Appliance running cost calculator

See what an electric heater, tumble dryer, oven, air fryer or any other appliance costs to run, per hour, day, week, month and year, and compare two side by side.

How this calculator works

An appliance's power in watts tells you how fast it uses electricity. Divide by 1,000 to get kilowatts, and multiply by the hours it runs to get kilowatt hours (kWh), the units on your bill. A 2,000 watt heater uses 2 kWh in an hour.

• Cost per hour = watts ÷ 1,000 × your unit rate.
• Cost per day = cost per hour × hours a day.
• Cost per week = cost per day × days a week. A month is a week × 52 ÷ 12, and a year is a week × 52.

The unit rate starts at the Ofgem price cap average for people paying by Direct Debit. Your own rate is on your bill or in your supplier's app, and it may be higher or lower, especially on a fixed deal or a time-of-use tariff, so type yours in for an exact figure.

The wattages in the list are typical average power while the appliance is running, not the maximum on the label. Heaters, ovens, irons and dryers switch their heating on and off once they're up to temperature, and washing machines and dishwashers only heat water for part of the cycle, so they use less than the label suggests. For the most accurate figure, check the energy label or manual, or measure it with a plug-in energy monitor.

The standing charge, a fixed daily amount for being connected, is paid whatever you use, so it isn't part of any one appliance's running cost.

Tips to cut appliance running costs

• Heat yourself, not the room. An electric blanket or heated throw costs a few pence an hour, against 50p or more for a 2kW heater.
• Use the smallest appliance for the job. An air fryer, microwave or slow cooker heats less space than an oven, so it's usually cheaper for small meals.
• Only boil what you need. A kettle uses about 3kW, so filling it for one cup instead of four saves energy every time.
• Dry washing for less. A heated airer, dehumidifier or heat pump dryer uses a fraction of a vented or condenser tumble dryer. Spin washing at the highest speed first.
• Wash at 30°C. Most of a washing machine's energy goes on heating water, so a cooler wash costs noticeably less.
• Look at time-of-use tariffs. If you can run the dishwasher, washing machine or car charger overnight, a cheaper off-peak rate can make a big difference.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to run a 2kW heater?

A 2kW (2,000 watt) heater uses 2 kWh an hour. At 26.32p per kWh that's about 53p an hour, or £2.11 for 4 hours. If it has a thermostat it'll switch off once the room is warm, so it may cost less.

Is an air fryer cheaper to run than an oven?

Usually, yes. An air fryer uses around 1.4kW and cooks quickly, while an electric oven averages about 2kW and needs to warm up first. Twenty minutes in an air fryer costs about 12p, against about 39p for 45 minutes in the oven. A full oven cooking several things at once can still be the better choice.

How much does a tumble dryer cost per load?

A vented or condenser dryer averages about 2kW while running, so a 1 hour 30 minute load uses about 3 kWh, around 79p at the price cap rate. A heat pump dryer uses roughly a third of that, but takes longer.

What is the current electricity price cap rate?

For 1 October to 31 December 2026, Ofgem's average cap for Direct Debit customers is 26.32p per kWh with a standing charge of 54.83p a day. The cap changes every three months, on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October.

Where do I find an appliance's wattage?

On the rating plate, usually on the back or underneath, or in the manual. It may say W or kW (1kW is 1,000W). That's the maximum, so the real average is often lower. A plug-in energy monitor shows exactly what it uses.

Does the calculator include the standing charge?

No. You pay the standing charge every day whatever you use, so switching an appliance off doesn't change it. The calculator shows only what the appliance itself adds to your bill.

Is this financial advice?

No. It's an estimate to help you compare costs. Your bill depends on your tariff and how your appliances actually run.

Results are estimates for illustration only and aren't financial advice. Typical wattages are averages and your appliance may use more or less. Price cap rates from Ofgem.