Deep fryer vs. electric skillet: running cost
An electric skillet is cheaper to run: about $4 a year versus $5 for a deep fryer at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $1 difference.
| Deep fryer | Electric skillet | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,700 W | 1,500 W |
| Watt range | 1,000–1,800 W | 1,000–1,500 W |
| Typical use | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week |
| Energy per year | 27 kWh | 20 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 18¢ | 13¢ |
| Cost per day | 1.3¢ | 1.0¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.40 | $0.29 |
| Cost per year | $5 | $4 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $12 | $9 |
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What drives the difference
- Deep fryer: Electric deep fryers draw 1,500-1,800 W to heat 2-4 liters of oil; heating the oil takes 10-15 minutes before cooking starts.
- Electric skillet: Electric skillets and woks draw about 1,200-1,500 W and cycle with a thermostat; a 30-minute meal uses about 0.4 kWh.
Ways to cut either cost
Heats existing pans efficiently and doubles as a burner.
See options on AmazonSkips heating quarts of oil and typically cooks in less total time and energy.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a deep fryer or an electric skillet?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a deep fryer costs about $5 a year versus $4 for an electric skillet. That's $1 more, or 1.4× as much.
How many watts do deep fryer and electric skillet use?
A deep fryer typically draws 1,700 W (range 1,000–1,800 W). An electric skillet draws 1,500 W (range 1,000–1,500 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.