Kitchen design
What Your Kitchen Appliances Cost to Run, and How to Work It Out
A simple formula tells you what any appliance costs per use. How the oven, hob, kettle, microwave and slow cooker compare.
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Energy prices change, so any fixed "costs X pence" figure is soon out of date. Instead, here is the formula to work out what your own appliances cost, using the unit rate on your bill.
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The formula
Power (kW) × hours used × unit rate (pence per kWh) = cost in pence
The power is on the appliance rating plate or in the manual (1,000 W = 1 kW). The unit rate is on your energy bill; Ofgem's price cap sets the maximum most households pay per unit and changes every quarter.
Example: a 2 kW oven used for 1.5 hours uses up to 3 kWh. Multiply by your unit rate for the cost. In practice an oven cycles on and off once hot, so it often uses less than its full rating.
Typical power ratings
| Appliance | Typical rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 2–3 kW | Used briefly; boil only what you need |
| Electric oven | 2–2.5 kW | Long use; fill the shelves |
| Microwave | About 0.8–1.2 kW | Short use; efficient for small portions |
| Slow cooker | About 0.15–0.3 kW | Long use, but low power |
| Induction hob ring | Varies widely | Puts most of its energy into the pan |
Easy savings
- Boil only the water you need: the Energy Saving Trust estimates this saves about £10 a year in Great Britain and £12 in Northern Ireland.
- Batch cook when the oven is on, and use lids on pans.
- Match the pan to the ring size.
Choosing a hob? See induction, gas or ceramic. For a low-power way to cook stews, see slow cookers.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I work out what an appliance costs to run?
Multiply its power in kW by the hours used and by your unit rate in pence per kWh. The unit rate is on your energy bill.
Is a microwave cheaper than an oven?
For small portions, usually yes: it has a lower power rating and runs for much less time.
Does filling the kettle less really save money?
Yes. The Energy Saving Trust estimates about £10 a year in Great Britain, and £12 in Northern Ireland, from boiling only what you need.
Sources
- Energy price cap and standing charges explained, Ofgem. Checked 8 October 2026.
- Your top five tips to save energy in the kitchen, Energy Saving Trust, 24 July 2024. Checked 8 October 2026.