How much does it cost to run kitchen equipment per hour, and per dish?
Running cost per hour = the appliance's power in kW × the price per kWh: UK non-domestic electricity averaged 24.51p per kWh and gas 5.28p per kWh in April–June 2026, including the Climate Change Levy (DESNZ Quarterly Energy Prices, September 2026). At that electricity price, a 3 kW appliance on full power for an hour costs £0.74; 2 hours of it spread over a batch of 40 portions is 3.7p a portion.
Energy cost per batch and per portion
kWh = kW × hours × share of power. Cost = kWh × price.
Cost per hour at the Q2 2026 averages
| Power drawn | Electric, 24.51p/kWh | Gas, 5.28p/kWh |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kW for one hour | £0.25 | £0.05 |
| 2 kW for one hour | £0.49 | £0.11 |
| 3 kW for one hour | £0.74 | £0.16 |
| 5 kW for one hour | £1.23 | £0.26 |
| 10 kW for one hour | £2.45 | £0.53 |
| 15 kW for one hour | £3.68 | £0.79 |
| 20 kW for one hour | £4.90 | £1.06 |
Method: cost = kW × 1 hour × price ÷ 100. The prices are UK averages across all non-domestic users for quarter 2 2026, including the Climate Change Levy, from DESNZ Quarterly Energy Prices, September 2026 (QEP tables 3.4.1 and 3.4.2). Small businesses often pay more per kWh than the average, and the figures leave out standing charges and VAT. A gas burner's kW rating is heat input, so compare like with like. Use the unit rate on your own bill.
Making it practical
- Rating plates show maximum draw. Thermostatic kit (ovens, fryers, bains-marie) cycles on and off once it is up to temperature, so it draws less than the plate figure. The "share of full power" box is where that goes; a plug-in energy meter or your smart meter's half-hourly data gives the real figure.
- Batch cooking spreads the cost. The energy for an oven load is the same whether it holds 10 portions or 40.
- Energy is an overhead, not a food cost. Keep it out of food cost % and GP; it belongs with rent and labour when you look at what the menu has to cover.
Questions chefs ask
How much does a commercial kitchen cost to run per hour?
Add up the kW of everything that is on, multiply by the hours and by your price per kWh. At the Q2 2026 average non-domestic electricity price of 24.51p, every 10 kW of electric kit running flat out costs about £2.45 an hour.
Is gas cheaper than electric for cooking?
Per kWh, the Q2 2026 averages were 5.28p for gas against 24.51p for electricity. Gas appliances turn less of that energy into heat in the pan, so compare running costs on the meter rather than on the rating plates.
Sources
More chef questions: Food cost % by venue type · Menu price multiplier table · Pub food and drink GP mix · Portions per kg · Cooked vs raw weight · Kitchen staff cost 2026/27 · Sunday roast cost per cover · Prep par and shelf life · UK wholesale staple prices
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