The Energy Saving Trust has issued a timely warning to millions of UK households preparing their Christmas dinner: one simple, common mistake is needlessly hiking up energy bills. As families across the country plan their festive feasts, the Trust highlights that repeatedly opening the oven door to check on food is a significant source of wasted heat and money.
The Costly Habit of Peeking in the Oven
In guidance shared on 17 December 2025, the Trust pinpointed a frequent error made in kitchens nationwide. Every time the oven door is opened, a substantial amount of heat escapes. This forces the appliance to consume more energy to return to its set temperature, driving up electricity costs. The simple solution? Rely on the oven's window. Ensuring the glass is clean provides a clear view of the roasting turkey or baking sides without letting precious warmth escape.
Oven vs. Air Fryer: What's Best for Your Feast?
The advice forms part of broader guidance on cooking efficiently during the energy-intensive festive period. The Trust compared appliances, noting that cooking a 600g chicken breast costs approximately £0.21 in an electric oven but only £0.15 in an air fryer. For smaller meals, using a microwave or air fryer can lead to noticeable savings.
However, for the large-scale cooking required for a traditional Christmas dinner with family or guests, the electric oven often becomes the most practical tool. The key is to batch cook and maximise the oven's capacity, making the most of the heat generated for multiple dishes simultaneously.
Further Tips for an Energy-Efficient Christmas
The Energy Saving Trust's recommendations extend beyond the oven to the entire festive cooking and cleaning routine:
On the Hob: Keeping lids on pans uses around 10% less energy. This not only saves money but also speeds up cooking time and reduces kitchen steam.
After the Meal: Allow leftovers to cool completely before placing them in the freezer. This prevents the freezer from working overtime to chill down hot food, saving additional energy.
Cleaning Up: Only run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads. Utilise 'eco' settings where available, and remember that most modern washing detergents are effective at lower temperatures, cutting costs further.
By adopting these straightforward measures, households can enjoy their Christmas celebrations without the worry of an unexpectedly high energy bill in the new year.
