This common household appliance uses as much electricity as 65 fridges running simultaneously
Out of sight but visible on the meter, the electric oven may be a significant source of energy use in your home. Some claims say this everyday appliance uses as much electricity as having 65 fridges plugged in at once. With energy prices rising, understanding what that means for your bills matters.
How much power does an electric oven actually use?
The electric oven is common in most kitchens but can be surprisingly thirsty, drawing between 2,000 watts and 5,000 watts when heating. That range shows the demand it can place on a household, particularly with frequent use.
Average monthly use can be between 40 kWh and 90 kWh, and sometimes higher. Tests on certain models in French households have shown annual consumption reaching 224 kWh. By comparison, fridges typically draw about 300 watts or 800 watts depending on model and cycle.
How habits add to your oven’s energy use
Ovens are often switched on without much thought: preheated by default and used daily. Such habits increase energy use: routine preheating and opening the door frequently while cooking both raise electricity consumption.
Standby, or “phantom”, consumption is another factor. Californian research found that power used when the oven is in standby mode (switched off but still plugged in) can make up between 5% and 26% of its total annual consumption. That shows it’s not only cooking time that matters but also what happens when the oven is idle.
Cut energy use and save money
There are practical steps that reduce use. Preheat efficiently and cook several dishes at once to get more from the energy used. Turn the oven off a few minutes before the end and let residual heat finish the job.
- Avoid opening the oven door during cooking to prevent heat escaping.
- For models that continue to draw power when switched off, unplugging after use is advised.
Combined, these actions can reduce consumption and lower your energy bills.
What it means for your home and the planet
The oven is essential in many kitchens yet represents a notable part of household energy use. It may not draw as much energy as tumble dryers, washing machines or central heating, but it still takes a fair share of consumption.
Reducing oven energy use saves money and lowers environmental impact. Simple habits can keep gratins, golden loaves and roast dinners on the menu without significantly increasing the electricity bill. With a few practical changes, you can maintain cooking standards while reducing cost and energy use.
These points show the electric oven’s consumption should not be underestimated. A few small changes can make it a much more efficient appliance without sacrificing taste.