What does it cost to run? In pence per hour.
Find out what your kettle, heater, tumble dryer or dehumidifier really costs to run in the UK. We use published wattage ranges and Ofgem's current rates, and show every sum.
Running cost guides
All guides →How much does it cost to run a fridge-freezer?
Energy label kWh by class, cost per day and year, and why real use differs from the label.
Read the guide →CookingAir fryer running cost vs oven, microwave and kettle
Lab-tested cost per dish, wattage ranges and when the oven still makes sense.
Read the guide →BathroomHow much does an electric shower cost to run?
7 kW to 10.8 kW showers per minute, per shower and per month, with a careful mixer comparison.
Read the guide →LaundryHow much does a washing machine cost per load?
Energy label kWh per 100 cycles, 20°C to 60°C washes and cost per load.
Read the guide →Home techHow much does it cost to run a TV?
Watts by size and screen type from energy labels, standby and cost per hour and year.
Read the guide →Home techHow much does a gaming PC cost to run?
Graphics card and processor power, hours-a-day examples, and PS5 and Xbox compared.
Read the guide →LaundryHow much does it cost to run a tumble dryer?
Vented, condenser and heat pump dryers compared per load, per hour and per year.
Read the guide →HeatingHow much does it cost to run an electric heater?
Oil-filled radiators, fan heaters and bar fires: cost per hour, evening and month.
Read the guide →Damp and laundryHow much does it cost to run a dehumidifier?
Compressor vs desiccant, cost per hour, per day and per litre of water.
Read the guide →Current Ofgem price cap rates
1 October to 31 December 2026 · GB average · Direct Debit · checked 29 October 2026
There is no VAT on electricity from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. Your own rate depends on your region, meter and how you pay. Ofgem will announce the January to March 2027 cap by 25 November 2026. Source: Ofgem price cap unit rates and standing charges.
Cost per hour at a glance
Typical (published) wattage ranges from Energy Savers, NEA and Meaco, at 26.32p per kWh on full power.
| Appliance | Power | Per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 2,500–3,000 W | 65.8p – 79.0p |
| Electric shower | 7,000–10,500 W | £1.84 – £2.76 |
| Oil-filled radiator | 1,500–2,500 W | 39.5p – 65.8p |
| Tumble dryer (vented or condenser) | 1,500–3,000 W | 39.5p – 79.0p |
| Microwave | 600–1,500 W | 15.8p – 39.5p |
| Dehumidifier (compressor) | 105–267 W | 2.8p – 7.0p |
| LCD / LED TV | 25–200 W | 0.66p – 5.3p |
| Fridge-freezer | 100–400 W | 2.6p – 10.5p |
Fridges, heaters and dryers switch on and off, so their real hourly cost is usually lower. Try 34 appliances →
One simple sum
Watts ÷ 1,000 × hours = kWh. kWh × your unit rate = cost. Every page shows its working. How we calculate
Ranges, not guesses
Appliances vary, so we give low, typical and high figures from named sources, with a link to each one.
Updated every price cap
Ofgem resets the cap every three months. We update the default rate and the "last updated" date when it changes.