How much does it cost to run a microwave?
A microwave typically draws about 1,000 W. At the current Ofgem price-cap electricity rate of 26.11p/kWh (1 July to 30 September 2026), a typical 0.1-hour use costs about 2.6p, and one hour costs roughly 26.1p.
Microwave running cost: ~1.00 kWh per hour β 26.1p/hour. A typical 0.1-hour use β 2.6p at 26.11p/kWh.
Microwave running-cost calculator
A microwave draws about 1,000 W. Set how long you run it and we apply the current Ofgem electricity unit rate of 26.11p/kWh.
Cost to run for 0.1 hours
2.6p
Uses 0.10 kWh at 26.11p/kWh.
- Per day
- 2.6p
- Per week
- 18.3p
- Per year
- Β£9.53
Per-day/week/year figures assume one 0.1-hour run each day. Wattage is typical/indicative β your model may differ.
How the cost is worked out
- Wattage: a microwave draws about 1,000 W.
- Convert to kW: 1,000 Γ· 1,000 = 1.00 kW.
- Multiply by hours: 1.00 kW Γ 0.1 h = 0.10 kWh.
- Multiply by the unit rate: 0.10 kWh Γ 26.11p β 2.6p.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a microwave?
A microwave draws about 1,000 W. At the Ofgem cap rate of 26.11p/kWh (1 July to 30 September 2026), a typical 0.1-hour use costs roughly 2.6p, and one hour costs about 26.1p.
How much electricity does a microwave use per hour?
At 1,000 W, a microwave uses about 1.00 kWh per hour, which is roughly 26.1p at the current cap rate.
Running costs for other appliances
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Wattage (1,000 W) is typical/indicative β your model may differ. Source: Heatable β How much energy do appliances use (typical ratings; draws on Energy Saving Trust / Centre for Sustainable Energy). Electricity unit rate from Ofgem β Energy price cap unit rates and standing charges (cap period 1 July to 30 September 2026, fetched 2026-06-18). Ofgem figures Β© Ofgem, Open Government Licence v3.0. Appliance wattages are typical/indicative, not measured. Ofgem.