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

Kitchen

Slow Cooker Running Costs in Australia on Low and High Heat

Slow cookers run all day but draw very little power. Here is what a meal costs on 2026-27 electricity prices, and how that compares with the oven.

Checked against regulator sources, October 2026

Typical draw
180 W
Low setting
Usage assumed
150 kWh
a year
NSW cost
$50
a year, Ausgrid
Cost an hour
6c
NSW reference rate
watts
hrs
days

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

State or territory

Slow cooker: cost a year

$50

6c an hour13.6c a day95.4c a week$4.15 a month
Energy usedper year150 kWh
Electricity priceAusgrid, flat rate33.14c
Share of a typical homeagainst 4,000 kWh a year4%
Cost a year, GST included$49.76

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 slow cooker costs to run in each state

The table assumes a slow cooker on low for eight hours, twice a week.

Slow cooker: low setting, 8 hours a day, 2 days a week
StateRateA monthA year
TasmaniaAurora Energy24.75c$3.10$37
QueenslandEnergex27.97c$3.50$42
Victoriaaverage of five networks28.2c$3.53$42
Northern TerritoryJacana Energy31.68c$3.96$48
New South WalesAusgrid33.14c$4.15$50
Western AustraliaSynergy33.26c$4.16$50
Australian Capital TerritoryEvoenergy network36.95c$4.62$55
South AustraliaSA Power Networks41.91c$5.24$63
Flat regulated usage rate for each state's main network in 2026-27, including GST. Victoria uses the average of its five networks.

Low, high and large cookers

Running costs by type, 8 hours a day, 2 days a week
TypePowerCost an hourA year
Low setting180 W6c$50
High setting260 W9c$72
Large cooker on high350 W12c$97
Priced at the Ausgrid reference rate of 33.14c/kWh. Use the calculator for your own state and hours.

A low setting takes longer but draws less, so the energy for a dish ends up in a similar range on either setting. Pick the setting that suits your day.

Slow cooker or oven for a casserole?

One casserole, two ways, at the Ausgrid reference rate
MethodTimeCost
Slow cooker on low, 180 W8 hours48c
Electric oven, 2,400 W2 hours159c
Oven at full power for the whole time is the worst case. A thermostat lowers its real draw.

Even allowing for the oven cycling once it is hot, the slow cooker usually uses less energy for long, wet dishes such as stews, curries and soups. See our cheapest way to cook guide for the full picture.

Cook while power is cheap

On a time-of-use plan or with solar, starting the slow cooker in the morning means most of its cooking happens in the cheaper middle of the day.

Questions about slow cooker running costs

On low at about 180 W, around 48c on the Ausgrid reference rate. On high at about 260 W, around 69c, though high usually finishes sooner.

For long, slow dishes, yes. A slow cooker draws a fraction of an oven's power, so eight hours in a slow cooker often uses less energy than two hours in an oven.

Most draw between about 150 W and 350 W depending on size and setting. The rating is on the base.

They are designed to run unattended for long periods. Follow the maker's instructions, keep it on a clear bench away from walls, and do not use a damaged cord.

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.