The household appliance everyone owns that consumes as much energy as 65 refrigerators running at once

October 8, 2025

48 comments

Electric ovens are a staple kitchen appliance in countless homes, but many don’t realize they can guzzle power like nothing else — sometimes drawing as much electricity as 65 refrigerators running simultaneously. This surprising fact often slips under the radar while we focus on other energy drains. Yet, if you’re aiming to cut down your electricity bill, understanding your oven’s hidden power appetite is crucial.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into how electric ovens stack up against other household devices in energy use, reveal what makes them such power hogs, and share effective ways to reduce your oven’s energy consumption without compromising your cooking.

How much energy does your electric oven really use?

When it comes to home energy consumption, appliances like refrigerators and clothes dryers often get labeled as “big energy users.” However, electric ovens rank surprisingly high on the list, especially during operation. Most ovens draw between 2,000 and 5,000 watts, which can translate to roughly 40 to 90 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month based on cooking habits.

By comparison, a typical refrigerator runs continuously but at a lower wattage — between 300 and 800 watts. The key difference lies in function: while refrigerators maintain a cool, constant temperature, ovens generate and sustain intense heat, causing spikes in power use.

A 2023 study from the U.S. Department of Energy found that the average electric oven can consume up to 224 kWh annually, surpassing many common household gadgets. This suggests that for homes where cooking happens often, ovens can represent a substantial portion of monthly electricity costs.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, “ovens and ranges account for about 4% of a typical household’s electricity consumption, more than many might expect given their intermittent use.”

Standby power: the oven’s silent energy drain

Even when switched off, many ovens quietly continue to draw power in standby mode. This is often to keep clocks, timers, or digital displays lit. Research from California’s Energy Commission highlights that standby power can account for an average of 67 watts per household—making up 5% to 26% of annual energy consumption.

I personally witnessed this firsthand. One evening, my electric meter kept ticking despite the house being mostly idle. It turned out the oven’s illuminated clock was pulling energy 24/7. After unplugging it, the meter’s slow march stopped immediately, proving that small changes can reclaim control over your electricity usage.

Simple habits to cut down your oven’s energy use

Reducing your oven’s energy consumption doesn’t mean sacrificing great meals. Adopting a few practical strategies can lower your electricity bills and help the planet:

– Batch your cooking: Using one preheating session to cook multiple dishes saves energy by heating the oven less often.
– Leverage residual heat: Turn off the oven a few minutes before your food is done; the retained heat will finish the cooking.
– Limit door openings: Opening the oven door frequently causes heat loss, forcing the appliance to use extra power to recover temperature.
– Unplug after use: Especially for ovens with standby functions, unplugging stops unnecessary energy drain.

Many have noted that batching meals not only trims energy use but also simplifies meal prep and cuts down food waste, offering multiple benefits beyond just electricity savings.

The bigger picture: why energy awareness matters

Getting a handle on how household devices contribute to your overall energy use might feel overwhelming, but knowledge is power. Realizing that an everyday item like your oven can rival the consumption of dozens of refrigerators sheds new light on how we use power.

Such insights can encourage consumers to consider more energy-efficient models or cooking techniques. It’s also a reminder that small lifestyle changes, like unplugging appliances or optimizing cooking schedules, add up to significant savings and environmental impact reductions.

To see how energy consumption happens around cooking, here’s an insightful video from Energy.gov explaining ways to cook smarter and save more at home:

Whether you’re a casual cook or a kitchen pro, knowing your oven’s energy footprint helps you make informed choices that benefit both your wallet and the planet.

Have you ever been surprised by how much energy an appliance in your home uses? Share your stories, tips, or questions in the comments below—your experience could inspire others to become more energy conscious. If this article sparked a new perspective on your electric oven’s power use, consider sharing it with your friends and family to spread the word about smarter energy habits. Together, we can build homes that are not just comfortable but also energy efficient.

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Melissa Mandell

Melissa is a cultural journalist at PhilaPlace, dedicated to uncovering the human stories behind Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. With a background in anthropology and community journalism, she highlights local voices, heritage, and creative movements that shape the city’s identity. Melissa’s writing combines authenticity, warmth, and a deep respect for the people and places that define urban life.

48 thoughts on “The household appliance everyone owns that consumes as much energy as 65 refrigerators running at once”

  1. If your electric oven is hard wired into the wall there is no way to unplug it. There is simply no plug that you can unplug.

  2. There is know way you can unplug the electric stove – your going to.pull the stove out everything you use it ?

    • I thought the same thing. I like Ed’s idea. I think I will use it. Just turn off the breaker until you use it again.

    • That’s my thought. It sounds easy to just unplug your oven. But if you have a range like the majority of us have, you’re right! Who wants to pull the stove out and plug it in every time you want to use a burner! Not me! I wish I could plug it into a device that let’s me use a remote control to turn it off and on, However I doubt the plug will match any device of that type on the market.

      She stopped too soon when looking for solutions. Id like to know how much my countertop oven uses in comparison. I rarely use my main oven.

      • Well typically an oven can use more power but 120v appliances can draw more power. A hair dryer is a huge energy draw. Electric entrance way heaters with a fan draw alot of power. Manufacturers ha r added so many boards in appliances now that always draw power.

  4. So how is the average consumer supposed to be able to pull the oven out away from the wall and unplug it each time it is not being used? I believe your simple solution lacks the foresight of what is really needed, which is a remote kill switch for the electric stove

  5. Yep. Use your natural gas stove, propane or wood. Another Biden administration program to get rid of fossil fuel. What a joke.

  6. Maybe we should just back using whale oil. Stop using vehicles of any kind gas or electric. No vacuum of any kind.

    • That is bad for the whales. Can you please start eating your food raw and stop the madness! Also if you stop cooking it will save energy

  7. WE R 1 or 2 use toaster oven a lot. Breakfast bagel/toast. Lunch homemade pizza. Dinner chicken bake/fish bake. Or reheat that , baked clams, meatballs etc . My oven is gas. But my needs are relatively small. So should I use my large gas oven vs my small toaster oven (currently cuisinart, prior Delong’s, beach take along black & decker) ?

    • I have the same question. Which is cheaper to use? Toaster oven (with convection) or gas stove ( propane) ?

      • A stove uses 220v, whereas the toaster oven’s using 110v. Much cheaper to use the toaster oven. I try to do batch cooking in the evening, when usage rates are lower, and have started to use a crockpot and toaster oven to try and keep the electric bill low. We’ve also switched to LED lightbulbs instead of incandescent, and also do the laundry right before bedtime during the workweek. Sometimes the littlest changes can save money.

  8. You forgot to mention the extra heat load ranges impose on the air conditioning system in the summer time. This is somewhat balanced out by the heat the range adds in the heating months.

  9. Really? Electric ovens are high wattage? And that all those LEDs around the house that are constantly lit consume electricity? Earth shattering.

  10. exactly why I installed a gas stove that runs off of propane. one small mod is all that’s required to do that . Grill size propane tank 20 gallons can last up to 3 months depending on if you use the oven for baking a lot or not . But definitely three months if you use mostly just the burners .
    It’s just a simple gas stove with no clocks or anything else on it except for ignition to light the burners or the oven .
    Another huge plus is when the power goes out I can still cook boil water Etc .

    I usually keep a couple propane tanks on hand in case I run out unexpectedly.

    I also have an outdoor griddle that’s propane gas . Plus I have a charcoal and a gas grill . so, i have a backup for the gas being charcoal and sometimes I prefer to cook on charcoal due to the flavor difference .

    But I would recommend a simple gas stove to save your electric and keep you cooking during power outages !

    • If you don’t run a exhaust fan when using gas or propane indoors. Very dangerous. It’s like living with a secondhand smoker, for instance, your gas or propane furnace is vented for a reason so you don’t die like your hot water tank. If it’s gas or propane it’s vented. But yeah they sell gas stoves that don’t turn a exhaust fan When running!!!

  11. Unplugging a stove would be difficult because it’s in the back and would not be fun having to push and pull the stove around. They need to make stoves without the fancy gadgets.

  13. So tou want me to pull out my stove and crawl behind and struggle to pull in/out what looks like a plug for a xwing everyday, or several times a day?

  17. Why wouldn’t you just go to your breaker and turn off your range that way instead of unplugging it? Seems a lot easier.

  19. I never unplug my oven and use it to cook everyday and my electric bill is never over $100 per month. It’s not that big of a deal

  20. The article says nothing about your wifi router. Running 24/7 uses more than you think. Turn it off when not using especially at night. It is a a low leval radiation device. You will also sleep better too

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