Is your tumble dryer silently draining your bank account, or is it the fridge you never unplug? Knowing which appliances use the most electricity in your home can help you prevent energy wastage and save you hundreds of pounds.

Statistics show that 92% of households in Great Britain reported an increase in their cost of living in April 2025, with 80% of them attributing it to increased electricity and gas bills. When your electricity bill jumps unexpectedly, it’s rarely one big culprit but dozens of everyday devices working overtime behind the scenes.

From kitchen essentials to entertainment tech, the real cost of modern living often hides in plain sight. Many appliances seem harmless until you break down the numbers. The costs can add up, whether it’s boiling a kettle a few times a day or the small drips of standby power.

Understanding which appliances use the most electricity gives you more control over energy use. With 2025 unit rates now at 25.73p per kWh, knowing where your power is going is helpful and essential to save money.

Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or simply trying to lower your carbon footprint, pinpointing the actual cost of everyday appliances is a smart place to start.

Quick Takeaways on Which Appliances Use the Most Electricity:

• Tumble dryers, electric showers, ovens, and dishwashers are among the most electricity-hungry appliances in UK homes.
• Fridge-freezers use less power per hour but run 24/7, making them high annual cost contributors.
• Standby devices like TVs, consoles, and routers can quietly add over £50/year to your bill if left on.
• Heat pump dryers and eco modes on washing machines and dishwashers can reduce energy use by up to 50%.
• Smart meters and plug-in energy monitors let you track exactly how much electricity you’re using—and where it’s going.
• Upgrading appliances and adjusting small habits in the kitchen, bathroom, and utility room can yield significant savings.

Check out our full guide on the cost of electricity per kWh and whether you should fix your energy bills. 

How Is Electricity Use Measured in Appliances?

Before we dive into which appliances use the most electricity, it’s helpful to understand how electricity use is measured. In the UK, energy consumption is calculated in kilowatt-hours (kWh). One kilowatt-hour is the amount of energy used by a 1,000-watt appliance running for one hour.

To calculate the cost of running an appliance, multiply its kWh usage by the current electricity unit rate.

For example, if your washing machine uses 2,000 watts (2 kW) and runs for an hour, that’s 2 kWh. According to Ofgem, between 1 July and 30 September 2025, the regulated price cap for electricity is 25.73 pence per kWh, with a daily standing charge of 51.37 pence.

That means the 2kWh will cost you approximately £0.51 per wash (2 × 25.73p = 51.46p).

Different appliances vary not just in power but in how frequently they operate—like tumble dryers, a few times per week, versus refrigerators, which run continuously. That’s why identifying which appliances use the most electricity matters—even smaller devices can have a surprisingly significant impact over time.

Which Appliances Use the Most Electricity in 2025?

The table below shows the most energy-consuming appliances in UK homes, including power ratings, estimated usage, and running costs based on the latest 25.73p/kWh electricity rate (Ofgem, July 2025).

Insights:

• Electric showers and tumble dryers are among the most expensive per use.
• Fridge-freezers, though low wattage, are major contributors over time due to 24/7 usage.
• Standby power, especially from TVs, consoles, routers, and chargers, can quietly add £50–£80 to your annual bill.
• Heat pump dryers use nearly 50% less energy than vented models, saving you around 30–40p per load.

Standby Power: The Hidden Drain on Your Energy Bill

Think turning off your TV means it’s not using power? Think again. Many appliances continue to draw electricity even when not “on.” This is known as standby power or vampire energy. Over a year, it could cost you far more than you realise.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that 5% and 15% of residential electricity used in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, like the UK, is attributed to standby power consumption. This is equivalent to about 240 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

Here are some of the worst standby offenders:

Quick maths: Just five idle devices left plugged in can add over £60 a year to your electricity bill—without ever being actively used.

How to Cut Standby Waste

• Use a power strip with a single switch to simultaneously cut power to multiple devices.
• Unplug chargers when they’re not in use (especially overnight).
• Enable eco or “auto power down” modes on consoles and smart TVs.
• Consider smart plugs that let you schedule off-times or control appliances remotely.

Even small changes—like unplugging your microwave or powering down your game console properly—can save more than expected.

Smart Ways to Cut Costs for Appliances that Use the Most Electricity, Room by Room

The best approach isn’t just changing habits but knowing where most electricity is slipping away in your home. Here’s how to make smarter choices in each room where appliances work hardest.

Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most power-hungry spaces in the house. Between kettles, dishwashers, ovens, fridges, and microwaves, it’s easy to burn through several kilowatt-hours a day without realising it. The Energy Saving Trust notes that 3% of the average home’s energy use comes from cooking.

To cut costs, only boil what you need in the kettle (it adds up fast). Avoiding overfilling the kettle can save you £10 a year in Great Britain (GB) and £12 in Northern Ireland (NI) on your electricity bill. Ovens are best for batch-cooking meals, and you should avoid opening the door more than necessary when the oven is on to reduce energy waste.

If you use a dishwasher, skip the drying cycle and let your dishes air dry. Washing clothes at a lower temperature and avoiding washing half loads can help reduce energy use. Ensure you check the energy rating of the dishwasher to save money.  An A-rated dishwasher costs £40 a year to run in GB and £45 in NI, while a G-rated equivalent costs £75 a year in GB and £85 in NI – that’s almost double!

The fridge and freezer can account for around 13% of the average household’s energy bill. They stay on constantly and continually use energy to maintain a constant temperature. Keep them well ventilated and defrosted—ice build-up makes them work harder. If your fridge is over 10 years old, it may be worth replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.

Utility Room or Laundry Area

This is where some of the highest-cost appliances live. Tumble dryers, especially older vented or condenser models, can use up to 3.5 kWh per load—around 90p every time you dry clothes. If possible, switch to a heat pump dryer, which uses about half the energy. You can also air dry outside when the weather allows – it’s free and can save you money.

Washing at 30°C instead of 40°C can reduce electricity use by up to 40% per cycle, especially on modern machines with eco programmes. Data shows that a 7kg washing machine used 220 times yearly typically costs between £25 and £35 a year to run.

If running multiple short loads, consider combining them into one full load when possible. Avoid using the “extra dry” setting on your iron or dryer. It often delivers minimal benefit for maximum cost. A few small shifts here can cut hundreds of pounds over the year.

Living Room

Consumer electronics account for around 6% of your energy bill. TVs, game consoles, sound systems, and Wi-Fi routers often sit in standby mode for hours—if not days—at a time. The easiest win here? Switch off devices at the wall when you’re not using them. It can help you save £45 in GB and £55 in NI.

It also pays to check the energy efficiency of models. Newer TVs have “eco” or power-saving settings—use them. If you leave the TV on for background noise, try switching to a radio or smart speaker, which uses far less power.

Sizing your TV screen appropriately will also have an effect. A 60” F-rated TV costs £45 a year to run in GB and £50 in NI. A smaller 40” F-rated TV costs £20 a year to run in GB and £25 in NI.

Lighting takes up around 5% of an average home’s energy bill. An obvious energy-saving tip is to switch the lights off when you leave a room. This will save you £8 in GB and £9 in NI. LED bulbs cost a fraction of older halogens—replacing all halogen bulbs with LEDs can save around £45 a year in GB and £50 in NI.

Bathroom

Electric showers are among the most expensive to run per minute, some using over 9kW. A 10-minute daily shower can easily cost over £150 per person annually. Try reducing your shower time to under seven minutes, or invest in an energy-efficient showerhead that maintains pressure while reducing water flow.

If you use a heated towel rail, only switch it on when needed—these often run at over 250W. Hairdryers and electric toothbrush chargers also contribute to your daily total, so unplug them when not in use. Every bit helps, especially in smaller spaces.

Home Office or Study

If you work from home or have a home study, you’re likely using laptops, monitors, chargers, and possibly a desktop PC—often all day. Laptops are far more energy efficient than desktops, so opt for the former if you’re doing light work.

Enable energy-saving modes on your computer and screen, and set them to sleep after a short inactivity period. Don’t leave chargers plugged in when not connected to a device—they still draw power. If you have a printer or shredder, unplug it when not in use.

As with every room, switch to LED desk lamps and use natural light.

Understanding Energy Labels: What ‘A’ Really Means in 2025

If you’re shopping for a new appliance, you’ve probably seen those coloured stickers with letters ranging from A to G. They’re more than just marketing—they’re your cheat sheet for long-term energy savings. But here’s the catch: the system changed in 2021, and an “A” rating today doesn’t mean the same thing it did five years ago.

The New UK Energy Label System

According to the UK government, from 1 March 2021, certain energy-related products must have a re-scaled energy label displayed alongside them at the point of sale. Energy labels for UK appliances have been gradually rescaled to display A–G energy rating classes instead of A+++ – G energy rating classes.

This is because manufacturers were crowding into the A-range, and it was hard to tell which products were best—the new version aimed to simplify things and accurately reflect a product’s performance at home.

• A: Top-tier efficiency (very few products currently qualify)
• B–C: Still highly efficient, especially compared to older models
• D–G: Less efficient, often older, or budget models

The label also includes:

• Annual energy use (kWh)
• Water consumption (for washers and dishwashers)
• Noise levels (dB)
• Capacity (litres or kg)

What Most People Miss

An appliance rated “C” under the new system could be more efficient than an “A+++” model from 2019. So don’t panic if your new dishwasher doesn’t say “A”—you’re still getting a better product than before.

Tip: Look Beyond the Letter

Check the label’s annual kWh figure, then multiply it by 25.73p to estimate the yearly running cost. For example, if a fridge uses 200 kWh/year:

200 × 25.73p = £51.46 per year

This number will tell you more about your long-term energy cost than the letter alone.

Recommended reading:

• Should I fix my energy bills?
• How much should my energy go up?
• UK Energy Security Strategy Explained
• Where does the UK get its gas from?
• The average carbon footprint per household in the UK

What Can You Do To See Which Appliances Use the Most Electricity?

If you want to move beyond estimates and see your real-time energy usage, here are the best tools available in the UK:

1. Use a Plug-in Energy Monitor

A plug-in energy monitor is one of the simplest tools to measure how much electricity a specific appliance uses. You plug it into the wall, then plug your appliance into the device. It will display real-time energy use in watts or kilowatt-hours and estimated cost based on your local tariff.

These monitors are especially useful for checking how much devices like fridges, washing machines, TVs, and chargers cost you to run. Some models also track cumulative usage over days or weeks, helping you understand instant usage and long-term trends.

2. Check Your Smart Meter (Or Get One for Free)

A smart meter with an in-home display can show you exactly how much electricity you’re using in real time, both in kilowatt-hours and pounds and pence. This lets you see the impact of switching appliances on and off as it happens.

If you don’t yet have a smart meter, most UK households can receive one for free through their energy provider. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay informed and in control of your daily electricity use without needing extra gadgets or software.

3. Try an Online Appliance Calculator

An online energy cost calculator is an excellent alternative if you’d rather not purchase new equipment. You enter your appliance’s wattage and how long you use it each day, and the tool estimates how much electricity it uses and how much it costs to run based on current UK energy prices.

This is especially useful for comparing different models before buying or understanding the daily and annual costs. Our electricity cost calculator provides a fast, free way to clarify your energy consumption using just a few numbers and honest tracking.

Interested in finding out how much energy a new boiler uses each day? Check out our full breakdown here.

Summary on Which Appliances Use the Most Electricity

With UK electricity prices now at 25.73p per kWh, understanding how your home appliances use power isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. From high-consumption devices like tumble dryers and electric showers to the steady drain of always-on fridges and standby electronics, it’s easy to lose track of where your money is going. The good news? Most of it is within your control.

The key is knowing which appliances use the most electricity in 2025, how much they cost to run, and what practical steps you can take to reduce your usage. Whether switching to a heat pump dryer, using your dishwasher’s eco mode, or simply turning off devices at the wall, small changes in every room—from the kitchen to the utility room—add up fast.

You don’t need to live in the dark or give up convenience. You only need to be informed. Use energy labels to make smarter buying decisions. Check your real-time usage with a smart meter or plug-in monitor, and take advantage of the tools available—many are free.

Understanding where your energy goes allows you to use it more efficiently and spend less without sacrificing comfort.

FAQs on Which Appliances Use the Most Electricity

What Appliances Use the Most Electricity at Home?

The appliances that use the most electricity heat or cool things. This includes tumble dryers, electric showers, ovens, washing machines, and dishwashers. Fridge-freezers also use a lot of energy because they run continuously. Heating, cooling, and water-related appliances are usually the biggest contributors to household electricity use.

How Much Electricity Does a Dishwasher or Dryer Use?

Dishwashers and dryers can use a lot of electricity, especially if they’re older or used frequently. Dryers that use heat to remove moisture from clothes typically use more energy than other household appliances. Dishwashers use electricity and hot water, so the total cost depends on how often they’re run and whether you use energy-saving settings.

Do Fridges and Freezers Use a Lot of Energy?

Yes. Fridges and freezers are always on, so even though their power draw may be low at any moment, they use a lot over time. If they’re not energy-efficient or if they’re overfilled and poorly ventilated, they can end up costing more to run.

Which Electronics Use the Most Electricity?

Electronics like large TVs, desktop computers, game consoles, and sound systems can use a fair amount of electricity, especially if left on or in standby mode. While they don’t use as much as heating appliances, their cumulative impact increases if they run all day or overnight.

How Can I Reduce Electricity Use From Appliances?

Start by turning off appliances at the wall instead of leaving them on standby. Use eco modes on your dishwasher and washing machine. Only boil the amount of water you need in the kettle. If you’re replacing an appliance, check its energy rating and efficiency label before buying—it makes a big difference over time.

Sources and References

Statista – Main reasons that people have seen their cost of living increase over the previous month in Great Britain as of April 2025

Ofgem – Energy price cap

The International Energy Agency – Things that go Blip in the Night – Standby Power and How to Limit it

Energy Saving Trust – Air fryer vs oven: which cooking appliance is cheaper to run?

Energy Saving Trust – How to save energy when using your washing machine

GOV.UK – Regulations: energy information