How Much Does It Cost to Run a Slow cooker in the UK?
Last updated 5 October 2026 · Prices based on the Ofgem price cap (October 2026 – December 2026)
Slow cookers use very little power — typically 150–250W — even though they run for six to eight hours. That makes them one of the cheapest ways to cook a hot family meal, especially for stews, casseroles and cheaper cuts of meat.
Appliance running cost calculator
A 200W slow cooker running 8 hours a day costs about £0.42 per day (£44 a year) at 26.32p/kWh.
- Per hour
- £0.05
- Per day
- £0.42
- Per week
- £0.84
- Per month
- £3.65
- Per year
- £44
- kWh per year
- 166
Based on 200W ÷ 1,000 × 8h × 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
Slow cooker running cost by wattage and time (at 26.32p/kWh)
| Wattage | 4 hrs | 6 hrs | 8 hrs | 10 hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150W | £0.16 | £0.24 | £0.32 | £0.39 |
| 200W | £0.21 | £0.32 | £0.42 | £0.53 |
| 250W | £0.26 | £0.39 | £0.53 | £0.66 |
| 300W | £0.32 | £0.47 | £0.63 | £0.79 |
Typical slow cooker cost per day, month and year
| Period | Energy used | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Per hour | 0.20 kWh | £0.05 |
| Per day | 1.60 kWh | £0.42 |
| Per month | 13.9 kWh | £3.65 |
| Per year | 166 kWh | £44 |
What affects the cost
Setting
High draws more power but cooks faster.
Size
Larger pots use slightly more power.
Lid lifting
Each lift releases heat and adds cooking time.
Starting temperature
Frozen food takes longer.
Cheaper alternatives to a slow cooker
• Pressure cooker (shorter cooking time) • Air fryer for small portions • Batch-cook in the oven • Microwave for reheating
How to reduce the cost
- Keep the lid on — every lift adds 20 minutes
- Fill it at least half full
- Use the low setting for longer cooks
- Batch-cook and freeze portions
Frequently asked questions
How much does a slow cooker cost per hour in the UK?
About £0.05 per hour for a 200W model at 26.32p/kWh.
How do I work out what my slow cooker 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 a slow cooker cost to run for 8 hours?
A 200W slow cooker for 8 hours costs about £0.42 at 26.32p/kWh.
Is a slow cooker cheaper than an oven?
Yes — usually by a factor of three or more for the same meal.
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.