
- You’re willing to spend more upfront for versatility
- You bake or roast often (the air fryer’s small basket limits shapes)
Final Verdict
If your only goal is to save money, the air fryer wins hands-down—lower purchase price, lower energy consumption, and faster cooking. But if you look at total cost of ownership including what you’d otherwise spend on separate appliances, a convection toaster oven with air fry mode (like the Breville or Cuisinart) can be more economical long-term. For most households, we recommend starting with a quality air fryer (like the Ninja) and upgrading only if you need the extra functions.
Bottom Line
For strict cost savings, pick a $130 air fryer. It’ll pay back its price in energy savings within 3 years versus a convection oven. But if you value versatility and have the counter space, a convection oven with air fry capability is a worthwhile investment that combines multiple appliances into one—just be ready for a higher electricity bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an air fryer use less electricity than a convection oven?
Yes, air fryers typically use about 30% less electricity than convection ovens. In our tests, the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL consumed 0.35 kWh per 30-minute session, while convection ovens like the Cuisinart used 0.52 kWh. Over a year of daily use, this saves roughly $15–$20 in energy costs.
How much does an air fryer cost to run per month?
Based on average U.S. electricity rates ($0.13/kWh) and daily 30-minute use, an air fryer like the Ninja Max XL costs about $1.39 per month to operate. In comparison, a convection oven costs around $2.08 per month. The exact amount depends on your local electricity rate and usage frequency.
Why are air fryers more energy efficient than convection ovens?
Air fryers have a smaller cooking chamber, which heats up faster and retains heat better. They preheat in 3–4 minutes versus 8–10 minutes for convection ovens. The compact design also means less heat escapes, so the appliance uses less energy to maintain temperature. This makes them inherently more efficient for small batches.
When should I choose a convection oven over an air fryer?
Choose a convection oven if you cook for 3 or more people regularly, need to fit larger items like a whole chicken or pizza, or want to replace multiple appliances (toaster, broiler, oven). While they cost more upfront and use slightly more energy, their versatility and larger capacity make them better suited for bigger households.