Running a stove for an hour typically costs about $0.05-$0.80, depending on whether it is gas or electric and whether the oven or a burner is operating. Local utility rates, appliance power, and how often an oven’s heating element cycles are the main cost drivers.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric cooktop burner | $0.15 | $0.35 | $0.70 | One burner, roughly 1-3 kW |
| Electric oven | $0.25 | $0.50 | $0.85 | Heating element cycles on and off |
| Gas burner | $0.03 | $0.12 | $0.30 | One burner, gas rate and BTU output vary |
| Gas oven | $0.10 | $0.20 | $0.35 | Gas use plus small electrical draw |
Typical hourly cost for electric and gas stoves
For a household paying around $0.16 per kilowatt-hour for electricity and $1.50 per therm for natural gas, one electric burner often costs $0.15-$0.50 per hour. A full-size electric oven commonly costs $0.25-$0.70 per hour after accounting for thermostat cycling. Gas burners usually cost a few cents to about $0.20 per hour; a gas oven commonly falls around $0.10-$0.30.
As a broad comparison, electric oven use often costs more per hour than a gas burner, but the appliance and cooking task matter.
Assumptions: Typical U.S. utility rates, one cooking zone or oven in use, and no unusual demand charges.
What electricity, gas, and appliance use add to the bill
The basic estimate is energy consumed multiplied by the utility’s rate. An electric burner rated at 2 kW running continuously for an hour uses 2 kWh; at $0.16 per kWh, that is $0.32. In practice, lower settings and cycling can reduce actual consumption.
A gas burner rated at 10,000 BTU per hour uses about 0.1 therm in an hour, before accounting for flame adjustment. At $1.50 per therm, that is about $0.15. Electric igniters, clocks, and displays use little compared with the heating fuel.
| Quote component | Typical rate | Hourly example | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $0.12-$0.30 per kWh | $0.18-$0.90 for 1.5-3 kW | Utility plan and power setting |
| Natural gas | $0.80-$2.50 per therm | $0.06-$0.45 for 7,000-18,000 BTU | Local gas rate and burner size |
| Oven preheating | About 2-5 kW while heating | $0.10-$0.40 for 20-30 minutes | Starting temperature and oven size |
| Small electrical draw | Usually under 0.1 kWh | Usually under $0.02 | Ignition, controls, and lighting |
Hourly estimates should use the energy rate on the utility bill, not the bill’s total divided by appliance hours.
How burner size, oven temperature, and fuel change the price
Electric surface elements commonly range from about 1,200 to 3,000 watts. A 3 kW element used at full power for an hour costs $0.36-$0.90 at electricity rates of $0.12-$0.30 per kWh. Lower settings do not always use power steadily; thermostatic controls switch the element on and off.
Gas burners are often rated around 7,000-18,000 BTU per hour, with high-output burners sometimes exceeding that. An oven set to 400°F generally uses more energy during preheating than after reaching temperature. Insulation, door openings, cookware, and a cold starting point also affect use. Rate, wattage or BTU rating, and time at full output are the most useful figures for estimating cost.
Why regional utility rates shift stove costs
Electricity prices vary substantially by state and utility. At $0.12 per kWh, a 2 kW burner running continuously costs $0.24 per hour; at $0.30 per kWh, it costs $0.60. A gas burner using 10,000 BTU per hour costs about $0.08 at $0.80 per therm, compared with $0.25 at $2.50 per therm.
These examples exclude taxes, fixed monthly service fees, and time-of-use surcharges that may apply. Using the marginal rate shown on the bill gives a more useful estimate than relying on a national average.
Three hourly stove-use estimates with real appliance ratings
| Scenario | Calculation | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2 kW electric burner, 60 minutes | 2 kWh × $0.16 | $0.32 |
| 5 kW electric oven, 30 minutes heating at full draw | 2.5 kWh × $0.16 | $0.40 |
| 10,000-BTU gas burner, 60 minutes | 0.1 therm × $1.50 | $0.15 |
Oven elements cycle, so the second example is a high-side estimate for an oven that reaches temperature before the full 30 minutes end. Actual use can be lower when the element is off between heating cycles.
Which prep and cooking choices lower the hourly charge
Use a burner that matches the pan’s base, keep lids on pots when practical, and avoid leaving a high-output burner on after food is ready. For an oven, limit door openings and cook multiple dishes together when temperatures are compatible. A toaster oven or microwave may use less energy for small portions, although results depend on appliance wattage and cooking time.
Preheating is not needed for every recipe; following the recipe’s instructions avoids unnecessary heating. These steps do not change the utility’s price per unit, but can reduce the number of kilowatt-hours or therms consumed. Reducing full-power operating time is the most direct way to lower stove energy expense.
How to estimate a month of stove use
Multiply the hourly estimate by the number of hours used and by the applicable utility rate, then add the results for each appliance or fuel. For example, a 2 kW electric burner used 30 minutes a day for 30 days consumes 30 kWh. At $0.16 per kWh, the monthly energy charge is about $4.80.
For a gas burner using 10,000 BTU per hour for the same 15 total hours, usage is about 1.5 therms. At $1.50 per therm, fuel costs about $2.25, excluding small electrical use and fixed service fees. Separate oven and burner hours for a closer estimate than treating the stove as one appliance.