Electric stoves have become a popular cooking option in many households since they are reliable and convenient. But how much electricity does an electric stove use per month? Knowing how much energy your electric stove uses is essential for managing energy consumption and enhancing efficiency.
In the post, we will discuss how much energy an electric stove uses, the factors that affect electricity usage, and offer energy efficiency tips on maximizing energy efficiency.
Let’s get started!
How Much Electricity Does an Electric Stove Use?
To understand electric stove power consumption, we need to look at two terms: nominal and effective power. Nominal power is the maximum power your electric stove can deliver. This is the power indicated on the appliance; it is often between 2 and 5 kW for an electric stove.
Image Source: dominatekitchen.com
However, the cooktop doesn’t always work at nominal or 100 percent of its power rating when preparing your meal. It temporarily shuts down to avoid overheating the internal coil and your pot once the cooktop’s temperature is reached. So, electric stoves draw less power than their rated power. This is referred to as effective power.
To illustrate, let’s consider preparing a meal on the second-smallest burner or cooktop for an hour. Your stove’s hotplate might not always use as many watts as its rated power. The first few minutes of using your electric stove to get the water in the pot to boil would use the most power. After that, the stove would periodically shut down, but only after the desired temperature.
In this case, the electric stove only worked for 45 minutes of the time it was in use.
This means that:
Nominal Power: 2 kW
Effective Power = 2 kW X ¾ = 1.5 kW
This effective power means the electric stove delivers about 1.5 kW per hour.
How to Calculate Electric Stove Power Consumption Per Month
To calculate the power consumption of your electric range, you first need to check its power rating. As mentioned, it’s usually printed on the stove or in the manual.
Image Source: ckamgmt.com
Let’s assume your stove has a power rating of 2000 watts.
You will need to determine the average amount of time you use the stove daily.
Let’s assume you use your stove for 2 hours per day.
For an average daily cost, multiply the electric stove’s power rating by the daily usage time.
Therefore;
2,000 watts x 2 hours = 4,000 watt-hours (Wh) per day.
To get the monthly consumption, multiply the daily power usage by the number of days in that particular month.
Let’s assume the month has 30 days.
So, it will be 4,000 Wh x 30 days = 120,000 Wh, or 120 kWh per month.
Note that this is only an estimate based on average usage.
How Many Amps Does an Electric Stove Use?
The average amp consumption of an electric stove range is between 30 and 60. This is much like home appliances like your electric heater and HVAC system. The outlet for an electric stove, however, has specific wiring requirements in contrast to the regular wall outlets present throughout your home.
In contrast to the other 30 to 60-amp appliances, electric stoves often need to be connected to an outlet instead of having their wiring done by a skilled technician.
Electric Stove vs. Gas Stove Energy Consumption
Electric and gas stoves vary in energy consumption because of their different energy sources.
Image Source: homeguide.com
Electric stoves get their energy from electricity. Electric stoves’ energy might vary depending on the stove’s cooking duration and power rating. The average electricity rate of an electric stove is 2 to 3 kilowatts (kW) per hour while in use.
Gas stoves get their energy from either propane or natural gas. The energy consumption of a gas stove is usually measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Burners on gas stoves often offer a range of heat outputs, usually 5,000 to 15,000 BTUs. The specific energy consumption depends on the cooking time, the burner’s heat output, and the flame’s adjustment. A gas stove burner can use 7,000 to 10,000 BTUs per hour.
Factors that Affect Electricity Stove Power Consumption
Image Source: nytimes.com
1. Power Rating
The power rating of an electric stove, often expressed in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW), indicates the stove’s energy usage capacity and how much electricity it will require from the power source.
Electric stoves have different power ratings depending on the model, size, and features. Each burner’s power rating can range from 1,200 watts (1.2 kW) to 2,400 watts (2.4 kW), with some stoves having even higher power ratings for special applications. Higher-power-rated stoves often require more electricity than stoves with lower ratings.
2. Heat Setting
The heat setting on an electric stovetop usually refers to the level of heat at which the stove’s heating elements operate. The settings allow you to control the intensity of the stove’s heat and adjust it depending on your cooking needs.
By adjusting the heat setting, you can regulate the stove’s temperature. A higher heat setting will supply more energy to the heating elements, increasing electricity consumption.
3. Duration of Use
The term duration of use usually refers to the time the electric stove is actively used for heating or cooking purposes.
The longer you keep the portable electric stove on, the more energy it will consume. The amount of energy used is directly proportional to the duration of use. For instance, utilizing the stove for an hour will use more energy than using it for 30 minutes.
4. Number of Burners
The number of burners can vary depending on the model and size of the stove. When an electric stove is turned on, each burner operates independently.
Image Source: whirlpool.com
Using multiple burners simultaneously will increase electric stove power consumption since each burner operates independently. The stove’s running cost increases proportionately with the number of burners used. So, the more burners you have active simultaneously, the higher the electricity usage will be.
5. Cookware Type
Another factor that affects how many watts an electric stove uses is the type of cookware being used. Cookware with flat bottoms that are well-matched with the stove’s heating elements transfers heat more efficiently, saving energy. We recommend using cookware with a flat, smooth bottom that makes great contact with the heating element to help optimize energy efficiency and lower power consumption.
6. Stove Age and Efficiency
Older electric stoves may be less energy efficient compared to newer models. Design and technology advancements have led to more efficient electric stoves with enhanced insulation, advanced control systems, and better heat distribution. If you are using older electric stoves, it might be why you have a high electric bill per month.
Energy Saving Tips to Reduce Electric Stove Electricity Usage
Image Source: pbs.org
1. Optimize Cookware Selection
Use cookware with a thick, flat bottom that fits the size of the heating element. Using thick, flat-bottom pots might help prevent energy waste by ensuring equal heat distribution. Materials such as aluminum or copper cores with stainless steel are excellent options for energy-efficient cooking.
2. Match Pot Sizes to Burner Sizes
When using multiple burners at the same time, ensure the pan or pot size matches the burner size. Using a small pot on a large burner may result in energy loss.
3. Unplug When Not in Use
When you are done cooking, unplug your stove or turn off the power at the outlet. This reduces energy loss by eliminating standby energy usage.
4. Invest in Energy-Efficient Stove
Look for electric stoves that have Energy Star certification. Energy Star is a program that usually identifies and promotes energy-efficient products. Stoves with Energy Star certification adhere to strict energy efficiency standards and can help you save energy and reduce power costs.
5. Keep the Stove Clean
A clean stove usually operates more effectively. Clean the cooktop, burners, and reflectors often to remove spills or food residue that could hinder heat transfer and increase cooking times.
Frequently Asked Questions: How Much Electricity Does an Electric Stove Use Per Month?
1. How Much Does it Cost to Run a Stove Per Month?
The average electricity cost of running an electric stove is between $0.07 and $0.32 per kilowatt-hour. As a result, the cost of an electric burner is often higher than a gas burner’s. You can expect to pay about $11 monthly for each hour of average daily use.
2. How Many Kilowatts Does a Stove Use Per Hour?
An electric stove usually contributes a significant amount to electricity bills. This kitchen appliance uses about 2000 to 3000 watts, or 2 to 3 kW per hour, to generate the right temperature for cooking food.
3. Does the Oven or Stove Use More Electricity?
Depending on the length of time you are cooking, and the size of your electric oven or stove, the energy used can vary significantly. An electric stove, for instance, can use between 1,000 and 3,000 watts, while regular ovens can consume between 2,000 and 5,000 watts of electricity.
