The Most Expensive Appliances to Run in the UK: 2026 Cost Rankings

Published 10th February 2026

Every UK household has appliances quietly adding to the electricity bill day after day. But which ones are the real energy hogs? With electricity prices remaining a significant household expense in 2026, understanding which appliances cost the most to run can help you make smarter choices and save hundreds of pounds per year.

In this article, we rank the most expensive appliances to run in a typical UK home, using the current average electricity rate of approximately 24.5p per kWh under the Q1 2026 energy price cap. These costs assume typical usage patterns for an average household.

1. Tumble Dryer: Around £130 to £180 Per Year

The tumble dryer consistently tops the list of expensive appliances. A condenser tumble dryer typically uses between 4 and 5 kWh per cycle. If you run it four times a week, that adds up to around 832 to 1,040 kWh per year.

Typical annual cost: A condenser dryer used 4 times per week costs roughly £150 to £180 per year. A heat pump dryer uses about half the energy, costing around £70 to £90 annually.

Heat pump tumble dryers are significantly more efficient, using about 2 kWh per cycle. While they cost more upfront, the energy savings often pay for the difference within two to three years. If you are replacing your dryer, a heat pump model is well worth the extra investment.

To save even more, consider using an outdoor washing line or indoor airer when the weather allows. A heated airer uses around 0.3 kWh per hour and can dry a full load overnight for just a few pence.

2. Electric Heater: £100 to £350+ Per Year

Portable electric heaters are some of the most power-hungry devices in any home. A standard 2kW fan heater running for four hours a day during the colder months (roughly October to March, about 180 days) will use approximately 1,440 kWh over the winter.

Typical annual cost: A 2kW electric heater used for 4 hours daily over winter costs approximately £350. Even running it for 2 hours a day adds up to around £175 per year.

Oil-filled radiators are slightly more efficient because they retain heat after being switched off, but they still consume significant electricity. If you rely on electric heating, consider whether improving your home insulation or draught-proofing might be a more cost-effective long-term solution. Heated blankets use only around 100W and can keep you warm for a fraction of the cost.

3. Electric Oven: Around £80 to £120 Per Year

A conventional electric oven uses between 2 and 2.5 kWh per use. For a household that uses the oven five times a week, that works out at roughly 520 to 650 kWh per year.

Typical annual cost: An electric oven used 5 times per week costs roughly £95 to £120 per year. Using it 3 times per week brings this down to around £60 to £75.

Air fryers have become hugely popular in the UK, partly because they use far less energy than a full-size oven. A typical air fryer uses around 1.5 kWh per use and cooks food faster, meaning it could cut your cooking energy costs by 50% or more for suitable meals. Slow cookers are another efficient alternative, using just 0.7 kWh over an eight-hour cooking session.

4. Kettle: Around £40 to £60 Per Year

The humble kettle might seem innocuous, but British households boil their kettles an average of four to five times a day. A typical kettle uses about 0.1 kWh per boil (assuming you are boiling the right amount of water and not filling it to the brim each time).

Typical annual cost: Boiling a kettle 4 times daily costs around £36 per year. Heavy tea drinkers boiling 6 to 8 times per day could spend £55 to £70 annually.

The key to saving money with your kettle is only boiling the water you need. Studies suggest that 40% of people regularly overfill their kettles. By boiling just the right amount, you could reduce your kettle energy use by a third. Some newer kettles also have variable temperature settings, which use less energy when you do not need a full rolling boil.

5. Gaming PC: Around £60 to £150 Per Year

A high-end gaming PC can draw between 300W and 600W under load, with the monitor adding another 30 to 80W depending on size. For an avid gamer playing four hours a day, a 500W system will use approximately 730 kWh per year.

Typical annual cost: A gaming PC used for 4 hours daily at 500W costs around £110 per year. Casual gamers using a less powerful system for 2 hours daily might spend £35 to £50.

Modern GPUs and CPUs are increasingly power-efficient, so upgrading older components can sometimes reduce energy use while improving performance. Enabling power-saving modes when not gaming, and switching off the system fully rather than leaving it on standby, can also make a meaningful difference over the course of a year.

Other Notable Energy Consumers

Beyond the top five, several other appliances contribute meaningfully to your annual electricity bill:

Fridge-freezer: Running 24/7, a typical model uses 200 to 400 kWh per year, costing £50 to £100. An A-rated model will be at the lower end.
Washing machine: Around 130 to 200 kWh per year for a household doing five loads a week, costing £32 to £50. Washing at 30 degrees instead of 40 degrees saves about 40% of the energy per wash.
Dishwasher: Roughly 180 to 250 kWh per year if used daily, costing £44 to £61. Using the eco cycle reduces both water and energy consumption significantly.
Television: A large modern TV uses about 80 to 150 kWh per year, costing £20 to £37, though older plasma screens could be double that.
Immersion heater: If you rely on an electric immersion heater for hot water, this can cost £300 to £500 per year depending on usage. A timer is essential to avoid unnecessary heating.

How to Reduce Your Appliance Running Costs

Knowing which appliances cost the most is the first step. Here are practical ways to cut your energy spending:

Check energy ratings: When replacing appliances, always choose the highest energy rating you can afford. The difference between a D-rated and A-rated appliance can save you £30 to £100 per year per appliance.
Use a smart plug with energy monitoring: Devices like the TP-Link Tapo P110 or Shelly Plug S let you see exactly how much each appliance is costing you in real time.
Switch to off-peak tariffs: If you have a smart meter, consider a time-of-use tariff where electricity is cheaper at night. Running your dishwasher, washing machine, or tumble dryer during off-peak hours can save 30% to 50% on those cycles.
Eliminate standby waste: UK households waste an estimated £60 to £80 per year on standby power. Switch devices off at the wall when not in use.
Use our calculator: Our free energy cost calculator lets you enter your specific appliances, wattages, and usage patterns to get a personalised cost breakdown.

The Bottom Line

Heating and drying appliances dominate the list of expensive items to run because they convert electricity directly into heat, which requires enormous amounts of energy. By understanding where your money goes, you can prioritise upgrades, change habits, and potentially save £200 to £400 per year on your electricity bills without sacrificing comfort.

Use our energy cost calculator to work out exactly what your appliances are costing you and identify the biggest opportunities for savings in your home.