The Most Expensive Home Appliances To Run

A recent study has revealed that chest freezers are the most energy-hungry household appliances in British homes, costing households an average of £73.88 annually to operate. Conducted by ECO4 eligibility checkers UKEM, the research analyzed data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, covering household appliance energy consumption from 2021 to 2023. With energy prices at 24.9p per kWh, the study highlights the significant impact of certain appliances on electricity bills and offers practical tips to help Brits save up to £1,500 a year.

The Most Expensive Home Appliances To Run

1. Chest Freezer

• Energy Consumption: 297 kWh per year
• Annual Cost: £73.88
• Why It’s Expensive: Chest freezers top the list as the most energy-intensive household appliance due to their continuous operation to maintain low temperatures for food storage. They run 24/7, requiring significant electricity to power their compressors and maintain consistent cooling, especially in larger units with greater storage capacity. Their design, which prioritizes insulation and air-tight seals, still demands substantial energy to counteract heat gain from the environment.

2. Fridge-Freezer

• Energy Consumption: 296 kWh per year
• Annual Cost: £73.80
• Why It’s Expensive: Fridge-freezers are nearly as energy-hungry as chest freezers, consuming just 1 kWh less annually. Like chest freezers, they operate continuously to keep both refrigerated and frozen compartments at optimal temperatures. Their widespread use—over 21 million units in UK homes as of 2023—amplifies their collective energy demand, resulting in over six billion kWh consumed annually. The dual functionality (refrigeration and freezing) and frequent door openings increase energy use as the appliance works to restore cold temperatures.

3. Washing Machine

• Energy Consumption: 242 kWh per year
• Annual Cost: £60.15
• Why It’s Expensive: Washing machines rank third due to their high energy demands during operation, particularly for heating water and powering motors for spinning and agitation. While they don’t run continuously like cooling appliances, frequent use—especially in households with large families or regular laundry needs—drives up energy consumption. Cycles involving higher temperatures or longer durations further increase costs, as heating water is energy-intensive.

4. Upright Freezer

• Energy Consumption: 238 kWh per year
• Annual Cost: £59.21
• Why It’s Expensive: Upright freezers, like chest freezers, require constant energy to maintain freezing temperatures, contributing to their high running costs. Although they consume slightly less energy than chest freezers (238 kWh vs. 297 kWh), their vertical design may lead to more frequent door openings, causing cold air loss and requiring the compressor to work harder to restore temperatures. This continuous operation makes them a significant contributor to electricity bills.

5. Dishwasher

• Energy Consumption: 225 kWh per year
• Annual Cost: £55.97
• Why It’s Expensive: Dishwashers are energy-intensive due to their use of heated water and drying cycles, which require substantial electricity. Like washing machines, they are used regularly in many households, and their energy consumption is driven by the need to heat water for effective cleaning and to power motors for water circulation. Extended or high-temperature cycles can further elevate costs, making dishwashers a notable contributor to energy bills.

6. Electric Hob

• Energy Consumption: 181 kWh per year
• Annual Cost: £44.97
• Why It’s Expensive: Electric hobs consume significant energy due to their high-power heating elements, which require substantial electricity to reach and maintain cooking temperatures. Frequent use for daily meal preparation, especially for extended cooking sessions, adds to their energy footprint. While they use 39% less energy than chest freezers, their regular operation in most households makes them a notable expense.

7. Desktop Computer

• Energy Consumption: 176 kWh per year
• Annual Cost: £43.84
• Why It’s Expensive: Desktop computers have seen a 3.5% increase in energy consumption from 173 kWh in 2021 to 179 kWh in 2023, driven by growing performance demands, particularly for remote workers using resource-intensive applications. Unlike appliances with short usage periods, desktops are often left on for extended hours, especially in home offices, consuming steady amounts of electricity. Components like powerful processors, graphics cards, and cooling systems contribute to their energy demands.

8. Kettle

• Energy Consumption: 169 kWh per year
• Annual Cost: £42.00
• Why It’s Expensive: Kettles are energy-intensive due to their high-wattage heating elements, which require significant power to quickly boil water. Frequent use throughout the day—common in British households for tea and coffee preparation—accumulates substantial energy consumption. Although each use is brief, the high power draw during operation results in a surprisingly high annual cost.

9. Refrigerator

• Energy Consumption: 132 kWh per year
• Annual Cost: £32.76
• Why It’s Expensive: Refrigerators, like other cooling appliances, run continuously to maintain a consistent temperature for food preservation. While they consume less energy than fridge-freezers or chest freezers due to their single-purpose cooling function, their 24/7 operation still makes them costly. Frequent door openings and older, less efficient models can further increase energy use.

10. Microwave

• Energy Consumption: 98 kWh per year
• Annual Cost: £24.37
• Why It’s Expensive: Microwaves are the least energy-intensive in the top 10, but their costs add up due to frequent use for quick heating and cooking. Their high-wattage magnetrons, which generate microwaves to heat food, draw significant power during operation. While usage sessions are typically short, the cumulative effect of daily use contributes to their place on the list.

Key Observations

• Cooling Appliances Dominate: Chest freezers, fridge-freezers, upright freezers, and refrigerators account for four of the top 10, highlighting the energy demands of continuous cooling. These appliances’ 24/7 operation is a primary reason for their high costs.
• Usage Patterns Matter: Appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, electric hobs, kettles, and microwaves are costly due to frequent use and high power demands during operation, even if their runtime is shorter than cooling appliances.
• Evolving Demands: Desktop computers’ rising energy consumption reflects increased reliance on powerful technology, particularly for remote work, making them a growing concern for energy bills.

By understanding the energy demands of these appliances, households can prioritize energy-saving measures, such as upgrading to efficient models or adjusting usage habits, to reduce costs.

Rising Costs and Energy-Saving Solutions

With energy prices rising in April 2025, alongside increases in water bills, council tax, broadband, phone, and TV licenses, households face growing financial pressure. Nina Copeland, director of sales & support at UKEM, emphasized the strain on low-income and vulnerable households, noting, “The data clearly shows that cooling appliances have the biggest impact on energy consumption, likely as they run continuously day and night.”

However, there are encouraging signs of progress. Most appliances have become more efficient, with chest freezers reducing energy use by 9% between 2021 and 2023. To help households manage rising costs, Copeland shared several energy-saving hacks that could save up to £125 a month (£1,500 annually):

• Install Solar Panels: Generating your own electricity can save £300–£700 annually, with battery storage adding up to 20% more savings. Government schemes like ECO4 offer fully funded upgrades, including solar panels, for eligible households.
• Use a Smart Thermostat: Precise heating control can save £120 a year, but placement is key to avoid drafts or direct sunlight that could misread room temperatures.
• Wash Clothes at 30°C: This simple tweak saves £60 annually without compromising cleanliness, as modern detergents work effectively at lower temperatures.
• Switch to LED Bulbs: LEDs save up to £96 a year and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, reducing both energy and replacement costs.
• Use a Slow Cooker: Slow cookers consume a fraction of the energy of ovens, saving £84 annually for long-cooking meals.
• Opt for Time-of-Use Tariffs: Shifting high-energy tasks to off-peak hours can save £120 a year without lifestyle changes.

A Sustainable Future

Copeland advocates for long-term solutions like renewable energy, stating, “The energy market is in crisis, and the best long-term solution for reducing energy bills is improving energy efficiency.” Solar panels, while initially costly, can break even in about eight years and significantly reduce carbon footprints while boosting property value by an average of 14%. Government subsidies through ECO4 can further ease the financial burden for eligible households.

As energy costs continue to climb, adopting these strategies and leveraging more efficient appliances can help Brits manage their bills and contribute to a more sustainable future. For more information on energy-saving solutions and ECO4 eligibility, visit ukem.co.uk.

Sources: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, House of Commons Library.