How Much Does It Cost to Run a Microwave Oven? (Australia 2026)
Based on the Australian National Benchmark electricity rate of 33.2c per kWh (AER Default Market Offer 2025-2026).
A standard 1200W microwave oven costs A$0.40 per hour of continuous use at national average rates (33.2c/kWh). Based on typical domestic usage, it costs approximately A$0.06 per day or A$26.08 per year.
Manufacturer specs: Panasonic & Samsung 800W RF output solo microwave (draws approx. 1200W electrical input)
* Includes 1.5W standby consumption outside active hours (A$4.32/year).
Tips to Cut Microwave Oven Electricity Costs in Australia
- Cover food with a microwave-safe lid to trap steam; moist heat reheats food twice as fast and prevents drying.
- Defrost food in the refrigerator overnight when possible rather than using the microwave defrost setting.
- Spread food evenly in a doughnut ring on the plate to allow microwaves to penetrate without cold centre spots.
- Unplug or turn off the wall switch if your microwave has a bright clock display you do not use.
Alternative Appliances Compared
vs. Electric Oven
View running cost →Reheating a single plate in the microwave consumes 0.08 kWh versus 1.2 kWh in an oven—saving over 90% in electricity.
vs. Electric Kettle
View running cost →For water above 250ml, an electric kettle heats water faster and with higher thermodynamic efficiency than a microwave.
Microwave Oven Technical Power Profile
Source data: Panasonic & Samsung 800W RF output solo microwave (draws approx. 1200W electrical input)
Frequently Asked Questions: Microwave Oven Electricity in Australia
How much does it cost to use a microwave for 5 minutes in the UK?â–¾
A 1200W electrical input microwave running for 5 minutes consumes 0.10 kWh. At 24.5p/kWh, that costs approx. 2.5p.
What is the difference between microwave power rating and electrical consumption?â–¾
An "800W" microwave rating refers to the radio-frequency cooking output. The unit actually draws around 1200W from the wall socket to generate that microwave radiation.
Is a microwave cheaper than an air fryer for reheating?â–¾
Yes. For basic reheating of moist foods (soups, stews, pasta), a microwave uses roughly one-third of the electricity of an air fryer.
Does keeping a microwave plugged in use much standby electricity?â–¾
A microwave with a digital clock display draws 1.5W to 3W on standby, costing around £3.50 to £6.50 per year in the UK if left on 24/7.
Is steaming vegetables in a microwave energy-efficient?â–¾
Extremely efficient. Steaming vegetables in a microwave with 2 tablespoons of water takes 3 minutes and retains more vitamins than boiling on a stove.