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How much does it cost to run a chest freezer?
A chest freezer costs about 16p a day, or £57.64 a year.
Work out your cost
The energy label or manual gives kWh per cycle or per year. Divide a yearly figure by 365 for kWh per day.
Low, typical and high running costs
Using switched on all day.
| Rating | Unit cost | Per week | Per year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 0.3 kWh a day | 8p / day | 55p | £28.82 |
| Typical | 0.6 kWh a day | 16p / day | £1.11 | £57.64 |
| High | 1.0 kWh a day | 26p / day | £1.84 | £96.07 |
How it compares
| Appliance | Typical use | Per day | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slow cooker | 8 hours a day | 34p | £10.25 |
| Electric oven | 1 hour a day | 33p | £10.09 |
| Chest freezer | switched on all day | 16p | £4.80 |
| Electric hob (one ring) | 30 minutes a day | 14p | £4.32 |
| Induction hob (one zone) | 30 minutes a day | 12p | £3.60 |
| Air fryer | 20 minutes a day | 10p | £2.97 |
| Microwave | 10 minutes a day | 4p | £1.36 |
How we work it out
Cost per day = kWh per day × price per kWh. 0.6 kWh × 26.32p = 16p.
The daily energy use on this page is our estimate from typical models on sale, as we couldn't find an independent published figure. Your own appliance may differ, so check its rating plate or energy label for the most accurate figure.
Sources
Questions
How much electricity does a chest freezer use?
Typically 0.3 to 1.0 kWh a day.
How much does a chest freezer cost per year?
About £57.64 a year at 26.32p per kWh, assuming it is on all the time.
Where does the electricity price come from?
We use the Ofgem price cap average for Great Britain, paying by Direct Debit: 26.32p per kWh for 1 Oct 2026 to 31 Dec 2026. Electricity rate includes 0% VAT, which applies from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. Storage heater and EV pages use an off-peak rate instead. Your own tariff may be higher or lower, so check your bill and enter your rate in the calculator.