Cheapest Appliances To Run In The UK
Reference table
| LED bulb | 8W | 0.20p per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Electric blanket | 100W | 2.47p per hour |
| Microwave | 1,000W | 2.06p for 5 minutes |
| Slow cooker | 200W | 4.93p per hour |
What to know
Cheap-to-run appliances either use low wattage, run for a short time, or both.
Practical guidance
Do not judge by wattage alone. A kettle is high wattage but runs briefly, while a fridge is low average wattage but runs all day.
How to use this
The biggest wins usually come from replacing long, high-heat sessions with targeted alternatives.
FAQs
What is the cheapest heating appliance?
For personal warmth, electric blankets are usually much cheaper than room heaters.
Are microwaves cheap?
Yes for reheating and small portions because cooking time is short.
Do standby devices matter?
Individually they are small, but many devices can add up.
Should I buy new appliances just to save energy?
Compare savings against purchase cost first.
Last reviewed 3 May 2026. Source: Ofgem energy price cap. Figures are estimates. Actual prices vary by region, supplier, tariff, payment method and meter type.