How Much Does It Cost to Run a Microwave?

Calculate microwave running costs. Microwaves cost about $0.01-0.03 per use, making them one of the most efficient cooking appliances.

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Quick Answer

A microwave costs about $0.01-0.03 per typical use (2-5 minutes). At 1,000 watts, running for 5 minutes costs about $0.013. Monthly cost for average use is $1-3, making microwaves very energy efficient.

Key Takeaways

Microwaves use 600-1,200 watts while running.
Convection microwaves use more power when the convection feature is active.
Using the microwave instead of the oven for small items saves significant energy.

Explanation

Microwaves use 600-1,200 watts while running. A 1,000W microwave running for 3 minutes uses 0.05 kWh, costing less than a penny at $0.16/kWh.

Microwaves are highly efficient because they heat food directly rather than heating air or cookware first. Reheating in a microwave uses 80% less energy than reheating in a conventional oven.

Standby power is minimal—about 2-5 watts for the clock and controls. This adds about $3-8 annually, which is the main 'cost' when the microwave isn't actively cooking.

Things to Know

Convection microwaves use more power when the convection feature is active.
Using the microwave instead of the oven for small items saves significant energy.
Over-the-range microwaves have exhaust fans that add minimal power draw.