Brits spend nearly £20 on energy usage in the kitchen alone during winter months

13 November 2023 , 14:15

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Four in ten Brits spend more time cooking during the winter months than any other season – with shepherd's pie, sausage and mash, and roast dinner named as their favourite warming winter recipes, a study has found.

The typical adult will spend 72 hours between December and February whipping up hearty, winter dishes – with the oven getting 64 hours of use during these months, while the hob is in use for almost two days, collectively (46 hours).

The survey of 2,000 adults, who cook at home, found that two-thirds (65%) crave hearty, comforting dishes as the temperature drops, with 42% longing to feel warm and cosy. And one in three (32%) simply like spending more time in the kitchen, as it is the warmest room in the house.

However, this warmth comes at a cost – with energy usage in the kitchen alone adding up to £18 from December to February, according to data from Smart Energy GB and Energy Saving Trust.

Consequently, over half of those polled (51%) are concerned about how their household bills will be impacted by the extra time spent in the kitchen during winter – and 79% are keen to learn more energy-efficient recipes, while one in five are looking for more cost-saving cooking methods.

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Thankfully, Michelin-trained chef and TikTok star, Poppy O'Toole – dubbed the “Potato Queen” – is on hand, showing how to whip up delicious winter meals, whilst also being mindful of the energy used.

Poppy O’Toole and Smart Energy GB help Brits reduce energy and save money cooking their favourite winter dishes (Peter Medlicott/Smart Energy GB)

Poppy, who has teamed up with Smart Energy GB, which commissioned the research, said: “Winter is one of my favourite seasons when it comes to the wealth of hearty, comforting recipes you can create – especially if they include potatoes.

“And when the weather is colder and the days shorter, what better way to spend time than cooking your favourite winter warmers?

“These dishes can take more time and energy to make, which is why I’m excited to show it doesn’t always have to be this way. I’ve developed a recipe range of energy-efficient takes on classic favourites – all with the help of a smart meter.”

The study also found 25% of those with a smart meter plan to monitor their in-home display more carefully during the winter.

Of those, 42% are doing so because it gives them a greater sense of control over their household bills, while 40% want to reduce their energy use when cooking. And 77% said being mindful about energy use when cooking is important to them.

The study, conducted via OnePoll, also found 39% are using more kitchen appliances in their cooking endeavours than ever before. The oven was voted the top winter appliance of choice (43%), with the economical air fryer (27%) also featuring in the top 10.

Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, said: “As we head into the colder, winter months, where many people spend more time in the kitchen, small changes to the way we cook can make a tangible difference to the amount of energy that’s used.

“Smart meters are installed at no extra cost by your energy supplier, and come with a handy in-home display which allows you to track your usage in near-real time.

“These warming recipes created by Poppy are the perfect thing to help households rustle up a hearty dish, while keeping an eye on energy use.”