How much does it cost to run an electric oven?

By Juan Molina · Updated October 3, 2026 · How we calculate

Short answer: An electric oven drawing 2,300 watts for 60 minutes costs about $0.42 per use at the U.S. average residential price of 18.31¢ per kWh. Used 4 times a week, that is about $7.30 per month and $87.60 per year. In Louisiana, the cheapest state, the same use costs $5.07 a month; in Hawaii, the most expensive, $19.14.

An electric oven's bake element is rated at about 3,000 watts, but once the oven reaches temperature the element cycles on and off. Averaged over an hour of baking at 350°F, a typical oven draws around 2,000 to 2,400 watts.

Cost by size and setting

Costs below use the U.S. average price and 60 minutes per use, 4 times a week.

Rated power versus real use

The label on an oven shows what it draws with the elements on. During preheating that is the full rated power for 10 to 15 minutes. After that, the thermostat keeps the temperature steady by switching the element on for only part of each minute. That is why the calculator on this page uses an average figure rather than the nameplate rating.

Higher temperatures and longer cooks cost more, but not in proportion: a well-insulated oven holding 400°F loses heat only slightly faster than one holding 350°F. The self-cleaning cycle is the exception. It heats the oven to around 900°F for two to four hours and can use as much electricity as a week of normal cooking.

Smaller appliances for smaller jobs

Heating a full oven cavity to warm one plate is the least efficient way to cook. The Department of Energy points out that a toaster oven or convection oven uses one-third to one-half as much energy as a full-size oven for small meals. A microwave uses less still for reheating.

How to lower the cost

• Keep the door closed. Each time it opens the temperature can drop by 25°F or more.
• Cook several dishes at once, or one after another while the oven is hot.
• Use the convection setting if you have one; it cooks faster at a lower temperature.
• Switch the oven off a few minutes early and let the stored heat finish the job.

How an electric oven compares with other appliances

Typical power and use for each appliance, at the U.S. average price of 18.31¢ per kWh. Follow a link for that appliance's own calculator, or compare two side by side.

The math behind the numbers

2,300 watts ÷ 1,000 = 2.3 kW. 2.3 kW × 60 minutes ÷ 60 = 2.3 kWh per use. 2.3 kWh × $0.1831 = $0.42 per use. At 4 uses a week, that is 39.9 kWh and $7.30 a month.

Your own figure will differ if your appliance has a different wattage, if you use it more or less, or if your price per kWh is not the national average. Change any of those in the calculator at the top of this page. Our step-by-step guide explains where to find each number.

Cost to run an electric oven in every state

Based on 2,300 watts for 60 minutes per use, 4 times a week, at each state's average residential electricity price for July 2026.

Sources

• U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Saver: Kitchen Appliances
• U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly (state electricity prices)
• U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Saver: Appliances and Electronics

Electricity prices are the EIA figures for July 2026. Wattages are typical values; check the label on your own appliance.