How much does a slow cooker cost to run?
A typical slow cooker costs about 42.1p per meal to run. At 2 meals a week that is 84.2p a week, or £43.80 a year, based on 200 W for 8 hours (1.60 kWh) at 26.32p per kWh.
Adjust for your slow cooker
Worked example
200 W is 0.2 kW. Running for 8 hours uses 0.2 × 8 = 1.60 kWh. At 26.32p per kWh that costs 42.1p.
That is about the same energy as an hour in a 1.5 kW oven. Two meals a week comes to £43.80 a year, so batch cooking and freezing is where the saving comes from.
How to cut the cost
Slow cookers draw little power but run for hours. Fill the pot at least two thirds full, keep the lid on, and cook in batches you can freeze, which spreads the same energy over more portions.
Questions
Is a slow cooker cheaper than an oven?
It depends on the meal. A long, low cook uses about the same energy as an hour in the oven, so it wins when the alternative is two or three hours of oven time, such as stews and joints. For a quick meal the oven or microwave is cheaper.
Can I leave a slow cooker on all day?
They are designed for long cooking, and at 26.32p per kWh a full eight hours costs 42.1p. Follow the maker's instructions on cooking time.
Other appliances
Electricity rate: Ofgem energy price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026, Great Britain average, Direct Debit, default tariff: 26.32p per kWh. Your own tariff and region may differ, so change the rate above to match your bill. Appliance figures are typical estimates; your appliance's energy label or manual is more accurate. Last checked 2026-11-03. Next review: January 2027, when Ofgem announces the next quarter's cap.