Do Ovens Consume a Lot of Electricity? Here's the Answer

We updated this article to provide you with the latest and most helpful information.

 

Bread, pastries, and more savoury dishes—the best ovens make every simple dish more exciting to share. Our favourite ovens work hardest during holidays and gatherings where loads of dishes are prepared. They also serve as a staple appliance for home chefs who explore various recipes daily or over the weekends. But aside from their versatile functions in the kitchen, ovens are known for their hefty electricity consumption.

But how much electricity does your electric oven really consume? 

 

Do Ovens Consume a Lot of Electricity?

It is true that an electric oven contributes to a significant amount of your electricity bills. This major kitchen appliance consumes an average of 2000 to 5000 watts, or 2 to 5 kilowatts per hour, to produce the correct temperature for baking. This electricity consumption increases during peak seasons when you use it more often or when you are preparing meals for a larger group of people. The good news is that although an electric oven is one of the heavy-duty appliances in your home, you can still regulate your electric oven power consumption since an oven is not required to operate 24/7 like a refrigerator.

Your oven’s electricity consumption can be affected by many factors, such as:

• The frequency of your use
• Duration of use, or how long an oven is used in a single baking session
• The temperature that you set when baking

Ultimately, the more you use your oven, the more electricity it will consume. This is also true when you use your electric oven more often. Moreover, if you use your oven at a higher temperature, your electricity consumption will also increase.

Different oven models and sizes also differ in power consumption.

• Countertop ovens generally use 1000 to 2000 watts per hour
• Single ovens may reach an average of 2000 to 3500 watts
• A microwave oven may consume 1000 to 3000 watts depending on the size
• Toaster ovens have a power rating that ranges from 1000 to 1200 watts
• Convection oven power consumption typically ranges between 800 to 5,000 watts of power, with an average household model using about 2,500 watts.
• Electric oven power consumption is between 1000 to 5000 watts, with an average usage around 2,400 watts for standard models. 

 

How to Save Electricity When Using an Oven

1. Choose an oven size that fits your needs.
2. Cook less frequently but in big batches. Carefully plan your food placement inside the oven to maximise your space and cook more food in less time. You can save a significant amount of electricity when cooking in larger batches.
3. Leave your oven on when cooking more than a few batches at a time. This reduces the electricity needed for preheating.
4. Cut the food into smaller pieces if possible.
5. Use glass or ceramic cookware to better distribute the heat when you are cooking.
6. Always keep your oven clean and well-maintained to avoid unnecessary power consumption due to dirt residues or faulty components.

 

Is There an Energy Efficient Oven Available?

Convection ovens are known for their innovative features, including a fan and exhaust system that better distribute the heat throughout the oven’s interior during its operation. This ensures evenly cooked recipes within a shorter period of time. Another way to save electricity up front is to buy an oven with a higher NEA rating for better energy efficiency. When buying your oven online, check the wattage written in the description to see how much your desired kitchen appliance will consume.