What an electric oven costs to run in each state
The table assumes a 2,400 W oven on full power for an hour a day, five days a week.
| State | Rate | A month | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| TasmaniaAurora Energy | 24.75c | $12.91 | $155 |
| QueenslandEnergex | 27.97c | $14.59 | $175 |
| Victoriaaverage of five networks | 28.2c | $14.70 | $176 |
| Northern TerritoryJacana Energy | 31.68c | $16.52 | $198 |
| New South WalesAusgrid | 33.14c | $17.28 | $207 |
| Western AustraliaSynergy | 33.26c | $17.34 | $208 |
| Australian Capital TerritoryEvoenergy network | 36.95c | $19.27 | $231 |
| South AustraliaSA Power Networks | 41.91c | $21.85 | $262 |
Running costs by oven size
| Type | Power | Cost an hour | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small oven, 2,000 W | 2,000 W | 66c | $173 |
| Standard oven, 2,400 W | 2,400 W | 80c | $207 |
| Large or pyrolytic oven, 3,600 W | 3,600 W | 119c | $311 |
The figures assume full power. An oven at a steady 180°C cycles its elements on and off, so over an hour it often draws well under its rated power. Fan-forced ovens cook at lower temperatures than conventional settings, which also saves energy.
Oven vs other ways to cook
| Appliance | Typical watts | Cost an hour |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | 1,800-3,800 | 60c-126c |
| Cooktop, per element | 1,200-2,400 | 40c-80c |
| Microwave | 800-1,500 | 27c-50c |
| Toaster | 600-1,000 | 20c-33c |
Per hour the oven is the most expensive, but the real comparison is per meal, because a microwave or air fryer cooks much faster. See our cheapest way to cook guide.
How to use the oven for less
Skip or shorten preheating
Many dishes such as casseroles and roasts do not need a fully preheated oven.
Keep the door shut
Each opening lets out heat the oven has to replace. Use the window and light.
Cook in batches
Fill the oven with several dishes at once, or cook extra for another night.
Turn it off early
The oven stays hot for 10 minutes or more after you switch it off.
Keep it clean
energy.gov.au suggests cleaning the oven about every three months to keep it working efficiently.
Questions about oven running costs
On full power, a 2,400 W oven costs about 80c an hour on the Ausgrid reference rate and a 3,600 W oven about 119c. The thermostat cycles the elements once hot, so a typical hour costs less.
The SA Government lists electric ovens at 1,800 W to 3,800 W. Your oven's rating is on the compliance plate or in the manual.
For small portions, usually. An air fryer draws less power and cooks faster. For a full tray or a family roast, the oven may be more practical and the cost per serve similar.
It uses energy before any food goes in. Many dishes cook fine without a full preheat. Baking that needs an exact temperature is the main exception.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.