How much does it cost to run an electric oven?

Electric ovens are a common feature in many UK kitchens, perfect for baking, roasting, and grilling our favourite dishes. However, with rising energy costs and increasing awareness about energy efficiency, it’s important to understand how much electricity an electric oven uses. This article will guide you through the factors that affect your oven's energy consumption, how to calculate the costs, and provide tips on reducing electricity use.

How Electric Ovens Work

Electric ovens function by converting electrical energy into heat through heating elements positioned in the top and bottom of the oven. These elements provide consistent, even heat, making electric ovens ideal for precise cooking. Most ovens come with various cooking modes, such as baking, grilling, or fan-assisted cooking. Each mode uses energy differently, with fan-assisted cooking often being the most energy-efficient as the fan circulates hot air, reducing cooking times.

Ovens also come with energy efficiency ratings, such as the EU Energy Label, which give consumers a clear idea of the oven’s efficiency. These labels help you select a model that uses less energy while still delivering excellent performance.

Factors That Affect Electricity Usage

Several factors influence how much electricity your electric oven consumes:

• Oven size: Larger ovens require more energy to heat due to their increased capacity. Smaller ovens use less energy because they have less space to heat.
• Wattage: Electric ovens typically operate between 2000 and 5000 watts, with higher wattage ovens using more electricity.
• Cooking duration and temperature: Longer cooking times and higher temperatures result in more energy consumption. For example, cooking a dish at 200°C for two hours will use more energy than baking something at 180°C for 30 minutes.
• Efficiency features: Some ovens come with energy-saving features, such as fan-assisted cooking, self-cleaning functions, or better insulation, all of which can help reduce electricity use.
• Standby power: Even when not in use, electric ovens can draw a small amount of electricity if left plugged in. This is known as "phantom load," and while typically small, it can add up over time.

How to Calculate the Electricity Cost of Using an Electric Oven

You can estimate the electricity consumption and cost of running your electric oven using the following simple formula:

Energy consumption (kWh) = (Wattage (W) × Hours used) ÷ 1000

To calculate the cost, multiply the energy consumption by your electricity rate:

Cost = Energy consumption (kWh) × Cost per kWh

Let’s break it down with an example. Suppose you have a 3000W oven, and you use it for 2 hours. Your electricity rate is £0.30 per kWh.

Parameter	Value
Oven wattage	3000 W
Hours used	2 hours
Energy rate per kWh	£0.30

Step 1: Calculate Energy Consumption

Energy consumption = (3000 W × 2 hours) ÷ 1000 = 6 kWh

Calculation	Result
Energy consumption (kWh)	6 kWh

Step 2: Calculate the Cost

Cost = 6 kWh × £0.30 = £1.80

Calculation	Result
Total cost	£1.80

So, using a 3000W electric oven for 2 hours would cost you £1.80 at an electricity rate of £0.30 per kWh.

Summary of Different Usage Scenarios

Here’s a table summarising different usage scenarios for a 3000W oven:

Hours Used	Energy Consumption (kWh)	Cost (£0.30 per kWh)
1 hour	3 kWh	£0.90
2 hours	6 kWh	£1.80
3 hours	9 kWh	£2.70
4 hours	12 kWh	£3.60

This method can be applied to any oven wattage and electricity rate to help you calculate and manage your energy costs.

How Much Energy Does an Average Electric Oven Use?

The average energy consumption of an electric oven depends on its size, wattage, and how often it’s used. Typically, electric ovens consume between 2.5 and 4.5 kWh per hour of cooking.

If you use your oven regularly—say five times a week for an hour—this could result in a monthly usage of around 40-90 kWh. That would translate into roughly £12 to £27 per month in energy costs, depending on your electricity rate.

Compared to other kitchen appliances, ovens generally use more electricity than microwaves or kettles, but less than fridges, which run continuously.

Tips to Reduce Electricity Consumption

To help reduce your energy consumption and lower your electricity bills, here are some practical tips for using your electric oven efficiently:

• Use fan-assisted mode: Fan-assisted ovens circulate hot air, which reduces cooking time and lowers energy use.
• Batch cooking: Whenever possible, cook multiple dishes at once to reduce the total amount of time the oven is on.
• Limit preheating: Only preheat the oven when absolutely necessary. Many dishes, such as casseroles and roasts, can go straight into the oven without preheating.
• Check door seals: Poor insulation can cause heat to escape, making your oven work harder and use more energy. Make sure the door seals are in good condition.
• Utilise residual heat: Turn off the oven a few minutes before the end of the cooking time and allow residual heat to finish cooking your dish. This can save a small but noticeable amount of energy.
• Use the right cookware: Glass and ceramic dishes retain heat better than metal ones, allowing you to cook at lower temperatures or for shorter periods.

Energy-Efficient Electric Ovens

If you're in the market for a new oven, consider investing in one with energy-efficient features. Modern ovens may include smart technology, allowing for more precise control of cooking times and temperatures, which can help reduce energy consumption. Dual-zone cooking, where the oven can cook two different dishes at different temperatures, is another energy-saving feature.

Upgrading to an oven with a better energy rating can make a big difference over time. While the initial cost may be higher, the energy savings will offset the price over the long run.

Conclusion

Electric ovens are one of the more energy-intensive appliances in the kitchen, but by adopting smarter usage habits and choosing an energy-efficient model, you can control both electricity consumption and costs. By understanding factors such as oven size, wattage, and cooking habits, you can make more informed decisions about your energy use. Following the tips mentioned in this article will help you save energy and reduce your electricity bills without compromising on cooking quality.

FAQs

• How much does it cost to run an electric oven for an hour? On average, it costs between 45p and £1.50 per hour, depending on your oven’s wattage and your electricity rate.

• Do electric ovens use more electricity than gas ovens? Yes, electric ovens typically use more energy than gas ovens, but they often offer better heat distribution and precision cooking.

• How can I reduce my oven’s electricity usage without compromising cooking quality? Use fan-assisted mode, batch cook, limit preheating, and turn off the oven early to take advantage of residual heat.

By following these tips, you can make your kitchen more energy-efficient and keep your electricity bills in check.