Energy Shock – The Common Household Appliance That Consumes as Much Power as 65 Refrigerators Running Simultaneously

Electric ovens are found in nearly every kitchen, but most people have no idea just how much power they actually use. While you might assume your refrigerator or clothes dryer is the biggest energy hog, your oven could be quietly draining just as much — sometimes even more. In fact, some ovens pull as much electricity as 65 refrigerators at once. Surprising, right?

If you’re looking for ways to cut down your electric bill, knowing how much energy your oven uses is a smart place to start. Let’s break it down.

Energy

Electric ovens might not run constantly, but when they do, they consume a serious amount of electricity. Most models draw between 2,000 and 5,000 watts while in use. Depending on how often you cook, that could add up to 40 to 90 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month.

Now, compare that to your refrigerator. Even though your fridge runs 24/7, it usually uses only 300 to 800 watts, which is far less intense than what an oven pulls during active cooking. Refrigerators work to maintain cool temps, but ovens generate and maintain high heat — and that takes way more energy.

According to a 2023 study by the U.S. Department of Energy, the average oven consumes up to 224 kWh per year, which actually outpaces many other household devices.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration says ovens and ranges account for about 4% of a home’s total electricity use — more than you might guess for something used just a few times a week.

Standby

Here’s something most people don’t consider: even when your oven is “off,” it might still be pulling power. That clock or glowing display? It needs energy.

A report from California’s Energy Commission found that standby oven functions draw an average of 67 watts per household, which can account for 5% to 26% of annual appliance energy use.

I saw this myself one night — everything in the house was off, yet the electric meter kept ticking. I tracked it down to the oven clock. Unplugged it, and the meter slowed immediately. Just goes to show that even tiny standby features add up over time.

Habits

Cutting your oven’s energy use doesn’t mean giving up delicious meals. Here are a few simple tips to help you cook smarter and save more:

• Batch your meals: Cook several dishes at once. One preheat session, multiple meals.
• Use residual heat: Turn the oven off a few minutes before the timer. The remaining heat finishes the job.
• Don’t open the door: Each time you peek inside, heat escapes. That makes the oven work harder.
• Unplug when not in use: If your oven has a clock or digital screen, unplug it to stop unnecessary standby drain.

Many people say batching meals helps them not only save energy but also save time and reduce food waste. Win-win, right?

Comparison

Let’s see how your oven compares to other household appliances:

Appliance	Typical Wattage	Energy Use per Month
Electric Oven	2,000 – 5,000 W	40 – 90 kWh
Refrigerator	300 – 800 W	30 – 60 kWh
Clothes Dryer	1,800 – 5,000 W	75 – 100 kWh
Dishwasher	1,200 – 1,500 W	30 – 50 kWh
Microwave	600 – 1,200 W	10 – 15 kWh

So yes, your oven is up there with the big energy players.

Awareness

Knowing how much electricity your oven uses can change how you see your kitchen habits. That knowledge helps you make better choices — whether it’s adjusting how often you cook, unplugging more devices, or investing in energy-efficient appliances down the line.

If you’re serious about energy savings, you might even consider a convection oven or air fryer for smaller meals — they use less energy and cook faster.

Little changes make a big impact. Switching off an oven’s standby mode, cooking smarter, or even just knowing when to turn it off early can lead to noticeable savings on your electric bill.

Have you ever been surprised by how much power something in your home uses? Share your own experiences and tips with others — you’d be surprised how much those small stories help people rethink their energy habits.

FAQs