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

Estimated yearly toaster oven cost -

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.