Free Kitchen Tools Offered to Pensioners to Save Energy

Some people in the UK can get free energy-saving kitchen appliances, like air fryers, from their local council. These tools can help lower your electricity bills. Check with your council to see if you can get one.
By Newsroom | UK News, Cost of Living |

Several recent reports highlight initiatives providing free air fryers and other kitchen appliances to eligible pensioners and low-income households. These programs, largely funded by the UK's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through the Household Support Fund, aim to assist vulnerable individuals in reducing their energy consumption and bills, particularly during colder months. The availability and specifics of these offers appear to vary significantly based on local council distribution.

Background: A Scheme to Cut Energy Costs

Reports from January 2026 and earlier detail efforts across the UK to distribute energy-saving kitchen appliances. These initiatives are part of a broader government-backed scheme, the Household Support Fund, which allocates money to local authorities. These councils then determine how best to utilize these funds to support residents struggling with rising household costs.

  • Key Objectives: To provide energy-efficient appliances like air fryers, slow cookers, and one-cup kettles.

  • Target Audience: Primarily state pensioners born before 1959, but also extending to low-income households.

  • Funding Source: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Household Support Fund.

  • Delivery Mechanism: Local council websites and specific community programs.

How the Program Works

The Household Support Fund is distributed by the DWP to local councils. Each council has the discretion to design its own program for distributing these funds. This means that the type of support offered, and the eligibility criteria, can differ from one area to another.

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  • In some locations, eligible residents can receive free appliances.

  • Other areas may offer cash assistance or energy-saving advice.

  • Residents are advised to check their local council's website by searching for "Household Support Fund" to see what schemes are available in their area.

Appliances Offered

The appliances being provided are generally recognized for their energy efficiency compared to traditional ovens.

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  • Air Fryers: Cited as being more energy-efficient than conventional ovens for certain cooking tasks.

  • Slow Cookers: Also noted for lower energy use.

  • One-Cup Kettles: A smaller appliance focused on boiling only the required amount of water, thus saving energy.

Eligibility and Application Process

Eligibility for these schemes often centers on age and income.

  • Age: State pensioners born before a specific year, such as 1959, are frequently mentioned as a target group.

  • Income: Low-income households are also identified as beneficiaries.

  • Previous Assistance: Some programs stipulate that applicants should not have received similar devices in earlier distribution rounds.

  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): In at least one reported instance (Wandsworth), a low EPC rating (D or below) is a factor for those seeking a "Free Home Energy Visit," which might include appliance offers.

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The application process typically involves visiting the local council's website and searching for the relevant scheme. Some reports also mention specific geographical areas where these offers are prominent, such as North Lincolnshire and Wandsworth.

Case Study: North Lincolnshire

Residents in North Lincolnshire have been particularly highlighted for their access to these programs.

  • Pensioners in this region can apply for energy-saving appliances via the council website.

  • These applications are open during February and March.

  • In addition to appliances, recipients may receive access to free healthy cooking sessions.

Case Study: Wandsworth

In Wandsworth, the focus is on "Free Home Energy Visits."

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  • These visits are for low-income residents with an EPC rating of D or below.

  • During these visits, experts may provide dehumidifiers and air fryers.

Expert Commentary and Broader Context

The initiatives are framed as a response to rising energy costs and the need to support vulnerable households.

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"Air fryers and slow cookers are generally more energy efficient to run than a traditional oven, so these appliances can help you avoid wasting energy and save you money."

This statement, found in one of the reports, encapsulates the underlying rationale for distributing these appliances. The effectiveness and reach of these programs, however, are subject to how local authorities choose to implement them.

"Councils decide how to spend the money, so the support you get is a lottery, depending on where you live. Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support."

This observation suggests a degree of variability and potential inequality in the distribution of aid, depending on an individual's location within the UK.

Conclusion and Outlook

The provision of free energy-saving appliances to pensioners and low-income households is an active effort to alleviate financial pressures related to energy bills. The Household Support Fund, channeled through local councils, forms the bedrock of these schemes. While the intent is clear – to reduce energy consumption and costs – the actual benefit received by individuals appears to be contingent on their geographic location and the specific programs established by their local authority. Individuals fitting the eligibility criteria are strongly encouraged to proactively check their local council's website for available support.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can all pensioners get free kitchen appliances?
No, not all pensioners can get them. It depends on your local council and if you meet their rules. Some areas offer them, others do not.
Q: How do I know if I can get a free air fryer?
You need to check with your local council. Look on their website for 'Household Support Fund' or similar schemes. They will tell you if you can apply and what you need.
Q: Why are these appliances being given away?
The government is giving money to councils to help people save energy and money on their bills. Appliances like air fryers use less electricity than big ovens.
Q: What kind of appliances can I get?
You might be able to get things like air fryers, slow cookers, or small kettles that only boil one cup of water. These use less power.
Q: Is this happening everywhere in the UK?
No, it is different in each area. Local councils decide what help to give. So, what is available in one town might not be in another.