🥪 Toaster oven

How much electricity does a toaster oven use? Cost per use vs a full oven

Toaster oven electricity use in kWh and cost per use, compared with a full-size oven and an air fryer.

Per use

0.35 kWh

Cost per use

$0.063 · £0.091

Per year · 73 kWh

$13 · £19

With 4 times a week, electricity at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh all-in.

A toaster oven is rated at 1,200–1,800 W. A 15–20 minute cook uses about 0.35 kWh, because the thermostat cycles the elements once it is up to temperature.

Its chamber is much smaller than a full-size oven: it heats up in 3–5 minutes instead of 10–15. For one or two portions it uses about a third of the energy. For a large tray, the main oven is still the better choice.

Consumption compared

TypeUsagekWh/yearCost/year
Toasting or grilling (5–8 minutes)0.12 kWh / use25$4 · £6
Pizza or reheating (15–20 minutes)0.35 kWh / use73$13 · £19
Roast or cake (45 minutes)0.8 kWh / use166$30 · £43
Air fryer (20 minutes), for comparison0.4 kWh / use83$15 · £22
Full-size oven (1 hour at 200 °C), for comparison1.1 kWh / use229$41 · £59

Yearly cost with 4 times a week.

Work out your cost

Per use
$0.063
Per month
$1.09
Per year
$13
Energy per year
72.8 kWh

The price is a typical all-in figure for your country: replace it with yours (bill total ÷ kWh).

How to use less

  • Skip preheating for food that doesn’t need it, such as reheating or grilling.
  • Don’t open the door while cooking: in such a small chamber the temperature drops at once.
  • For sliced bread a pop-up toaster uses even less.
Lower-energy modelsCompare prices and energy labels on AmazonAmazon ↗

FAQ

How much electricity does a toaster oven use?
About 0.35 kWh per use, from 0.1 kWh to 1 kWh depending on model and programme.
How much does it cost per year?
With 4 times a week it uses about 73 kWh a year: about $13 · £19 at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh.
How can I reduce it?
Skip preheating for food that doesn’t need it, such as reheating or grilling. Don’t open the door while cooking: in such a small chamber the temperature drops at once.

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