Home Worked examples Appliance costs Microwave
Appliance electricity cost

How much does a microwave cost to run?

This worked example uses 1,200 W, 0.15 hours on each use day and 365 use days per year. Change any of these inputs in the calculator.

Illustrative 25p/kWh electricityAbout £16/year

66 kWh/year · 0.18 kWh per use day

Electricity-price sensitivity

Electricity priceEnergy/use dayAnnual energyAnnual cost
15p/kWh0.18 kWh/day when used66 kWh/year£10/yr
25p/kWh0.18 kWh/day when used66 kWh/year£16/yr
35p/kWh0.18 kWh/day when used66 kWh/year£23/yr

Important assumption

Input power can exceed the advertised cooking output. The example assumes nine minutes of daily use.

This is a worked planning estimate, not a measurement of your appliance. A smart plug, energy monitor or manufacturer annual-kWh figure usually gives a better real-world input for cycling appliances.