Microwaves are among the most convenient appliances in modern kitchens.
They heat food quickly and operate at lower power levels than ovens — but how much do they actually cost to run?
Let’s break down microwave electricity cost per minute, per hour, and per month.
Quick Answer
Most microwaves use:
👉 600 to 1,200 watts (0.6–1.2 kW)
At $0.16 per kWh:
1 kW for 1 hour = $0.16
But most microwave sessions last only 2–5 minutes.
Cost per minute:
1 kW ÷ 60 = 0.016 kWh
0.016 × $0.16 = $0.0025 per minute
👉 About 0.2–0.3 cents per minute
Typical 3-minute use:
👉 Less than 1 cent.
Average Electricity Cost per kWh by State (2026 U.S. Data)
Microwave Cost Per Use
| Usage Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 minute | $0.002 – $0.003 |
| 3 minutes | $0.006 – $0.01 |
| 10 minutes | $0.02 – $0.03 |
| 1 hour | $0.10 – $0.20 |
Microwaves are extremely inexpensive to operate.
Monthly Microwave Cost
If used 5 minutes per day:
5 × 30 = 150 minutes
150 minutes ≈ 2.5 hours
At $0.16 per kWh:
👉 $0.25 – $0.50 per month
Even heavy use rarely exceeds $1 per month.
Microwave vs Electric Oven
| Appliance | Cost per Hour |
|---|---|
| Microwave | $0.10 – $0.20 |
| Electric Oven | $0.30 – $0.80 |
How Much Does It Cost to Run an Electric Oven?
Microwaves are typically 3–5 times more energy-efficient for reheating small meals.
Why Microwaves Use Less Energy
- Short cooking times
- Targeted heating
- No full preheat required
- Smaller cavity space
They convert electricity directly into electromagnetic waves that heat food efficiently.
What Affects Microwave Energy Cost?
- Wattage rating
- Cooking duration
- Power setting used
- Age of appliance
Higher wattage models heat faster, often reducing total runtime.
Annual Cost Estimate
If used 5 minutes per day:
2.5 hours per month × 12 = 30 hours per year
At $0.15 per hour:
👉 About $4 – $6 per year
One of the cheapest appliances in any home.
FAQ
Does a microwave use a lot of electricity?
No. It is one of the cheapest kitchen appliances to operate.
Is a microwave cheaper than an oven?
Yes. It uses less energy and operates for shorter durations.
How much does it cost to run a microwave for 10 minutes?
Usually less than $0.03.
Does higher wattage mean higher cost?
Not necessarily — higher wattage often means shorter cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Running a microwave typically costs only a few cents per day.
For small meals or reheating food, microwaves are one of the most energy-efficient options available.
Understanding per-minute electricity cost helps you make smarter cooking decisions and reduce overall household energy use.
