Money Saving Kitchen Tips: How to Cut Energy Costs from Your Kitchen Appliances
Published 6th of August 2012·Updated 14 April 2026
Reviewed by: Reviewed for accuracy April 2026
Your kitchen appliances can account for a significant portion of your home's energy use, and older models are often far more expensive to run than their modern replacements. Switching to A-rated appliances, changing how you use them, and running them at the right times can cut hundreds of pounds from your annual energy bills.
Short Summary
The fridge freezer is the most expensive kitchen appliance to run because it never switches off. An old, inefficient model can cost two to three times more per year than a modern A-rated replacement.
Washing machines and dishwashers use both electricity and water. Running them on lower-temperature cycles and using eco modes significantly reduces the energy and water consumed per load.
Tumble dryers are the least efficient kitchen appliance by energy consumption. Using a heat pump tumble dryer instead of a vented or condenser model can cut the running cost by up to 50%.
Small behavioural changes such as only boiling the water you need, using a microwave instead of a full oven for small portions, and defrosting food overnight rather than using a microwave all add up over a year.
How much do kitchen appliances cost to run?
The Energy Saving Trust publishes running cost estimates for household appliances based on the UK average electricity rate. At the current Ofgem price cap rate of approximately 24.5p per kilowatt-hour (check the current rate at ofgem.gov.uk as this changes quarterly), typical annual running costs are:
| Appliance | Old inefficient model | Modern A-rated model | Estimated annual saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fridge freezer | £120-£180 | £30-£50 | Up to £130 |
| Washing machine | £70-£100 | £30-£45 | Up to £55 |
| Dishwasher | £60-£90 | £30-£50 | Up to £40 |
| Tumble dryer (vented) | £150-£200 | N/A | Switch to heat pump: save up to £100 |
| Electric oven | £60-£90 | £40-£60 | Up to £30 |
These are estimates based on average use. Your actual savings will depend on how often you use each appliance and your current energy tariff.
How do I save money on washing machine costs?
Washing at 30 degrees instead of 40 or 60 degrees uses around 40% less energy per cycle, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Modern detergents are formulated to clean effectively at lower temperatures, so there is no cleaning penalty for most everyday loads.
Running your washing machine during off-peak hours can also reduce costs if you are on a time-of-use electricity tariff such as Octopus Go or British Gas Electric Driver, where electricity is cheaper at night. Check with your supplier whether this type of tariff is available to you. Filling the machine to capacity on each wash rather than running partial loads also reduces the total number of cycles needed.
Are dishwashers cheaper to run than washing up by hand?
A modern A-rated dishwasher running on its eco cycle uses approximately 10-12 litres of water per load, which is considerably less than washing up by hand under a running tap, which can use 60 litres or more. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that using a dishwasher instead of hand washing under a running tap could save a typical household around £50 per year in water and energy costs.
Run the dishwasher only when it is full and use the eco programme rather than the standard or intensive cycle for everyday loads. Avoid using the heated drying function; opening the door at the end of the cycle and allowing dishes to air dry costs nothing.
Should I replace my fridge freezer to save money?
If your fridge freezer is more than 10 years old, replacing it is likely to save you money over the medium term. Modern A-rated fridge freezers are significantly more efficient than models built before 2012. A reasonable A-rated fridge freezer from Beko, Hotpoint, or AEG costs from around £300-£500 and can pay for itself in energy savings within a few years.
Keep the fridge at 4-5 degrees Celsius and the freezer at -18 degrees; both are the optimal temperatures for food safety and energy efficiency. Clean the coils on the back of the fridge regularly, as dust build-up reduces efficiency. Never place hot food directly into the fridge; let it cool to room temperature first.
How do I reduce tumble dryer running costs?
Tumble dryers are the single most energy-intensive kitchen appliance. If you use one regularly, switching to a heat pump tumble dryer from a vented or condenser model can cut the running cost by 40-50%. Heat pump dryers are more expensive to buy (typically £400-£700 for a reliable model from Miele or Bosch) but the running cost saving typically recovers the price premium within three to five years.
A sensor-drying function is also worth paying for. Rather than running for a fixed time, the dryer stops automatically once moisture levels drop to the set point, preventing over-drying and wasted energy. Where possible, line-dry clothes outside or on an indoor airer during warmer months; this costs nothing to run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which kitchen appliance uses the most electricity? The tumble dryer typically uses the most electricity per cycle, at around 4-5 kWh per load for a standard vented model. The fridge freezer uses the most electricity in total over the year because it runs continuously, typically consuming 100-200 kWh per year depending on its age and efficiency rating.
Is it cheaper to use a microwave or an oven? Yes, a microwave is significantly cheaper to run than a conventional oven. A standard microwave uses around 0.8-1.2 kWh per hour of use, while an electric fan oven uses 1.5-2.5 kWh. For reheating and cooking small portions, using the microwave instead of the oven can save you £30-£60 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
What does the energy rating on kitchen appliances mean? UK and EU appliance energy ratings run from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) as of 2021. Older appliances rated A+, A++, or A+++ have been reclassified under the new scale; many of those are now rated B or C under the updated system. When replacing an appliance, look for an A or B rating under the current scale.
Does running appliances at night save money? Only if you are on a time-of-use electricity tariff. Standard tariffs charge the same rate around the clock. Tariffs such as Octopus Go or Economy 7 charge a lower rate overnight (typically between midnight and 7am), which can make a significant difference if you run a dishwasher or washing machine at night. Check with your energy supplier whether you are eligible.
How much could I save by switching to more energy-efficient kitchen appliances? The total saving depends on the age and inefficiency of your current appliances. Households replacing a full set of old appliances (fridge freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, and tumble dryer) with modern A or B-rated models could save £200-£400 per year in energy costs, based on Energy Saving Trust estimates. Use the Trust's online calculator at energysavingtrust.org.uk to estimate your specific savings.