Microwave vs. toaster oven: running cost
A toaster oven is cheaper to run: about $19 a year versus $23 for a microwave at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $3 difference.
| Microwave | Toaster oven | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,200 W | 1,300 W |
| Watt range | 700–1,800 W | 1,000–1,800 W |
| Typical use | 15 minutes a day | 18 minutes a day |
| Energy per year | 127 kWh | 108 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 22¢ | 16¢ |
| Cost per day | 6.3¢ | 5.3¢ |
| Cost per month | $1.90 | $1.62 |
| Cost per year | $23 | $19 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $55 | $47 |
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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.
- Toaster oven: Toaster ovens draw 1,200-1,800 W but heat a small space with little or no preheat, so a 20-minute bake uses about 0.3-0.4 kWh.
Ways to cut either cost
Convection airflow cooks faster at lower temperatures, trimming run time.
See options on AmazonRemoves clock standby load from microwave and countertop appliances when not in use.
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 a toaster oven?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a microwave costs about $23 a year versus $19 for a toaster oven. That's $3 more, or 1.2× as much.
How many watts do microwave and toaster oven use?
A microwave typically draws 1,200 W (range 700–1,800 W). A toaster oven draws 1,300 W (range 1,000–1,800 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.