The most expensive appliances to run in the UK
Price updated 9 July 2026 · Q3 2026 (Jul–Sep)
Not all appliances are equal. A handful of high-power or always-on devices dominate a typical electricity bill, while dozens of small gadgets barely register. If you want to cut costs, it pays to know where the money actually goes.
1. Anything that makes heat
Heat is expensive. Electric heaters, immersion heaters, tumble dryers, ovens and kettles all convert electricity straight into heat, which is why they sit at the top of the cost table. An immersion heater or a conventional tumble dryer can each cost well over £1 a day with regular use.
2. Anything left on all the time
A device doesn't need to be powerful to be costly — it needs to be on. A fridge freezer draws little power at any moment but runs 24/7, making it one of the biggest single annual users in most homes at roughly 200–400 kWh a year.
3. Hot tubs — the surprise entry
Inflatable hot tubs are the running cost people most often underestimate. In winter the heater fights constant heat loss and can cost several pounds a day. Good insulation is the difference between an affordable treat and a shock on the bill.
Where the biggest savings are
- Heat the person, not the room: an electric blanket at 100W beats a 2kW heater comfortably.
- Dry smarter: a heat pump dryer, heated airer or dehumidifier undercuts a conventional tumble dryer.
- Wash cool: 30°C instead of 40–60°C cuts the biggest part of a wash cycle's cost.
- Insulate hot water and hot tubs: lagging and lids stop you paying to replace lost heat.
- Right-size cooking: air fryer or microwave for small meals, oven only when it's full.