Calculators · Cost to run
How much does it cost to run an electric oven?
An electric oven's heating element draws around 3,000 watts, so a hour of baking uses about 3 kWh — roughly 40–50¢ at typical rates. The element cycles on and off to hold temperature, so real use is a bit below the full draw.
240 V; the element cycles to hold temperature.
per hour
37¢
per day
$0.37
per month
$11.38
per year
$136.45
Running a 3000W electric oven / range 1 hours a day costs about $0.37/day or $11.38/month at 12.46¢/kWh.
Runs entirely in your browser — nothing you type is sent anywhere. Estimates only; your actual bill depends on your usage and includes delivery charges on top of the supply rate.
What it costs per hour, at real rates
Based on a 3,000W oven; the element cycles, so real use is a touch lower (~3 kWh), priced at three of the utilities we track:
| Utility | Rate | Cost per hour |
|---|---|---|
| PECO (PA) | 10.789¢/kWh | 32¢ |
| BGE (MD) | 14.609¢/kWh | 44¢ |
| ComEd (IL) | 10.399¢/kWh | 31¢ |
Supply rate only; delivery charges are extra. Use the calculator above for your own utility and usage.
Electric range power by part
| Element | Typical watts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bake element | ~2,000–3,000 W | Cycles to hold temperature |
| Broil element | ~3,000–3,500 W | Runs near full power |
| Large cooktop burner | ~2,000–2,500 W | On high |
| Small cooktop burner | ~1,200–1,500 W | |
| Self-clean cycle | ~3,000+ W for hours | One of the most energy-intensive uses |
240V appliance. Convection and countertop ovens use less for small jobs.
How to cut the cost
- 1
Don't over-preheat
Most recipes don't need a 15-minute preheat. Put food in as it reaches temperature — and skip preheating entirely for many roasted dishes.
- 2
Use a countertop oven or air fryer for small jobs
A small countertop appliance uses a fraction of the energy of a full oven for one or two portions.
- 3
Batch your baking
The oven's already hot — cook multiple things in one session instead of reheating it across the week.
- 4
Use convection if you have it
Convection cooks faster and at lower temperatures, trimming the energy per dish. Skip the self-clean cycle except when really needed.
Common questions
- How much does it cost to run an oven per hour?
- About 3 kWh for a typical electric oven — roughly 40–55¢ an hour depending on your rate. The element cycles, so a long bake uses a bit less than full power the whole time.
- Is an air fryer cheaper than an oven?
- For small portions, yes — an air fryer (~1,500W) heats a tiny space fast, so it uses far less energy than heating a full oven for the same food. For big meals, the oven wins on capacity.
- How much does the self-clean cycle cost?
- It runs the oven very hot for 2–4 hours, so it's one of the priciest single uses — often 50¢–$1+. Use it sparingly.
- Is gas or electric cheaper for cooking?
- Gas ovens usually cost a bit less per use where gas is cheap, but the difference is small for occasional cooking. Efficiency habits (preheat, batching) matter more than fuel type.
Hiring out the wiring?
Before you pay anyone to touch your panel or wiring, make sure they're actually licensed. You can check a contractor's license on StateCreds — our sister site.
Verify a contractor's license by state →If your bill jumped more than your usage explains, your rate may have risen too.