How much does a slow cooker cost to run?
A slow cooker averaging 150W on the low setting uses about 1.2 kWh over 8 hours, which costs about 32p at the Ofgem cap rate of 26.32p/kWh. On high, with a 250W average over 4 hours, it's about 26p. That is for a whole stew, casserole or chilli, often enough for several meals.
Prices last checked: 26 September 2026 · Source: Ofgem energy price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026 · Great Britain average, standard variable tariff, paid by Direct Debit
Slow cooker cost by setting
Slow cookers are usually rated somewhere between about 150W and 300W, depending on size. The label shows the maximum. On low, many models average less than that once the pot is hot. The rows use illustrative average draws.
| Setting | Average power | Time | Energy | Cost per cook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small pot, low | 100 W | 8 h | 0.8 kWh | 21p |
| Family pot, low | 150 W | 8 h | 1.2 kWh | 32p |
| Family pot, high | 250 W | 4 h | 1 kWh | 26p |
| Large pot, low, 10 h | 200 W | 10 h | 2 kWh | 53p |
Slow cooker vs oven vs hob
| Method for a casserole | Example energy | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Slow cooker, low, 8 h at 150W average | 1.2 kWh | 32p |
| Electric oven, 2.5 kW, 10 min preheat + 2.5 h at 40% after preheat | 2.9 kWh | 77p |
| Electric hob ring, 1.8 kW, 2 h simmer at 30% | 1.08 kWh | 28p |
The slow cooker usually beats the oven for long, slow dishes. Against a hob ring on a low simmer it can be close. The slow cooker's advantage there is convenience and safety: you can leave it running while you're out, which you shouldn't do with a pan on the hob.
Getting the most from each kWh
- Fill it properly. Most manuals recommend filling the pot between half and three-quarters full. A half-empty cooker still heats the whole pot.
- Keep the lid on. Only lift it when the recipe needs you to.
- Cook in bulk and freeze portions. Four meals from one 8-hour cook is cheaper per meal than four separate cooks of any kind.
- Low vs high costs similar amounts. Choose the setting for the food and your timing, not the cost.
Common mistakes
- Multiplying the maximum rating by eight hours. That's the ceiling. Actual use on low is often lower.
- Keep-warm left on all evening. It is lower power, but it isn't free. Switch off once you've served.
- Comparing with a gas hob using electricity prices. Gas is priced at 7.97p/kWh at the cap. A gas simmer costs less per kWh, though some of the flame's heat is lost around the pan.
Limits of this estimate
Average power on low and high is not published by most manufacturers, so the figures here are illustrative. Costs use the Ofgem cap average unit rate for Great Britain on Direct Debit.
Frequently asked questions
Is a slow cooker cheaper than an oven?
For long cooks, almost always. The oven heats a much bigger space at a much higher power.
How much does a slow cooker cost per hour?
At 150W, about 3.9p an hour. At the full rating of a 300W model, about 7.9p.
Is it cheaper to use low or high?
Roughly the same energy in the end. High delivers it faster, low spreads it out. Pick whichever suits the recipe and your day.