📡 Microwave

How much electricity does a microwave use? Cost per use

Microwave electricity use to reheat, defrost and grill, with the cost per use and per year.

Per use

80 Wh

Cost per use

$0.014 · £0.021

Per year · 29 kWh

$5 · £8

With 7 times a week, electricity at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh all-in.

A microwave draws about 1,200 W from the socket to deliver 800–1,000 W of microwaves. Since it runs for a few minutes, each use costs very little: reheating a plate costs a few cents.

For small quantities it’s the most efficient appliance in the kitchen, because it heats the food directly rather than the air or a pan.

Consumption compared

TypeUsagekWh/yearCost/year
Heat a mug (2 minutes)40 Wh / use15$3 · £4
Reheat a plate (4 minutes)80 Wh / use29$5 · £8
Defrost (10 minutes)0.12 kWh / use44$8 · £11
Grill or combi (15 minutes)0.3 kWh / use109$20 · £28

Yearly cost with 7 times a week.

Work out your cost

Per use
$0.014
Per month
$0.44
Per year
$5
Energy per year
29.1 kWh

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

How to use less

  • Cover the food: trapped steam speeds up heating.
  • Defrost in the fridge overnight when you can: it’s free.
  • Some models stay on standby with the clock lit: 2–3 W all year.
Lower-energy modelsCompare prices and energy labels on AmazonAmazon ↗

FAQ

How much electricity does a microwave use?
About 80 Wh per use, from 20 Wh to 0.4 kWh depending on model and programme.
How much does it cost per year?
With 7 times a week it uses about 29 kWh a year: about $5 · £8 at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh.
How can I reduce it?
Cover the food: trapped steam speeds up heating. Defrost in the fridge overnight when you can: it’s free.

And what does your whole home use?

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