Toaster vs. toaster oven: running cost
A toaster is cheaper to run: about $6 a year versus $19 for a toaster oven at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $14 difference.
| Toaster | Toaster oven | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 900 W | 1,300 W |
| Watt range | 700–1,600 W | 1,000–1,800 W |
| Typical use | 6 minutes a day | 18 minutes a day |
| Energy per year | 33 kWh | 108 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 16¢ | 16¢ |
| Cost per day | 1.6¢ | 5.3¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.49 | $1.62 |
| Cost per year | $6 | $19 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $14 | $47 |
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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.
- 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
Toaster with single-slice setting
Heats only the elements needed for one slice.
See options on Amazon Air fryer toaster oven combo
Convection airflow cooks faster at lower temperatures, trimming run time.
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 toaster oven?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a toaster oven costs about $19 a year versus $6 for a toaster. That's $14 more, or 3.3× as much.
How many watts do toaster and toaster oven use?
A toaster typically draws 900 W (range 700–1,600 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.