How much does it cost to run a tumble dryer?
A tumble dryer typically draws about 2,500 W. At the current Ofgem price-cap electricity rate of 26.11p/kWh (1 July to 30 September 2026), a typical 1.5-hour use costs about 97.9p, and one hour costs roughly 65.3p.
Tumble dryer running cost: ~2.50 kWh per hour β 65.3p/hour. A typical 1.5-hour use β 97.9p at 26.11p/kWh.
Tumble dryer running-cost calculator
A tumble dryer draws about 2,500 W. Set how long you run it and we apply the current Ofgem electricity unit rate of 26.11p/kWh.
Cost to run for 1.5 hours
97.9p
Uses 3.75 kWh at 26.11p/kWh.
- Per day
- 97.9p
- Per week
- Β£6.85
- Per year
- Β£357.38
Per-day/week/year figures assume one 1.5-hour run each day. Wattage is typical/indicative β your model may differ.
How the cost is worked out
- Wattage: a tumble dryer draws about 2,500 W.
- Convert to kW: 2,500 Γ· 1,000 = 2.50 kW.
- Multiply by hours: 2.50 kW Γ 1.5 h = 3.75 kWh.
- Multiply by the unit rate: 3.75 kWh Γ 26.11p β 97.9p.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a tumble dryer?
A tumble dryer draws about 2,500 W. At the Ofgem cap rate of 26.11p/kWh (1 July to 30 September 2026), a typical 1.5-hour use costs roughly 97.9p, and one hour costs about 65.3p.
How much electricity does a tumble dryer use per hour?
At 2,500 W, a tumble dryer uses about 2.50 kWh per hour, which is roughly 65.3p at the current cap rate.
Running costs for other appliances
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Wattage (2,500 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.