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How Much Does a Microwave Cost to Run?
A microwave draws about 1,000–1,200 watts but typically runs for only minutes at a time. It's one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat food.
watts
hrs/day
$/kWh
Daily Cost
$0.05
0.3 kWh
Monthly Cost
$1.44
9.0 kWh
Yearly Cost
$17.52
109.5 kWh
For perspective...
At $17.52/year, this costs about the same as 3 streaming service months. A minor line item.
Energy-Saving Tips for Your Microwave
- Microwaving uses 80% less energy than a conventional oven for reheating
- Cover food to retain moisture and reduce heating time
- Unplug it if the clock display bothers you — the standby draw is minimal but adds up over a year