Toaster vs. microwave: running cost
A toaster is cheaper to run: about $6 a year versus $23 for a microwave at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $17 difference.
| Toaster | Microwave | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 900 W | 1,200 W |
| Watt range | 700–1,600 W | 700–1,800 W |
| Typical use | 6 minutes a day | 15 minutes a day |
| Energy per year | 33 kWh | 127 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 16¢ | 22¢ |
| Cost per day | 1.6¢ | 6.3¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.49 | $1.90 |
| Cost per year | $6 | $23 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $14 | $55 |
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What drives the difference
- Toaster: A 2-slice toaster draws 800-1,000 W for 2-4 minutes per batch, so toasting is a small cost.
- 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.
Ways to cut either cost
Toaster with single-slice setting
Heats only the elements needed for one slice.
See options on Amazon Smart power strip
Removes 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 toaster or a microwave?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a microwave costs about $23 a year versus $6 for a toaster. That's $17 more, or 3.9× as much.
How many watts do toaster and microwave use?
A toaster typically draws 900 W (range 700–1,600 W). A microwave draws 1,200 W (range 700–1,800 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.