Cost to run a microwave oven
Laundry & kitchen · typical wattage 1,000 W (600 W-1,500 W)
A microwave oven draws about 600 W-1,500 W (typically 1,000 W). Run 0.5 hours a day, it uses about 183 kWh/year, which costs roughly $2.82/month and $33.87/year at the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh (March 2026). At a high-rate state like California (33.35¢) it costs more; at a low-rate state like Washington (14.40¢) it costs less.
Source: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use. Data as of June 2026.
Microwave oven at a glance
| Figure | Microwave oven |
|---|---|
| Typical running wattage | 1,000 W (600 W-1,500 W) |
| Assumed usage | 0.5 h/day, 365 days/yr |
| Energy used | 183 kWh per year |
| Cost per month @ 18.56¢ | $2.82 |
| Cost per year @ 18.56¢ | $33.87 |
Source: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use; ENERGY STAR product specifications. Data as of June 2026.
Cost at light, typical and heavy use
How the monthly and yearly cost changes with how long you run it, at the US average 18.56¢/kWh:
| Usage | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| Light use (1 h/day) | $5.57 | $67.74 |
| Typical use (0.5 h/day) | $2.78 | $33.87 |
| Heavy use (1 h/day) | $5.57 | $67.74 |
Cost at different state rates
The same microwave oven at typical usage, priced at a few representative state rates:
| Rate | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| US average (18.56¢) | $2.82 | $33.87 |
| Washington (14.40¢) | $2.16 | $26.28 |
| Texas (16.39¢) | $2.46 | $29.91 |
| California (33.35¢) | $5.00 | $60.86 |
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential) (March 2026). Data as of June 2026.
Use the calculator to price it at your exact rate, or see all 51 states.
Wattage source & how to save
Microwaves draw about 600–1,500 W while cooking but only for short bursts, so daily energy is small.
Tip to cut the cost: A microwave uses far less energy than the oven for reheating and small portions.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a microwave oven?
At the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh, a microwave oven (about 600 W-1,500 W, typically 1,000 W) used 0.5 hours a day costs roughly $2.82 per month and $33.87 per year. Your cost depends on your exact wattage, usage and local rate. Use the calculator for an exact figure.
How many watts does a microwave oven use?
Microwaves draw about 600–1,500 W while cooking but only for short bursts, so daily energy is small.
How much electricity does a microwave oven use per year?
About 183 kWh per year at typical usage. That's 0.50 kWh per day at 0.5 hours of use.
How can I cut the running cost of a microwave oven?
A microwave uses far less energy than the oven for reheating and small portions.
Keep exploring
- More laundry & kitchen: Electric clothes dryer, Washing machine, Dishwasher, Refrigerator
- All 36 appliances · Biggest energy hogs
- Running-cost calculator · Electricity prices by state
Sources & accuracy
Wattage: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use and ENERGY STAR-grade references (typical figures; ranges shown where relevant). Electricity rate: EIA Electric Power Monthly (March 2026). All public domain. Costs are a transparent calculation (see methodology) and are estimates only — your appliance's actual wattage, your usage and your utility rate may differ. Check the appliance label and your bill before relying on these figures.
Last updated: 2026-06-20