Calculate your cost
Start with the example below, then replace the wattage, daily runtime, and rate with the numbers for your slow cooker.
This setup uses about 36 kWh in a 30-day month.
Please enter valid values within the ranges shown.
| Schedule | Hours/day | Cost/month |
|---|---|---|
| Half runtime | 3 | $3.39 |
| Page example | 6 | $6.78 |
| Longer runtime | 9 | $10.17 |
Same 200-watt input and 18.83¢/kWh rate; only runtime changes.
Formula for the page example
0.2 kW × 6 hr × $0.1883 = $0.23 per day
Convert watts to kilowatts, multiply by the active hours used each day, then multiply by the electricity price in dollars per kWh. Multiply the daily result by 30 for the monthly estimate shown above.
How to read this estimate
A slow cooker applies steady, low heat over several hours. Despite running all day, its low wattage keeps the total electricity use well below that of a conventional electric oven.
Use this as a baseline until you can check the label or measure the slow cooker directly. Model, settings, condition, climate, and household routine can all change the result.
What changes the cost?
- 01
Cooking duration and selected heat setting
- 02
Appliance size and heating element efficiency
- 03
How well the lid seals in heat
Ways to spend less
- Resist lifting the lid, which releases heat and extends cooking time.
- Use the right-sized cooker for the meal.
- Thaw ingredients first instead of cooking them from frozen.