Microwave vs. electric oven: running cost
A microwave is cheaper to run: about $23 a year versus $45 for an electric oven at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $22 difference.
| Microwave | Electric oven | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,200 W | 3,000 W |
| Watt range | 700–1,800 W | 2,000–5,000 W |
| Typical use | 15 minutes a day | 3 hour of bakings a week |
| Energy per year | 127 kWh | 250 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 22¢ | 29¢ |
| Cost per day | 6.3¢ | 12¢ |
| Cost per month | $1.90 | $3.75 |
| Cost per year | $23 | $45 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $55 | $109 |
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What drives the difference
- Microwave: A microwave's advertised wattage is cooking output; it draws about 1.4-1.6x that from the wall. Clocks and displays add 1-3 W standby.
- Electric oven: A standard 30-inch electric oven has a 2.5-3.5 kW bake element. One hour at 350°F, including about 15 minutes of preheat, uses roughly 1.5-2 kWh as the element cycles.
Ways to cut either cost
Removes clock standby load from microwave and countertop appliances when not in use.
See options on AmazonHeats a much smaller space with 1,200-1,800 W and needs little or no preheat, using roughly half the energy for small batches.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a microwave or an electric oven?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an electric oven costs about $45 a year versus $23 for a microwave. That's $22 more, or 2.0× as much.
How many watts do microwave and electric oven use?
A microwave typically draws 1,200 W (range 700–1,800 W). An electric oven draws 3,000 W (range 2,000–5,000 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.