Running costs for common home appliances in the UK range from £22.37 to £67.38 a year for fridges and fridge freezers, while tumble dryers vary widely by type: a heat pump model costs 31.3p–41.1p per cycle compared with 83.4p for a vented dryer. All figures below are worked out at Ofgem's 26.32p/kWh GB average electricity rate for Direct Debit customers (VAT not included), for 1 October to 31 December 2026.
UK Appliance Running Costs: Reference Table
| Appliance |
Energy use (label figure) |
Cost to run at 26.32p per kWh |
Example: 200 cycles a year |
| Washing machine |
45–78 kWh per 100 cycles |
11.8p–20.5p per wash |
£23.69–£41.06 a year |
| Washer dryer (wash and dry) |
307–324 kWh per 100 cycles |
80.8p–85.3p per cycle |
£161.60–£170.55 a year |
| Washer dryer (wash only) |
55–69 kWh per 100 cycles |
14.5p–18.2p per wash |
£28.95–£36.32 a year |
| Tumble dryer, heat pump |
119–156 kWh per 100 cycles |
31.3p–41.1p per cycle |
£62.64–£82.12 a year |
| Tumble dryer, vented |
317 kWh per 100 cycles |
83.4p per cycle |
£166.87 a year |
| Tumble dryer, condenser |
No label figure |
Depends on use |
- |
| Dishwasher |
63–77 kWh per 100 cycles |
16.6p–20.3p per cycle |
£33.16–£40.53 a year |
| Fridge freezer |
197–256 kWh a year |
£51.85–£67.38 a year |
Runs all year |
| Upright freezer (under-counter) |
168 kWh a year |
£44.22 a year |
Runs all year |
| Chest freezer |
No label figure |
Depends on use |
- |
| Fridge |
85–150 kWh a year |
£22.37–£39.48 a year |
Runs all year |
| Induction or ceramic hob |
No label figure |
Depends on use |
- |
| Microwave |
No label figure |
Depends on use |
- |
The 200-cycles column is an illustration only (roughly four uses a week) and is not an average. Figures are for the models listed on our store on 31 October 2026.
How to Work Out Your Own Appliance's Running Cost
The formula is straightforward: multiply the appliance's kWh figure by your unit rate, then divide by 100 to convert pence to pounds. In full: cost (£) = kWh × unit rate in pence ÷ 100. If you are on a different tariff, swap in the unit rate shown on your energy bill.
Worked example 1 — fridge freezer (yearly cost): The Hotpoint No Frost 50/50 Fridge Freezer - White - 54CM - 270L shows 197 kWh a year on its energy label. At 26.32p: 197 × 26.32 ÷ 100 = £51.85 a year.
Worked example 2 — washing machine (cost per wash): The Hotpoint Anti Stain 7kg Washing Machine - Graphite - A Rated shows 45 kWh per 100 cycles. Per wash: 45 ÷ 100 × 26.32p = 11.8p per cycle. Over 200 washes: £23.69 a year.
Laundry Appliances
Washing machines cost 11.8p–20.5p per eco-programme wash based on in-stock models. Washer dryers cost considerably more when used on a combined wash-and-dry cycle — 80.8p–85.3p — though wash-only use brings that down to 14.5p–18.2p per wash. The biggest difference in the laundry category is between tumble dryer types: a heat pump model uses 119–156 kWh per 100 cycles versus 317 kWh for a vented model, a gap of 161–198 kWh per 100 cycles. For more, see our guides to washing machine running costs, washer dryer energy labels, tumble dryer running costs, and heat pump vs condenser dryers compared. Browse washing machines, washer dryers, and tumble dryers.
Kitchen Appliances
Dishwashers cost 16.6p–20.3p per cycle based on in-stock models. Induction and ceramic hobs have no energy label, so there is no official label figure to include in the table; the same applies to microwaves. For running-cost comparisons where label data exists, see our guide to dishwasher energy costs and induction vs ceramic hob running costs. Browse dishwashers, ovens, hobs, and induction hobs.
Fridges and Freezers
Fridges and freezers run continuously, so the figure that matters is annual kWh rather than cost per cycle. Fridge freezers in our current range use 197–256 kWh a year (£51.85–£67.38). The under-counter upright freezer uses 168 kWh a year (£44.22), and fridges in stock use 85–150 kWh a year (£22.37–£39.48). For a comparison of freezer types, see our guide to chest freezer vs upright freezer and energy-efficient appliances and annual savings. Browse fridge freezers, freezers, and fridges.
Method and Sources
Costs use Ofgem's average electricity unit rate of 26.32p per kWh for 1 October to 31 December 2026: GB average (England, Scotland and Wales), Direct Debit, standard variable tariff, VAT not included on electricity for this period. Sources: Ofgem price cap changes 1 October to 31 December 2026 and Ofgem unit rates and standing charges.
Energy figures are official energy label figures from the EU product database EPREL for in-stock models, measured on the standard eco programme for washing machines, washer dryers, tumble dryers and dishwashers. Real energy use varies with programme selection, load size, and water temperature. The daily standing charge is not part of any per-appliance cost in this table; it applies regardless of how much electricity you use.
Ofgem updates the price cap every three months. Ofgem will announce the next cap by 25 November 2026, and it applies from 1 January 2027; we will update this table at that point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a fridge freezer cost to run a year?
Based on in-stock models, a fridge freezer costs between £51.85 and £67.38 a year to run at Ofgem's current unit rate of 26.32p per kWh. The range reflects the energy label figures of 197–256 kWh a year for models currently in stock. Because a fridge freezer runs continuously, annual kWh is the most useful figure to compare.
How much does it cost to run a tumble dryer per cycle?
It depends on the type. A heat pump tumble dryer costs 31.3p–41.1p per cycle based on in-stock models. A vented tumble dryer costs 83.4p per cycle. Over 200 cycles a year, that comes to £166.87 for the vented model versus £62.64–£82.12 for a heat pump model.
Is a heat pump tumble dryer cheaper to run than a vented one?
Yes. In-stock heat pump models use 119–156 kWh per 100 cycles, compared with 317 kWh for the vented model — a difference of 161–198 kWh per 100 cycles. At 26.32p per kWh, a vented dryer costs 83.4p per cycle versus 31.3p–41.1p for a heat pump equivalent.
How much does a washing machine cost per wash?
Based on in-stock models run on their eco programme, a washing machine costs between 11.8p and 20.5p per cycle. The lower figure applies to the most efficient model in stock (45 kWh per 100 cycles); the higher figure reflects the least efficient (78 kWh per 100 cycles). Over 200 washes a year, the annual cost ranges from £23.69 to £41.06.
Why does the standing charge not appear in the table?
The standing charge — currently 54.83p a day — is a fixed daily cost applied to your bill regardless of how much electricity you use. It is not linked to any individual appliance, so including it in a per-appliance table would be misleading. The figures in this table reflect only the electricity each appliance consumes, at 26.32p per kWh.
Written by Go Assist. Last updated 31 October 2026.
