Cooking requires a lot of energy
Cooking in the kitchen requires a significant amount of energy. From using the oven to boiling water on the stove, our kitchen appliances consume a lot of power. But have you ever wondered how much it actually costs to run these appliances? We've done the research and found the seven kitchen electronics that have the highest annual operating costs.
While these figures are estimates, they provide a clear picture of which machines consume the most energy and which ones are more energy-efficient. The actual cost of running your appliances will depend on factors such as their energy efficiency, frequency of use, and local energy rates. To determine the specific contribution of your appliance to your utility bill, you can use an energy calculator. Simply input the appliance's wattage and filter by your state for the most accurate estimate.
Is a kitchen really a kitchen without stovetops and ovens? These appliances that make or break the room are major contributors to your energy bill. Research from Electric Rate determined that using an electric stove and oven for one hour a day amounts to $132 over a year. Gas appliances use less electricity, resulting in an annual bill of $90 for the same daily usage.
Clean dishes will cost you
Dishwashers save you physical energy since you don't have to scrub any pots, but they require electric energy to operate and are one of the most expensive appliances to run in your kitchen. Your yearly bill will depend on how often you run the appliance and how energy-efficient the device is. ENERGY STAR reported that a standard ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher costs $55 annually. An older model dishwasher, or one that doesn't have the energy-efficient tag, will cost more. Perch Energy estimates a medium-sized dishwasher operated for one hour daily contributes $104 to your annual bill.
It's pricey to keep things cool
Almost every home in the United States has a refrigerator — some even have more than one. It is no surprise that this appliance that runs 24/7 is a great electric expense in the kitchen. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, a home's primary refrigerator costs $87 annually to operate, while a secondary one costs $66. Those with a standalone freezer average another $74 to keep things frosty. How often you open the refrigerator doors, the appliance's setting, and even where you place your fridge impact your energy expenses.
Coffeemakers give and take energy
Toaster ovens are a convenient use of power
According to the National Grid, toaster ovens cost an average of $1.50 a month, for an annual total of $18. Of course, the more you use the device, the greater it will impact your energy bill. However, toaster ovens are a considerably cheaper energy expense than a standard gas or electric oven. It might save you money turning on your toaster oven instead of the large oven when you're only baking a small batch.
Slow cookers are cost-effective
Whether you use your slow cooker for making one-pot dinners or homemade candles, $1.25 is all the cost of energy it uses per month, averaging $15 a year, according to National Grid. Like the toaster oven, using the slow cooker instead of the standard gas or electric oven may be a way to help reduce your energy costs at home.
Microwaves aren't power-hungry
According to Electricity Plans' calculations, a single-cup coffeemaker running 10 minutes per day ends up costing $24 a year. However, a drip coffee machine producing up to 12 cups uses more energy, showing up as a large number on your expenses. A full-sized drip coffeemaker averages $47.50 annually when used one hour a day.
Microwaves are a popular appliance choice for their convenience and affordability. According to Energy Sage, using your microwave for just 15 minutes per day will only cost you around $11 per year in energy expenses. Unlike power-hungry devices like refrigerators, microwaves are typically used for shorter periods of time, resulting in lower electricity bills.
