Which kitchen appliance usually costs the most to run?

The oven is usually one of the costliest kitchen appliances because it heats a large cavity for a relatively long time. Dishwashers can also add up if they are run on hotter programmes rather than eco mode.

Is an air fryer always cheaper than an oven?

For small and medium portions, usually yes. An air fryer heats a much smaller space and often cooks faster. Once you are cooking a large tray or feeding several people, the gap narrows.

Kitchen & Cooking Running Costs

Kitchen electricity costs are driven mainly by heat. Boiling water, heating an oven cavity, or running a dishwasher all cost far more than the small standby loads from the controls and display.

What usually drives costs in this category

How much air or water the appliance has to heat
Cooking time, preheating, and the size of the portion
Programme choice, especially on dishwashers
How often the appliance is used each week

Useful context

Small appliances can still add up if you use them several times a day. Kettles and microwaves are short bursts, while ovens and dishwashers draw much more energy per session.

The cheapest changes usually come from heating less space and less water. Batch cooking, using the right appliance for the portion size, and choosing lower-temperature or eco programmes matter more than shaving a few watts off the sticker rating.

Appliance calculators

Compare the typical running cost of the most relevant appliances in this category.

6 calculators

Fridge-Freezer£96.58/yr

Relevant comparisons

Air Fryer vs OvenSee comparison

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Kitchen & Cooking running cost FAQs

Common questions about electricity costs and our calculators.