APPLIANCE RUNNING COSTS · OCT–DEC 2026
How much does an iron cost to run?
Steam irons are rated at 2.6 kW or more, but the thermostat switches the soleplate off once it is hot, so real use is lower than the rating suggests. At the GB average price-cap electricity rate of 26.32p per kWh for October–December 2026, an iron costs about 68p an hour at full power, or 34p for a typical 30-minute session.
PER HOUR
68pat 2,600 W, full powerPER SESSION
34p1.30 kWh over 30 minutesPER WEEK
68p2 sessions a week (assumed)PER YEAR
£36136 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.
2.6 kWh over 7 days · about £0.10 a day
How much electricity it uses
- Tefal steam irons are rated at 2,600 W (Express Steam FV2840) and 2,800 W (Ultragliss Anti-Calc Plus FV6848).
- An iron’s thermostat cycles the element once it reaches temperature, so cost at full power is an upper estimate.
| Example | Rated power | Per hour | Per session | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical | 2,600 W | 68p | 34p | £36 |
| Higher | 2,800 W | 74p | 37p | £38 |
Usage assumption: Two 30-minute ironing sessions a week at full power. This is our illustration, not a measured average; change it in the calculator.
What drives the cost
- Temperature setting and steam use.
- Ironing in one session saves repeated heat-ups.
How it compares
| Appliance | Typical use | Energy | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 1 session, 30 minutes | 1.30 kWh | 34p |
| Hair dryer | 1 use, 10 minutes | 0.37 kWh | 9.7p |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1 session, 30 minutes | 0.45 kWh | 12p |
Ways to spend less
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 iron cost to run per hour?
At 26.32p per kWh (the GB average price-cap rate, October–December 2026, Direct Debit, 0% VAT), an iron rated at 2,600 W costs about 68p an hour at full power. Models from 2,600 W to 2,800 W cost 68p to 74p an hour.
How much does an iron cost to run a year?
It depends on how much you use it. Our assumption is two 30-minute ironing sessions a week at full power. At 26.32p per kWh that comes to about £36 a year (136 kWh). Change the hours or uses in the calculator to match your own.
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
- Tefal Express Steam iron FV2840G0 ↗2,600 W.
- Tefal Ultragliss Anti-Calc Plus FV6848G0 steam iron ↗2,800 W.
- 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 →