Toaster Oven Running Cost Calculator
Toaster ovens draw anywhere from 1,000 to 1,800 watts, so how much you actually spend depends on three things: how often you use the oven, how long each session runs, and what your utility charges per kilowatt-hour. This calculator lets you plug in all three to get a realistic yearly figure instead of a generic industry average.
Start with your sessions per week and the energy each session consumes in kWh. A typical 30-minute preheat-and-bake at 1,200 watts comes to about 0.6 kWh, but a quick toast cycle might be 0.1 kWh or less. Then enter your electricity rate, which you can find on your utility bill, often listed as the energy charge per kWh. The U.S. average sits near $0.17, but rates vary widely by state.
The calculator multiplies your sessions per week by 52 weeks, then by the kWh per session and your rate to produce an estimated yearly electricity cost. The result is an estimate based on the numbers you provide, not a measurement of any specific model.
Calculator
How the math works
Yearly cost = sessions per week x 52 weeks x kWh per session x your $/kWh rate
Every spec in this tool comes from the product data behind our Best Under $35: Elite Gourmet ETO236 (B09XWG4LW5); see how we choose.
U.S. residential electricity rates by state
The calculator's state dropdown uses these numbers. Download the full table as CSV.
Show all 51 states & rates
| Alabama | 17.15 |
| Alaska | 27.17 |
| Arizona | 15.59 |
| Arkansas | 13.63 |
| California | 33.35 |
| Colorado | 16.74 |
| Connecticut | 30.47 |
| Delaware | 17.64 |
| District of Columbia | 25.0 |
| Florida | 14.86 |
| Georgia | 15.01 |
| Hawaii | 42.23 |
| Idaho | 13.01 |
| Illinois | 18.86 |
| Indiana | 17.85 |
| Iowa | 13.42 |
| Kansas | 15.34 |
| Kentucky | 14.88 |
| Louisiana | 14.16 |
| Maine | 28.32 |
| Maryland | 22.2 |
| Massachusetts | 30.21 |
| Michigan | 21.2 |
| Minnesota | 15.08 |
| Mississippi | 16.3 |
| Missouri | 13.44 |
| Montana | 13.48 |
| Nebraska | 13.1 |
| Nevada | 14.17 |
| New Hampshire | 26.92 |
| New Jersey | 23.49 |
| New Mexico | 14.81 |
| New York | 28.55 |
| North Carolina | 16.0 |
| North Dakota | 11.95 |
| Ohio | 18.78 |
| Oklahoma | 13.56 |
| Oregon | 14.89 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.92 |
| Rhode Island | 29.91 |
| South Carolina | 16.45 |
| South Dakota | 14.29 |
| Tennessee | 15.08 |
| Texas | 16.39 |
| Utah | 13.17 |
| Vermont | 24.11 |
| Virginia | 17.05 |
| Washington | 14.4 |
| West Virginia | 16.37 |
| Wisconsin | 18.8 |
| Wyoming | 13.59 |
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A, March 2026. Retrieved 2026-06-10. U.S. average: 18.56 cents/kWh.
Frequently asked questions
How many kWh does a toaster oven use per session?
It depends on the wattage and how long the oven runs. A 1,200-watt oven running for 30 minutes uses 0.6 kWh. A 1,500-watt model running for the same time uses 0.75 kWh. Check your model's wattage on the label or spec sheet and multiply by the hours of actual use to get an accurate per-session figure.
Is a toaster oven cheaper to run than a full-size oven?
Generally yes, because a toaster oven heats a smaller space and reaches temperature faster. A standard range oven can draw 2,000 to 5,000 watts and takes longer to preheat, which adds up over time. For small batches and single servings, a toaster oven typically uses less energy than firing up a full oven.
Where do I find my electricity rate?
Your utility bill lists it as the energy charge, delivery charge, or supply rate, usually expressed in cents per kWh. If you see a total cost and total kWh used, divide the bill amount by the kWh to get a blended rate. Rates across the U.S. range from roughly $0.09 in some southern states to over $0.30 in Hawaii and parts of New England.
Does convection mode use more electricity?
Convection adds a small fan motor, typically 25 to 50 watts, but it often shortens cook time because it circulates hot air more efficiently. The net effect on your bill is usually neutral or slightly lower compared to the same recipe cooked in conventional mode, assuming you cut the cooking time or temperature as recommended.
Can I lower my toaster oven's running cost?
A few habits help. Avoid preheating longer than needed, since most toaster ovens reach temperature in five minutes or less. Batch small items together when possible to avoid multiple sessions. Keeping the interior clean also helps the oven heat evenly, which can reduce cook time and energy use over the long run.