Cost to run a toaster
Small appliances · typical wattage 1,100 W (800 W-1,500 W)
A toaster draws about 800 W-1,500 W (typically 1,100 W). Run 0.1 hours a day, it uses about 40 kWh/year, which costs roughly $0.62/month and $7.45/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.
Toaster at a glance
| Figure | Toaster |
|---|---|
| Typical running wattage | 1,100 W (800 W-1,500 W) |
| Assumed usage | 0.1 h/day, 365 days/yr |
| Energy used | 40 kWh per year |
| Cost per month @ 18.56¢ | $0.62 |
| Cost per year @ 18.56¢ | $7.45 |
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) | $6.12 | $74.52 |
| Typical use (0.1 h/day) | $0.61 | $7.45 |
| Heavy use (0 h/day) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Cost at different state rates
The same toaster at typical usage, priced at a few representative state rates:
| Rate | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| US average (18.56¢) | $0.62 | $7.45 |
| Washington (14.40¢) | $0.48 | $5.78 |
| Texas (16.39¢) | $0.54 | $6.58 |
| California (33.35¢) | $1.10 | $13.39 |
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
Toasters draw about 800–1,500 W for a couple of minutes per use.
Tip to cut the cost: High wattage but very short use — negligible on the monthly bill.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a toaster?
At the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh, a toaster (about 800 W-1,500 W, typically 1,100 W) used 0.1 hours a day costs roughly $0.62 per month and $7.45 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 toaster use?
Toasters draw about 800–1,500 W for a couple of minutes per use.
How much electricity does a toaster use per year?
About 40 kWh per year at typical usage. That's 0.11 kWh per day at 0.1 hours of use.
How can I cut the running cost of a toaster?
High wattage but very short use — negligible on the monthly bill.
Keep exploring
- More small appliances: Hair dryer, Vacuum cleaner, Electric blanket, Clothes iron
- 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