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How much does a slow cooker 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: slow cooker running costs
  2. Slow cooker costs
  3. Who these figures cover
Quick answer: slow cooker running costs
  • The Russell Hobbs 24180 (3.5 litres) is rated at 200 watts.1
  • At 26.32p per kWh that is at most 5.3p an hour, or 42.1p for 8 hours.2
  • Check your own slow cooker's rating plate: power varies by size.
  • Last checked: 28 October 2026.

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Slow cooker costs

At full rated power for the whole time, so the most it could cost.

200 W slow cooker, 26.32p per kWh
Cooking timeCost
4 hours21.1p
6 hours31.6p
8 hours42.1p
10 hours52.6p

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 a slow cooker cost for 8 hours?
42.1p at most for a 200 W slow cooker.
Is a slow cooker cheap to run?
Its power is low: a 200 W model uses 5.3p of electricity an hour at most.

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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. Russell Hobbs: Chalkboard slow cooker 24180 uk.russellhobbs.com/chalkboard-slow-cooker-24180
  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