How much does it cost to run an electric oven?
We've pre-filled an typical electric oven below. Set your electricity rate and adjust the hours to match how you use yours — the cost updates instantly.
Typical power 2,400W
Usual range 2,000–3,500W
Category Kitchen
An electric oven is a big draw while it's coming up to temperature — a couple thousand watts or more — but once it's hot the element cycles on and off to hold the heat, so it doesn't pull the full amount the whole time. An hour of baking costs less than the peak wattage suggests.
The expensive habit is long preheats and opening the door, both of which make the element work harder to recover.
What drives the cost of running an electric oven
- Preheating and high temperatures (and self-clean cycles) are the priciest moments.
- Opening the door dumps heat and makes the element fire back up.
- Cook time is the multiplier — a slow roast costs far more than a quick bake.
How to cut it
- Skip the long preheat for anything that isn't baked goods, and don't peek.
- Use a countertop air fryer or toaster oven for small portions — far less to heat.
- Batch-cook so you heat the oven once for several things.
- Use the self-clean cycle sparingly; it runs the element flat-out for an hour-plus.