How Much Does It Cost to Run a Electric oven in the UK?
Last updated 5 October 2026 · Prices based on the Ofgem price cap (October 2026 – December 2026)
An electric oven is rated at about 2–3kW, but its thermostat cycles the elements once it reaches temperature. A typical hour of cooking uses around 1–1.5kWh, more if you preheat for a long time or open the door often.
Appliance running cost calculator
A 2,400W electric oven running 1 hours a day costs about £0.38 per day (£99 a year) at 26.32p/kWh.
- Per hour
- £0.38
- Per day
- £0.38
- Per week
- £1.90
- Per month
- £8.21
- Per year
- £99
- kWh per year
- 374
Based on 2400W ÷ 1,000 × 1h × 60% average power draw × 26.32p/kWh. Standing charge not included.
- Electric heater£958
- Immersion heater£575
- Oil-filled radiator£503
- Fan heater£383
- Electric shower£155
- Dehumidifier£153
- Tumble dryer£137
- Fridge freezer£114
- Electric oven£99
- Dishwasher£92
- Heated airer£74
- Kettle£57
- Washing machine£55
- Air fryer£51
- Slow cooker£44
- Electric blanket£10
Electric oven running cost by wattage and time (at 26.32p/kWh)
| Wattage | 30 min | 1 hr | 1.5 hrs | 2 hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,000W | £0.16 | £0.32 | £0.47 | £0.63 |
| 2,400W | £0.19 | £0.38 | £0.57 | £0.76 |
| 3,000W | £0.24 | £0.47 | £0.71 | £0.95 |
| 3,500W | £0.28 | £0.55 | £0.83 | £1.11 |
Typical electric oven cost per day, month and year
| Period | Energy used | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Per hour | 1.44 kWh | £0.38 |
| Per day | 1.44 kWh | £0.38 |
| Per month | 31.2 kWh | £8.21 |
| Per year | 374 kWh | £99 |
What affects the cost
Temperature
Higher settings keep the element on longer.
Preheating
Adds 10–15 minutes of full power.
Fan vs conventional
Fan ovens cook at lower temperatures.
Door opening
Each opening loses heat.
Cheaper alternatives to a electric oven
• Air fryer for small meals • Microwave for reheating • Slow cooker for casseroles • Gas hob for pans
How to reduce the cost
- Cook several dishes at once
- Use fan mode and drop the temperature by 20°C
- Avoid opening the door
- Switch off 10 minutes early and let residual heat finish
Frequently asked questions
How much does a electric oven cost per hour in the UK?
About £0.38 per hour for a 2,400W model at 26.32p/kWh, allowing for the appliance drawing full power about 60% of the time.
How do I work out what my electric oven costs to run?
Divide the wattage by 1,000 to get kW, multiply by the hours used, then multiply by your unit rate in pence. Our calculator above does this for you.
How much does it cost to run an electric oven for an hour?
Around £0.38 for a 2.4kW oven, allowing for thermostat cycling.
Is a gas oven cheaper?
Gas costs 7.97p/kWh versus 26.32p for electricity, so a gas oven is usually cheaper per hour, although it is less efficient.
Does the standing charge affect appliance running costs?
No. The electricity standing charge is a fixed daily fee you pay whether or not the appliance is on, so it is excluded from these figures.
Sources and methodology
Energy prices come from the Ofgem price cap for Direct Debit customers (GB average). Installation costs are typical UK ranges from installer quotes and industry guidance, rounded. Savings use today's rates and do not predict future prices.