Top 5 Energy Guzzlers in Your Kitchen (and What to Do About Them)

Your kitchen is one of the busiest (and most power-hungry) rooms in the house. Between cooking, freezing, heating, washing, and cooling, it’s a hotspot for high energy use.
The good news? A lot of that energy can be managed, if you know where to look.

Here are the top five energy guzzlers hiding in plain sight in your kitchen, and exactly what you can do to tame them.

1. The Fridge-Freezer

Why it guzzles:

It runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so even small inefficiencies add up over time.

Typical cost:

A typical fridge-freezer uses 200–500 kWh of electricity per year, depending on its size and age. At around 26 p per kWh, that’s roughly £50–£140 a year.

What to do about it:

• Check the energy label. Newer A–C rated models can halve running costs compared with older units.
• Don’t overload it. Cold air needs space to circulate.
• Keep it clean. Defrost regularly and vacuum the coils behind or underneath.
• Set the right temperatures. Fridge 3–5 °C, freezer –18 °C.
• Keep away from heat sources. Don’t position it next to an oven or radiator.

2. The Oven

Why it guzzles:

Electric ovens draw a lot of power, especially if you preheat for too long or open the door often.

Typical cost:

A standard oven uses 1.5–2 kWh per hour. That means roasting a Sunday lunch for 2½ hours could cost around £1.00–£1.40.

What to do about it:

• Only preheat when necessary. Many dishes don’t need it.
• Use the fan setting. It cooks faster and more evenly.
• Batch cook. Make the most of the heat while it’s on.
• Avoid opening the door mid-cook. Each peek wastes energy.
• Try alternatives. Microwaves, air fryers, and slow cookers use far less power.

3. The Kettle

Why it guzzles:

Most kettles use around 2–3 kW of power and are switched on multiple times a day, so overfilling or re-boiling soon adds up.

Typical cost:

Boiling a full 1.5-litre kettle costs about 4–6 p. Used five times a day, that’s roughly £90–£115 a year.

What to do about it:

• Boil only what you need. One cup = one cup of water.
• Descale regularly. Limescale makes it less efficient.
• Use a thermos. Store spare hot water for later.
• Try an eco-kettle. Some let you measure the exact amount to heat.

4. The Dishwasher

Why it guzzles:

It uses both electricity and hot water, often in large quantities.

Typical cost:

Running a dishwasher once a day costs around £65–£120 per year, based on average use of 250–300 kWh annually.

What to do about it:

• Run full loads only. Half-loads waste energy and water.
• Use eco mode. It takes longer but consumes less electricity.
• Skip the drying cycle. Open the door and let the dishes air-dry.
• Clean the filter. Clogged filters reduce efficiency.
• Upgrade if it’s old. Modern models can be up to 30 % more efficient.

5. The Tumble Dryer (if yours is in the kitchen)

Why it guzzles:

Tumble dryers are among the most energy-intensive appliances, particularly vented or condenser models.

Typical cost:

Each cycle uses around 4–5 kWh, costing about £1.00–£1.45 per load. At three loads per week, that’s roughly £160–£225 per year.

What to do about it:

• Air dry whenever possible. Even partial air-drying helps.
• Spin first. Use your washer’s highest spin speed to shorten drying time.
• Clean the lint filter after every cycle. Blocked filters waste energy and can cause fires.
• Consider a heat-pump dryer. They use up to 50 % less electricity.

Bonus Energy Leaks to Watch For

• Standby power: Devices like microwaves and coffee machines can still draw electricity when “off”. Standby can account for up to 5 % of household electricity use.
• Lighting: Replace any halogen or incandescent bulbs with LEDs, they use up to 80 % less energy.
• Extractor fans: Don’t leave them running longer than necessary after cooking.

Smart Energy Habits

• Use a smart meter to see which appliances use the most energy.
• Smart plugs or timers can cut standby use overnight.
• Consider off-peak tariffs (like Economy 7) if you can shift some energy use.
• Check your tariff regularly. Even small price differences per kWh can save you money.

Upgrade and Recycle Wisely

When replacing old appliances:

• Choose models with the new A–G energy label (A = most efficient).
• Ask retailers about recycling or take-back schemes for old units.
• Most councils offer bulky waste collections, check your local authority’s website for details.

Government Help for Home Energy Savings

If you’re worried about high energy costs, you may qualify for free or subsidised home upgrades:

• ECO4 – energy-efficiency improvements for low-income and vulnerable households.
• GBIS (Great British Insulation Scheme) – supports insulation for homes with poor energy performance.
• Warm Home Discount – annual payment to help with winter energy bills.
• Home Upgrade Grant – for off-gas homes needing insulation or low-carbon heating.

You can check your eligibility for ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme on our website, it only takes a few minutes and could help you save hundreds of pounds a year on energy costs. Consumer Rights will guide you through the application process, connect you with a trusted local installer, and ensure your upgrades are carried out by certified professionals.

Your kitchen doesn’t have to be a money pit. Most energy-hungry appliances are just doing their job, but with a few small tweaks, they can do it more efficiently. Even simple changes, like boiling less water or using eco-mode, can save hundreds of pounds a year and help lower your carbon footprint.

Don’t Forget

You could qualify for free government-funded energy upgrades, like insulation, heating improvements or smart controls, through ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).

Check now to see if your home is eligible, it only takes a minute and could save you hundreds on your energy bills.