How much does a microwave cost to run?
This worked example uses 1,200 W, 0.15 hours on each use day and 365 use days per year. Change any of these inputs in the calculator.
66 kWh/year · 0.18 kWh per use day
Electricity-price sensitivity
| Electricity price | Energy/use day | Annual energy | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15p/kWh | 0.18 kWh/day when used | 66 kWh/year | £10/yr |
| 25p/kWh | 0.18 kWh/day when used | 66 kWh/year | £16/yr |
| 35p/kWh | 0.18 kWh/day when used | 66 kWh/year | £23/yr |
Important assumption
Input power can exceed the advertised cooking output. The example assumes nine minutes of daily use.
What changes microwave electricity use?
Microwave packaging often highlights cooking-output watts, while the electricity drawn from the socket can be higher. Total energy still tends to be modest because cooking times are short. Standby consumption can matter if the appliance remains powered continuously, although modern units vary.
Make this estimate more realistic
Use input power from the rating plate where possible and record typical minutes per day. If comparing a microwave with an oven, compare the same food task and include any pre-heating that the oven requires. This is more meaningful than comparing headline wattages alone.
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.