How much does it cost to run a slow cooker?

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

Short answer: A slow cooker drawing 200 watts for 360 minutes costs about $0.22 per use at the U.S. average residential price of 18.31¢ per kWh. Used 2 times a week, that is about $1.90 per month and $22.85 per year. In Louisiana, the cheapest state, the same use costs $1.32 a month; in Hawaii, the most expensive, $4.99.

A slow cooker is the opposite of most kitchen appliances: very little power for a very long time. A 6-quart model draws about 200 watts on low, less than a desktop computer, so even an eight-hour cook uses under two kilowatt-hours.

Cost by size and setting

Costs below use the U.S. average price and 360 minutes per use, 2 times a week.

Low power, long hours

The heating element wraps around an insulated stoneware pot with a lid, so most of the heat stays in the food. Six hours at 200 watts is 1.2 kWh. The high setting does not make the food hotter in the end; it reaches the same simmer sooner, using more power for fewer hours, and the totals are usually close.

Slow cooker or oven

A full-size electric oven draws around 2,300 watts. Even though it cycles, braising a stew in the oven for three hours typically uses about twice the electricity of a slow cooker doing the same job in eight. In summer there is a second saving: the slow cooker adds far less heat to the kitchen for the air conditioner to remove.

How to lower the cost

• Keep the lid on. Each time it is lifted the pot loses heat and needs extra time.
• Fill it between half and three-quarters full, as the manufacturer recommends.
• Use the right size: a small pot for small portions.
• Use the "warm" setting only as long as you need it.

How a slow cooker 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

200 watts ÷ 1,000 = 0.2 kW. 0.2 kW × 360 minutes ÷ 60 = 1.2 kWh per use. 1.2 kWh × $0.1831 = $0.22 per use. At 2 uses a week, that is 10.4 kWh and $1.90 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 a slow cooker in every state

Based on 200 watts for 360 minutes per use, 2 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.