‘Tis the season… for socialising and cooking, as research by Smart Energy GB reveals that food is the way to Brits’ hearts during the holiday season. Festive food came out as the highlight of the celebrations for 69%, followed by spending time with family and friends (65%) and gifts (41%).
And it’s by no means a small affair, with over a over half (54%) of us cook for at least six people every time we host during the festive season – spending an average of £225.80 on food and drink over the season.
Yet despite the cost, two-thirds (66%) of Brits say that food is the main element that helps brings loved ones together during the festive season. And this year, Brits are getting more creative with their cooking with 36% turning to different kitchen appliances at their disposal to rustle up their festive feast. In fact, many households are shifting away from the trusty oven with nearly half (48%) saying they couldn’t manage without their air fryer.
A ‘must have’ on many gift lists, 44% of those surveyed said they plan on cooking with an air fryer for their Christmas dinner – with roast potatoes (67%), pigs in blankets (52%) and meat joints (36%) the most popular dishes of choice – saving them an average of 18% in energy costs compared to using the oven, according to data from Energy Saving Trust.
While 32% turn to their air fryer so they can spend less time cooking and more time socialising while hosting, over half (56%) use it in a bid to be more mindful about their energy use when cooking due to the impact on their energy bills.
42% of those with a smart meter say they will be monitoring its in-home display more closely this year than ever before to track their energy use in near real-time during the period of seasonal soirees.
A further 30% of households are looking for more energy efficient ways to host and cook for their nearest and dearest over the festive season, with one in ten (12%) considering buying ready-to-eat canapés or serving cold buffet food to spend less energy in the kitchen.
In response, Smart Energy GB is partnering with Michelin-trained chef and TikTok ‘Potato Queen’ sensation, Poppy O’Toole to offer easy, energy efficient canapé recipes and hacks for cooking up a storm in the kitchen, without energy bills skyrocketing.
Poppy O’Toole’s recipes can be found on the Smart Energy GB website, here. For more information on the Super Smart Home Hacks campaign and to find out more about getting a smart meter installed, search ‘get a smart meter’.
