How much does it cost to cook your Christmas dinner?

MILLIONS of households will be looking for ways to cut costs this winter and Christmas dinner cooking will be one of them.

Energy bills are currently set at £2,500 a year for the average household but are only capped until April.

Energy bills were initially set to be frozen for the typical household for two years, but this policy will now end in April when the level will rise to £3,000 a year for the typical household.

But even with the current freeze on, people will be keen to know how much running their appliances are costing to run right now.

That includes a 13 per cent hike to the cost of cooking Christmas dinner this winter, for a family of six.

The price shocks will affect those on a standard variable tariff, an estimated 15 million UK families.

Research by Forbes Advisor also showed that Christmas Day itself will cost the average household £12.67 in energy costs, up from £9 last year.

That figure assumes five hours of boiler and central heating use, 24 hours' electricity to a fridge, eight hours of outdoor LED Christmas lights, three hours on a games console and five hours' electric oven use with 0.87 kWh of energy.

Forbes Advisor consumer affairs expert Kevin Pratt reassured people that there are things they can do to reduce costs.

"With prices for putting together a Christmas dinner up 13%, millions of households are having to cut back on their festive spending.

"However, there are some tips that can help people can save some cash this Christmas.

"For example, comparing prices on your food shop may take a little longer, but can save you hundreds over the course of the next few weeks, particularly if you consider getting own brand items, rather than sticking to your favourite branded goods.

"It is also worth taking advantage of the seasonal discounts that many supermarkets are currently offering."

He added that even the way you cook can make a difference.

"Using the microwave for five minutes is cheaper than using the oven for an hour," he said.

An electric fan oven will cost 85p per hour or £3.40 for a total of four hours.

While a gas hob will cost 15p to use her hour with 1.5 kWh of energy.

A slow cooker, with 1.3 kWh of energy will cost a household £3.54 to use over four hours, 44p per hour.

Of course, the cost to you will vary based on your energy tariff, which appliances you use to cook your Christmas dinner and which other appliances are on at the same time.

Kevin added: "Most air fryers will also cost less to run than an oven, although you'd need to factor in the purchase cost - upwards of £80 - of this flavour-of-the-month kitchen device if you haven't got one already.

"And, of course, you couldn't cook a big Christmas dinner just in the microwave or an air fryer.

"So it comes down to thinking tactically and planning the most economical way to prepare your feast."

What help is available to struggling families this winter?

Millions of households started receiving a £400 energy bill discount from October 1.

Households will have already received a £66 energy bill discount in October and November.

There will also be a payment worth £67 in December, January, February and March.

Households on pension credit or low incomes may qualify for the warm home discount scheme worth £150.

If you’re pregnant or have a child under the age of four, then you may qualify for Healthy Start vouchers to help pay for basic foods such as milk or fruit.

You can apply for free school meals for your child if you're claiming certain benefits including Universal Credit.