Appliance power ratings and hourly running costs
The cost figures below are quoted in GBP and based on a typical unit price of electricity in the UK of just less than 30p per Killowatt Hour.
Obviously not all appliances will have the exact power rating shown here, this is intended as a guide.
Appliance |
Typical Power rating (Watts) |
Hourly running cost |
Oven | 2000 | 0.60p |
Small Oven | 1500 | 0.45p |
Grill | 2500 | 0.75p |
Hob 1 ring | 1200 to 2500 | 0.36p - 0.75p |
Kettle | 3000 | 0.90p |
Toaster (2 slice) | 1000 | 0.30p |
Air Fryer | 1500 | 0.45p |
Microwave (800W output) | 1200 | 0.36p |
Slow Cooker | 200 | 0.06p |
Fridge | 100 | 0.03p |
Fridge Freezer | 150 - 350 | 0.045p- 0.09p |
American Style Fridge Freezer | 250 | 0.075p |
Extractor/Cooker Hood | 20-50 | 0.06p - 0.15p |
Dishwasher | 2000 | 0.60p |
Washing Machine | 2000 | 0.60p |
Tumble Drier | 2500 | 0.75p |
Iron | 2500 | 0.75p |
Electric Shower | 7000 - 10500 | £2.10 - £3.15 |
Immersion Heater | 3000 | 0.90p |
Hair Drier | 2000 | 0.60p |
Many of the items listed have variable settings and so the power consumption will change with the setting. Th table shows typical ratings at the maximum power setting for each appliance.
Consider also that many appliances will automatically switch on and off during normal use. A fridge for example, does not have its compressor running continuously, it only switches on when the temperature needs to be modified. How often this happens will depend on the position of the fridge, the contents of the fridge and the ambient room temperature, and opening the door will also have an effect. Therefore calculating the actual running cost is almost impossible as it can change from house to house.
The above running costs assume the appliance is fully running for the entire hour, which in reality never happens, but they will offer a guide.