How much does an electric hob cost to run?
This worked example uses 1,800 W, 0.75 hours on each use day and 260 use days per year. Change any of these inputs in the calculator.
351 kWh/year · 1.35 kWh per use day
Electricity-price sensitivity
| Electricity price | Energy/use day | Annual energy | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15p/kWh | 1.35 kWh/day when used | 351 kWh/year | £53/yr |
| 25p/kWh | 1.35 kWh/day when used | 351 kWh/year | £88/yr |
| 35p/kWh | 1.35 kWh/day when used | 351 kWh/year | £123/yr |
Important assumption
Hob elements cycle and pan size matters. This is a simple average-power scenario rather than a claim about every hob.
What changes electric hob electricity use?
Hob zones cycle to maintain the selected heat level, and energy use depends on pan size, pan material, lid use and cooking method. Induction, ceramic and solid-plate hobs can have different transfer losses, so rated element power is not a good estimate of average cooking consumption by itself.
Make this estimate more realistic
Estimate a typical cooking session or use a meter reading where practical. When comparing cooking methods, keep the food quantity and end result the same. Shorter high-power heating can use less energy than a lower setting maintained for much longer.
Electricity prices change, so the 15p, 25p and 35p/kWh rows are sensitivity examples rather than a current-tariff claim. Use the linked calculator with the unit rate shown on your own bill before relying on the annual cost.