2026-27 rates are live. DMO, VDO and solar feed-in tariffs updated for July 2026. See what changed

Kitchen

Microwave Running Costs in Australia and Why They Are So Low

A microwave is one of the cheapest appliances in the kitchen to use. Here is what it costs on 2026-27 electricity prices and how it compares with the oven.

Checked against regulator sources, October 2026

Typical draw
1,100 W
Standard microwave
Usage assumed
100 kWh
a year
NSW cost
$33
a year, Ausgrid
Cost an hour
36c
NSW reference rate
watts
hrs
days

Use decimals for short times. 15 minutes is 0.25 hours.

State or territory

Microwave: cost a year

$33

36.5c an hour9.1c a day63.8c a week$2.77 a month
Energy usedper year100 kWh
Electricity priceAusgrid, flat rate33.14c
Share of a typical homeagainst 4,000 kWh a year3%
Cost a year, GST included$33.26

Appliances on a thermostat cycle on and off, so real use is often lower than the full power draw.

Prices are 2026-27 regulated rates including GST. Market offers can be cheaper. Estimates only.

What a microwave costs to run in each state

The table assumes a 1,100 W microwave used for 15 minutes a day.

Microwave: standard microwave, 1,100 w, 15 minutes a day, every day
StateRateA monthA year
TasmaniaAurora Energy24.75c$2.07$25
QueenslandEnergex27.97c$2.34$28
Victoriaaverage of five networks28.2c$2.36$28
Northern TerritoryJacana Energy31.68c$2.65$32
New South WalesAusgrid33.14c$2.77$33
Western AustraliaSynergy33.26c$2.78$33
Australian Capital TerritoryEvoenergy network36.95c$3.09$37
South AustraliaSA Power Networks41.91c$3.51$42
Flat regulated usage rate for each state's main network in 2026-27, including GST. Victoria uses the average of its five networks.

Running costs by microwave size

Running costs by type, 15 minutes a day, every day
TypePowerCost an hourA year
Small microwave, 800 W800 W27c$24
Standard microwave, 1,100 W1,100 W36c$33
Large microwave, 1,500 W1,500 W50c$45
Priced at the Ausgrid reference rate of 33.14c/kWh. Use the calculator for your own state and hours.

The output power advertised on the front, such as 1,000 W, is usually lower than the input power on the compliance plate at the back. The input figure is what you pay for.

Microwave or oven for reheating?

Reheating a meal: cost compared at the Ausgrid reference rate
MethodTimeCost
Microwave, 1,100 W4 minutes2c
Electric oven, 2,400 W20 minutes27c
Oven assumes a 2,400 W oven at full power for 20 minutes including warm-up. Real ovens cycle once hot.

The microwave wins because it heats only the food, and only for minutes. Our cheapest way to cook guide compares every kitchen appliance.

Standby use

A microwave's clock uses a small amount of standby power all day. If you do not use the clock, switching off at the wall removes it. See our standby power guide.

Questions about microwave running costs

About 0.6c for a 1,100 W microwave on the Ausgrid reference rate.

The SA Government lists microwaves at 800 W to 1,500 W of input power. Check the plate on the back of your microwave for its exact figure.

For reheating and small portions, yes, because it cooks in minutes and heats only the food. For large dishes the oven may be the only practical option.

Only if you do not need the clock. It removes a small standby draw, which adds up across many appliances.

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.