APPLIANCE RUNNING COSTS · OCT–DEC 2026
How much does an electric hob cost to run?
Hob costs depend on how many rings you use and for how long. Each cooking zone has its own power rating, usually between about 1.2 and 2.2 kW. At the GB average price-cap electricity rate of 26.32p per kWh for October–December 2026, an electric hob costs about 47p an hour at full power, or 16p for a typical 20-minute meal.
PER HOUR
47pat 1,800 W, full powerPER MEAL
16p0.60 kWh over 20 minutesPER WEEK
£1.117 meals a week (assumed)PER YEAR
£58219 kWh at the assumed useWork out your own cost
Choose your region or type in your own unit rate, then change the wattage and hours to match your appliance and how you use it. It starts with a week at our assumed use, averaged to hours a day.
4.2 kWh over 7 days · about £0.16 a day
How much electricity it uses
- On a Bosch 60 cm ceramic hob (PKE611CA3E) the zones are rated 1.2, 1.2, 2.0 and 2.2 kW. On a Bosch induction hob (PUE611BB5B) they are 1.4 to 2.2 kW, with a boost of up to 3.7 kW.
- In the standard energy test these two Bosch hobs used 191 Wh per kg (ceramic) and 175 Wh per kg (induction): about 8% less energy for induction.
- Power levels below maximum switch the zone on and off or reduce its power, so full power for the whole time is an upper estimate.
| Example | Rated power | Per hour | Per meal | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower | 1,200 W | 32p | 11p | £38 |
| Typical | 1,800 W | 47p | 16p | £58 |
| Higher | 2,200 W | 58p | 19p | £70 |
Usage assumption: One ring at full power for 20 minutes a day. This is our illustration, not a measured average; change it in the calculator.
What drives the cost
- Number of rings in use and the power setting.
- Pan size and lids: heat lost from uncovered pans or a pan smaller than the zone is wasted.
How it compares
| Appliance | Typical use | Energy | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric hob (ceramic or induction) | 1 meal, 20 minutes | 0.60 kWh | 16p |
| Kettle | 1 boil, 2 minutes | 0.10 kWh | 2.6p |
| Microwave | 1 use, 5 minutes | 0.11 kWh | 2.8p |
| Electric oven | 1 use | 0.79 kWh | 21p |
Ways to spend less
- The Energy Saving Trust suggests covering pans with a lid to keep heat in.
- It also advises boiling water in the kettle before putting it on an electric hob.
Unit rates vary by region: this period they run from 25.36p per kWh in East Midlands to 27.86p in Merseyside and Northern Wales. See every region’s rate →
Questions
How much does an electric hob cost to run per hour?
At 26.32p per kWh (the GB average price-cap rate, October–December 2026, Direct Debit, 0% VAT), an electric hob rated at 1,800 W costs about 47p an hour at full power. Models from 1,200 W to 2,200 W cost 32p to 58p an hour.
How much does an electric hob cost to run a year?
It depends on how much you use it. Our assumption is one ring at full power for 20 minutes a day. At 26.32p per kWh that comes to about £58 a year (219 kWh). Change the hours or uses in the calculator to match your own.
Is induction cheaper to run than a ceramic hob?
Slightly, on the energy-label test: the induction hob we cite used about 8% less energy to heat the same load than the ceramic one. The bigger difference is usually how long you cook and whether you use lids.
Does the cost depend on where I live?
Yes, a little. Price-cap electricity unit rates for October–December 2026 range from 25.36p per kWh in East Midlands to 27.86p in Merseyside and Northern Wales. Pick your region in the calculator, or enter the unit rate from your bill if you are on a fixed or time-of-use tariff.
About these figures
Running costs are energy used × unit rate. They exclude the daily standing charge, which you pay whether or not the appliance runs. Costs per hour assume the appliance draws its full rated power the whole time; many appliances cycle on and off, so real use is often lower. Power ratings and energy figures are examples from the sources below, not a measured UK average.
Other appliances
Sources
- Bosch PKE611CA3E ceramic hob specification sheet (PDF) ↗Ceramic zones 1.2–2.2 kW; 6.6 kW connected load.
- Bosch PUE611BB5B induction hob specification sheet (PDF) ↗Induction zones 1.4–2.2 kW (boost up to 3.7 kW); 3.7 kW plug-in connected load.
- Bosch PKE611CA3E product information, Regulation 66/2014 (PDF) ↗Hob energy consumption 191 Wh/kg (radiant).
- Bosch PUE611BB5B product information, Regulation 66/2014 (PDF) ↗Hob energy consumption 175 Wh/kg (induction).
- Energy Saving Trust: air fryer vs oven, which cooking appliance is cheaper to run? ↗Cooking tips for ovens, hobs, air fryers, microwaves and slow cookers.
- Ofgem: energy price cap unit rates and standing charges ↗GB average electricity unit rate and VAT basis, October–December 2026.
Last updated 11 October 2026. Figures are dated benchmarks taken from the sources above. How we use sources →