Energy bills are still a worry for many households. Swapping the oven for a smaller appliance on everyday jobs, and heating only the room you are in, can help. Costs depend on your tariff and how you use each gadget, so we have not quoted savings figures.
For each gadget we chose a top-rated product on Amazon UK, weighing rating, number of reviews and price, plus an alternative.
1. An air fryer
For everyday meals, a compact air fryer heats up faster and heats a much smaller space than a full-size oven, so it is usually cheaper to run for small portions.
Check Price on AmazonAlso consider: EMtronics EMAFDD9LSL Dual Air Fryer Extra Large Family — £58 (4.5★, 3,371 reviews)
2. A slow cooker
Slow cookers draw very little power over a long cook, and make cheap cuts of meat tender. A classic for stews, soups and curries.
Check Price on AmazonAlso consider: Morphy Richards 3.5L Stainless Steel Slow Cooker — £25 (4.7★, 7,857 reviews)
3. A microwave
Reheating and cooking small portions in a microwave takes minutes, so it usually costs less than switching on the oven.
Check Price on AmazonAlso consider: TOSHIBA 20 Liter 800W Digital Solo Small Microwave — £80 (4.4★, 5,704 reviews)
4. A kettle
Boil only the water you need. A rapid-boil kettle with a clear water gauge makes that easy, and it is one of the most-used appliances in any home.
Check Price on AmazonAlso consider: Russell Hobbs Inspire Electric 1.7L Cordless Kettle — £47 (4.6★, 26,098 reviews)
5. A toaster
For a slice or two, a toaster is far cheaper than lighting the grill or oven, and gives an even finish in minutes.
Check Price on AmazonAlso consider: Breville Bold 2 Slice Toaster — £23 (4.3★, 8,785 reviews)
6. Smart LED bulbs
LED bulbs use far less electricity than old halogen ones, and smart bulbs make it easy to dim lights or switch them off from your phone.
Check Price on AmazonAlso consider: Govee RGBWW B22 Smart Bulb — £19 (4.6★, 8,137 reviews)
Compare more in our Best Premium Smart Lighting UK 2026 guide →
7. A portable heater for one room
Heating just the room you are sitting in can be cheaper than heating the whole house. A thermostat and timer stop it running when it is not needed.
Check Price on AmazonAlso consider: Dreo 16 Inch Space Portable Heater — £64 (4.5★, 6,884 reviews)
8. Solar garden lights
Powered by the sun, so they cost nothing to run and need no mains wiring. Good for paths, patios and fences.
Check Price on AmazonAlso consider: Lezonic Solar String Lights — £9 (4.3★, 14,576 reviews)
Compare more in our Best Solar Garden Lights UK 2026 guide →