Cost To Run A Microwave In 2024 [Calc + 5 Cost Saving Tips]

Last updated: February 5, 2024.

How much does it cost to run a microwave? Find out here, based on 203 models. Plus use this running cost calculator to see your own costs, and keep them low with these 5 cost saving tips.

The cost to run a microwave should not be based on its cooking power. Many resources do this, unfortunately.

Below you’ll find more accurate microwave running costs, based on 203 of the most popular models in 2024, along with a useful calculator to help you work out your own running costs.

You’ll also see 5 ways that you can easily reduce the cost to run your microwave.

Spoilers:

• The most common cost to run a microwave is $0.21 per hour or $0.0035 per minute.
• It can cost up to 44 cents per hour ($0.0074 per minute) to run a high powered countertop microwave.
• The most common cost to run a small microwave in 2024 is 15 cents per hour ($0.0025 per minute).
• Microwaves are expensive to run, with the most common hourly cost being equivalent to running an air purifier for nearly 2 days.
• The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) is the standout energy efficient, and therefore cheap to run, microwave.
• In general, using a microwave to cook is cheaper than using a conventional oven.

Note: costs are calculated using the average rate per kWh in the US – 15 cents. Microwave wattage, power consumption and energy efficiency details are based on this recent article: Microwave Wattage Revealed.

How much does it cost to run a microwave in 2024?

It costs between $0.13 and $0.44 per hour to run a microwave in 2024 ($0.21 is the most common).

These figures are based on the microwave wattage of 203 models and assume the average microwave efficiency – get efficiency details in this recent post: Microwave Wattage Revealed.

The average kWh rate in the US (i.e. 15 cents) is also used.

Note: it’s inaccurate to use the output wattage (i.e. the cooking power) to work out the cost to run a microwave. This is because the microwave output wattage is less than its power consumption. The input wattage, which is used in this post, gives a more accurate result.

Retailers often categorize microwaves into small and medium sizes. The size categories don’t have a significant impact on power consumption levels.

Small microwaves cost between 13 cents and 44 cents per hour to run. While medium size microwaves cost between 17 cents and 44 cents per hour.

The most common electricity cost per hour for a small microwave is 15 cents. 21 cents per hour is the most common for medium size microwaves.

Running a microwave continuously for 1 hour is not common, so let’s look at the costs for a shorter period of time.

Cost to run a microwave for 5 minutes

It costs between $0.011 and $0.037 to run a microwave for 5 minutes, with $0.018 being the most common cost.

Small microwaves have a similar running cost range, however, $0.012 is the most common cost.

Medium sized microwaves have an electricity cost that ranges from $0.014 to $0.037 for every 5 minutes that it runs at max power. The most common cost in this size category is also $0.018.

How much does it cost to run a microwave for 1 minute

It costs between $0.0021 and $0.0074 per minute to run a microwave. The most common cost per minute for a microwave is $0.0035.

Medium sized microwaves have the same “most common” cost, however, the cost range differs slightly.

Medium sized microwaves cost from $0.0028 to $0.0074 per minute.

The most common electricity cost for small microwaves is $0.0025. 

The cost range per minute for small microwaves is the same as the overall cost range (i.e. $0.0021 to $0.0074 per minute).

Cost to run a microwave by wattage

The cost to run a microwave is heavily dependent on its wattage (more specifically, its input wattage).

The table below lists the cost per minute, cost per 5 minutes and cost per hour for 16 differently powered microwaves.

Also included is the estimated power consumption, in kWh, based on the average efficiency of converting input electricity into cooking power.

For background into microwave wattage, power consumption and energy efficiency, check out the recent post: Microwave Wattage Revealed [203 Studied | Most Efficient | Conversion Calculators].

The output wattage of microwaves is even more diverse than what’s covered in the table above.

If you don’t see your microwave wattage in the table, use the Microwave Electricity Cost Calculator below.

Microwave electricity cost calculator

Enter your microwave wattage and your cost per kWh into the Microwave Electricity Cost Calculator below to see an estimate of how much it costs you to run your microwave.

This calculator assumes that your microwave efficiency, at converting input electricity into cooking power, is average.

So now that we know how much a microwave costs to run, let’s put the costs into perspective.

Are microwaves expensive to run

Yes. Microwaves are expensive to run. However, given the typically short duration of usage, the costs can be quite low.

1000W microwaves are most commonly stocked by retailers. These consume 1.40274 kWh of electricity per hour costing, on average in the US, 21 cents. This is equivalent to:

• The cost of running an air purifier for nearly 2 days.
• The cost to run a PS5 for over 4 and a half hours.
• The cost to run a dishwasher for 1 load. Actually, it costs 2 cents more to run a microwave per hour compared to this large household appliance (water costs are included too).
• The cost to change an electric bike nearly 3 times.

So microwaves can be considered expensive to run, but their overall expense is relatively low because generally they are not running for long periods.

And when it comes to cooking, they’re actually inexpensive to run.

Is a microwave cheaper to run than an oven

Yes. Microwaves are cheaper to run than conventional ovens.

This is due to shorter cooking times and lower power consumption.

The power draw for a microwave is generally lower than conventional ovens, while they also waste less energy heating food. 

Conventional cookers heat food along with the surrounding area in the oven, while microwaves heat from the inside out, which is more efficient.

However, it may be cheaper to run an oven when cooking a more substantial amount of food. This is because you can make better use of the heat already in the oven.

But when it comes to reheating food, and cooking one or two meals, it’s cheaper to use a microwave.

Additionally, microwaves are becoming increasingly efficient and versatile.

One of the most efficient and, therefore, cheapest to run microwaves is the Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) inverter microwave. 

This energy efficient microwave converts an impressive 92.59% (over 20% more than average) of input power into cooking power – check it out, here.

Next, let’s take a look at how you can reduce the cost of running your microwave.

5 tips to reduce the cost of running a microwave

1. Use it less. Consider defrosting your meal in a fridge or at room temperature if appropriate. This will take longer, but it’ll help keep your running costs low.
2. Cook for the recommended time only. It’s common to have cooking instructions that don’t match your microwave wattage. To help ensure that you’re not using your microwave longer than necessary, while also not undercooking your food, use this Microwave Wattage Conversion Time Calculator.
3. Use eco mode (if available). Many modern microwaves come equipped with an eco mode. Using this mode helps keep your microwave running costs low.
4. Consider upgrading to a more efficient model. Microwave tech is developing quite rapidly. New inverter microwaves use less power than regular microwaves. So if you’re in the market for a new microwave, consider an inverter microwave. The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) is a stand out energy efficient inverter microwave.
5. Switch energy provider. Utility providers tend to offer significant discounts on their unit rates to attract new customers. Consider shopping around for a cheaper energy provider. This will help reduce the cost of running your microwave along with the cost to run all of your appliances.

But remember, when it comes to cooking smaller meals, you should try to use your microwave more than other cooking appliances. Because, in general, it’s a more efficient option.

Final thoughts

Microwaves are energy efficient, but draw a considerable amount of power. 

As a result, they’re expensive to run while also being the cheapest cooking appliance to use when it comes to cooking small meals.

Using microwave output wattage to work out the running costs leads to an underestimation – the input wattage should be used.

Unfortunately, many resources estimate microwave running costs based on output wattage.

You should now have a good sense of microwave running costs, and I hope that the 5 tips help you keep your running costs and carbon footprint low.

If you read to here, then you must be interested in this post: Microwave Wattage Revealed [203 Studied | Most Efficient | Conversion Calculators]. It gives more background into microwave wattage, power consumption and microwave energy efficiency.

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James F

James F (not to be confused with ECS co-founder James) is our lead author, content & website manager. He has a BSc. in Digital Marketing, and a Diploma in IT. He became a qualified electrician while studying electrical engineering part-time.

From wind and solar photovoltaic installers, James F worked with many certified energy practitioners and energy consultants before joining the core ECS team. He also helped build the most downloaded energy saving app while working with a leading utility company.

Read more about James F or connect directly on LinkedIn, here.