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Sun_Addict

I have 3 Ninjas and get loads of use out of them all. Not used my oven for 2 years. They are rather large though. I have the 9 in 1, the 8 in 1 oven and the Dual. Everything cooks so quickly in them and DD no longer has to put the oven on for one thing when she gets home from work at 9pm. 

redofromstart

Thank you for the suggestions - I haven't got as far as buying one yet as I was waiting for pay day.  Have given more thought to what I want to do with it which probably helps.  Also picked up a  free air fryer recipe kindle book to have a flick through.

The ancient huge chest freezer has exited the garage, and a shiny new smaller (and hopefully more energy efficient one) stands in its place.  There has been an interesting discussion over on old style in the grocery challenge on using the freezer space and contents economically as well.  There wasn't that much lurking in the bottom of ours, but I have separated out everything that would best on a long oven cook to use before the end of September.    

Seasidegal58

Another here thinking of getting an air fryer. Although it isn't that old, my oven is pretty naff and gets too hot and I was seriously thinking of replacing it before the energy crisis. I'm going to leave it now - I have the microwave and if I get a small air fryer that, and the hob, will do for me as a one person household. Using microwaves and air fryers have really become a thing in the media at the moment. There seems to be plenty of articles and tips on how to get the best out of them and save cash!

EssexHebridean

I'm still having my internal battle with myself about the airfryer situation. I would love the Ninja that has the pressure cooker lid as well, but realistically the capital cost to purchase in the first place, plus the fact that we currently cook mostly using gas, means that overall it would be an expensive new toy, as it would increase my cooking costs rather than decreasing them as those who previously used electric ovens etc report.  Frustrating... 

redofromstart

I bought a £130 Ninja in the end, now only using the oven once a week for a batch cook. Will it pay for itself? I'm not sure. Would I replace it when it eventually dies? Yes, the boy who doesn't eat loves the crispy nuggets and fries.

Sun_Addict

You were lucky to get a Ninja for that price, most are circa £200, the Dual apparently is going for silly money on eBay. Wouldn’t be without mine, definitely save on electricity.

EssexHebridean

I was looking at the 9-in-1 but have just read some of the reviews - didn't realise that in spite of its claims to be a slow cooker and dehydrator among other things to get it to work in those ways  you have to buy additional parts for it - as one of my justifications was that it would replace our existing slow cooker I'm rather glad I didn't just pile in and go for it now! 

redofromstart

I think I got lucky with an Argus reserved but not collected tbh.  Love it, use it daily.  I would like to try the dehydrator thing but want a tray for it first, but it is paying for itself in small ways such as 12 minute breakfast sausages for mr redo who is doing cement mixing and laying walls after a big breakfast. The Boy Who Does Not Eat will eat Ninja nuggets and fries which is a result. Long since past the point of worrying about nutrition, any protein is good, etc.

Lakeland had some on offer in stock multi function ones if anyone is still looking, and if you sign up and wait a week or two you get codes through the post.

Soup and thermals and huge cuddly (with a k!) fleeces are the theme of the week here.

redofromstart

Finances.

1. Mortgage - interest paid is lower than interest earned on savings for the first time since we have been debt neutral, regardless of ERC - this is mad.
2. Pay and pension day tomorrow - hurrah.  Both have a little left despite two x 10 driving lessons - no university run has helped with this.
3. Commitments - driving lessons for both boys - these are key to village living, and committed to for 18ths, just slow progress sadly
4. Fuel - DD  actually went down despite the increase so I hope my efforts are paying off. Odd having frozen food rather than rock solid blocks of ice, but this must use less electricity.  Heating will have to go on soon before I freeze, but the cat heat mat is working more than the boiler.  Mrs Brady Old Lady Cat has not turned the boiler on since I bought it for her.
5. Food - Costs are going up steadily, trying harder not to waste stuff.  Made a few jars of things where stuff is cheap or free, hurrah for low cost sugar still.  Must stock up actually 
6. House improvements - dining room of doom is no more, really lovely space now and we are keeping it clear and tidy.  New log store built, just need to buy more logs.  Collapsed stone wall on the slope to patio re-built and ready to plant. 
7. Garden - Need to find a mice resistant and cheap for bulk planting late spring bulb - a white allium maybe.  My direct view from my 9 hours, 5 days a week study so worth it.  Will transplant some cyclamen/hellebore and snowdrops too.  Well drained but north facing if anyone has some ideas, sun after lunchtime in winter, mid morning in the summer.   Elephant ears take up a third of the bed.  Winter flowering white honeysuckle at the back (pupusii winters queen/beauty I think) Iris and crocus just get eaten. 

EssexHebridean

Well that’s potentially a great tip about Lakeland for Multi-cooker type things. Just a couple of days ago my research/browsing took me to an Instant Pot one that looked - if anything - better than the Ninja options. Today in the post our Lakeland offers & vouchers arrived and then I read your comment - and a quick look on the Lakeland site confirms that the very Instant Pot item I was wondering about will be available from them next week. Hmmm…food for thought for sure. Thank you!