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How much does a microwave cost to run?

Written by James Whitfield · Updated 28 October 2026 · 6 min read · Checked against 2026/27 DWP & HMRC rates
Contents (3 sections)
  1. Quick answer: microwave running costs
  2. Work out your own
  3. Who these figures cover
Quick answer: microwave running costs
  • The government's Home Energy Model uses 0.08 kWh per use: 2.1p at 26.32p per kWh.12
  • Compared with 15.5p for one use of an electric oven in the same model.1
  • A microwave's cooking power is lower than the power it draws from the socket: use the input power on the rating plate to work out the cost.
  • Last checked: 28 October 2026.

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Work out your own

For example, a microwave drawing 1,200 W for 5 minutes costs 2.6p (an example rating, not a specific model). The government's Home Energy Model uses these as defaults for efficient new appliances: they are the “25th Percentile Energy Use” of permitted products, not household averages.1

Work out your own cost →

Who these figures cover

Costs use the Ofgem price cap average for England, Scotland and Wales, 26.32p per kWh by Direct Debit, 1 October to 31 December 2026. Your region and tariff change it.2

HMRC: “The temporary zero rate applies from 1 October 2026 to 30 June 2027.” The Budget on 28 October 2026 extended it from 31 March (announced; the legislation is due in early 2027). Gas stays at 5% VAT.3 In Northern Ireland, use the unit rate on your bill.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to use a microwave?
About 2.1p a use at 0.08 kWh, the government model's figure.
Which wattage do I use?
The input (power consumption) figure on the rating plate, not the cooking output.

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Sources & references

The figures and rules in this guide are drawn from the official UK government sources below. Rates are the confirmed 2026/27 amounts. Each link opens the relevant official page in a new tab.

  1. DESNZ: Home Energy Model, appliance assumptions (HEMFHS-TP-05, v2.0, March 2026), Table 2 assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69c29b88b920af63be1c7771/hemfhs-tp-05-fhs-appliances-assumptions.pdf
  2. Ofgem: Energy price cap unit rates and standing charges, 1 October to 31 December 2026 www.ofgem.gov.uk/your-energy-supply/your-energy-bill/energy-price-cap-unit-rates-and-standing-charges
  3. HMRC: VAT on fuel and power (Notice 701/19), updated 28 October 2026 www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-on-fuel-and-power-notice-70119
Verified against published UK government guidance.
Independent guide only. Written using published 2026/27 DWP and HMRC figures. Not an official government service. For case-specific guidance, contact Citizens Advice or a welfare-rights adviser. Methodology · Editorial standards

Written and reviewed by James Whitfield and the editorial team.

Every figure is checked against current GOV.UK guidance and reviewed for the 2026/27 tax year. We explain the numbers in plain English with worked examples. Editorial standards · About us