The biggest energy guzzler in your kitchen: the appliance that uses as much power as 65 refrigerators

Most of the appliances in our homes are plugged in constantly, and that shows up on the electric bill. While we know that fridges and dryers are heavy energy users, few realize just how much power an electric oven consumes.

A typical oven runs at 2,000 to 5,000 watts, compared with a fridge, which usually uses between 300 and 800 watts. The difference is simple: a fridge only maintains a cool temperature, while an oven has to heat up and stay hot. That means during regular use, an oven can consume between 40 and 90 kilowatt-hours a month.

Electric ovens vs. refrigerators

A study in France found that an electric oven can use up to 224 kWh per year, depending on the brand, size, and how often it’s used. By comparison, an energy-efficient refrigerator might consume less than 200 kWh annually.

Energy even when it’s off

Electric ovens can still draw power even when they’re not cooking anything. Many models have clocks or standby panels that continue to run. While idle, an oven may use up to 67 watts, which can add up to 5 to 26 percent of its annual energy consumption.

Simple ways to cut oven energy use

Despite their high consumption, there are easy steps to reduce the cost of using your oven:

• Avoid opening the door while cooking, which causes heat loss and forces the oven to work harder.
• Turn off the oven a few minutes before your food is done, as residual heat will finish the cooking.
• Unplug the oven when it’s not in use, if possible.

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