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.