Cheapest energy tariff for an electric hob (UK guide)
Find the cheapest type of electricity tariff for cooking on an electric hob—based on how you use energy, your meter, and whether you can shift demand off-peak.
- Fast answer: most homes do best on a low unit-rate single-rate tariff (unless you can use off-peak)
- See when Economy 7 / smart off-peak tariffs can work for cooking
- Compare deals with transparent assumptions and UK-specific caveats
Estimates only. Prices vary by region, meter type and payment method. We compare whole-of-market options where available.
Fast answer: what’s usually cheapest for an electric hob?
For most UK homes, the cheapest option for cooking on an electric hob is typically a single-rate electricity tariff with a low unit rate (p/kWh) and a competitive standing charge—because an electric hob usually makes up a small share of total electricity use.
When this changes: If you can shift a meaningful chunk of electricity to off-peak hours (e.g., EV charging, storage heating, large overnight appliance use), then an off-peak / time-of-use tariff can be cheaper overall—even if it doesn’t specifically make “hob cooking” cheaper.
Key takeaways (UK-specific)
Look at unit rate first
Hobs are energy-intensive briefly, so p/kWh usually matters more than clever features—unless you can move lots of usage off-peak.
Standing charge can dominate
If your overall electricity use is low, a higher daily standing charge can wipe out a “cheap” unit rate.
Meter & payment method matter
Smart vs traditional meters, direct debit vs prepay, and your region can all change what’s available and the “cheapest”.
A quick reality check: how much electricity does an electric hob use?
Most hobs draw a lot of power while heating, but for short periods. Your actual kWh depends on pan size, heat setting, and cooking time. As a practical guide:
Typical hob session (estimate)
- Two rings, mixed heat, 30 mins
- ~0.6–1.5 kWh
- Four rings, higher heat, 45 mins
- ~2–4 kWh
These are broad ranges for guidance—not a promise. Induction can be more efficient than older ceramic/solid plate hobs.
Why this matters for tariffs
If your hob uses, say, 30–80 kWh/month, the tariff differences that matter are usually your overall household electricity costs. So the “cheapest hob tariff” is really the cheapest electricity tariff for your household profile.
Compare electricity tariffs for your home (not guesswork)
The cheapest tariff depends on where you live (regional pricing), your meter (smart, standard credit, Economy 7), and payment method (direct debit, pay on receipt, prepayment).
Tip: If you mainly want to reduce the cost of cooking, focus on a low daytime unit rate. If you can also shift other usage off-peak, we’ll show you whether a time-of-use deal is likely to suit.
What you’ll need (takes 2–3 minutes)
- Your postcode (for regional pricing)
- Rough monthly usage (or an annual kWh figure if you have it)
- Meter type: smart / standard / Economy 7 (if known)
- Current supplier & tariff name (optional, helps accuracy)
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
Scenario A: Flat, electric hob, no off-peak shifting
- Assumptions: 1–2 people, 2,000 kWh/year electricity total; hob share ~10% (200 kWh/year); single-rate meter; direct debit.
- Tariff choice that often wins: single-rate tariff with the lowest combined annual cost (unit rate + standing charge).
- Hob-only cost illustration: If the unit rate is 24p/kWh vs 29p/kWh, then 200 kWh/year for hob cooking is ~£48 vs £58 per year (estimated), a ~£10 difference.
Why it’s useful: it shows why “hob-only” savings are often modest—so the right tariff should suit your whole home.
Scenario B: Household can use off-peak (smart meter)
- Assumptions: 3,600 kWh/year electricity total; smart meter; can shift 35% off-peak (e.g., EV charging or appliances overnight); direct debit.
- Tariff choice that can win: time-of-use tariff with a low off-peak rate, even if peak is higher.
- Illustration: If off-peak is 14p/kWh and peak is 30p/kWh, then 1,260 kWh off-peak costs ~£176 and 2,340 kWh peak costs ~£702 (excluding standing charge). If you can only shift 10% off-peak, the benefit may shrink or reverse.
Hob impact: cooking is mostly at peak times, so off-peak tariffs help most when you can move other bigger loads.
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We’ll match you with suitable electricity tariffs based on your meter and postcode. No pressure—just clear options.
How to choose the cheapest tariff for an electric hob (step-by-step)
- Confirm your meter type: standard single-rate, Economy 7 (two-rate), or smart meter. This affects what you can switch to without extra work.
- Estimate your cooking load: if you cook daily, your hob might be ~200–800 kWh/year (very rough). Don’t over-optimise for cooking alone—compare using total household kWh.
- Check your ability to use off-peak: if you don’t have EV/storage heating and can’t run appliances overnight, off-peak tariffs often won’t be cheaper overall.
- Compare annual cost, not just unit rate: standing charge differences can outweigh a “cheap” p/kWh—especially for low users.
- Review contract terms: exit fees, fixed end date, and what happens at the end of the fix. If you rent, check your tenancy rules, but you usually can switch supplier if you pay the bills.
- Decide on fixed vs variable: fixed gives price certainty; variable can change. Cheapest today isn’t always cheapest across the year.
If your only goal is cheaper cooking: prioritise a good single-rate electricity price, then reduce cooking kWh via efficient habits (right pan size, lids on, induction where possible). Time-of-use is usually a whole-home decision.
Tariff types: which is usually cheapest for electric hob households?
Use this to narrow down the right tariff type before you compare specific deals. The “best” option depends on your usage pattern and eligibility.
| Tariff type | Who it suits | Who it doesn’t | Key watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-rate (fixed or variable) | Most households with daytime/evening cooking and no big off-peak loads | Homes with large flexible loads (EV, storage heating) that can shift overnight | Compare standing charge; check exit fees on fixes |
| Economy 7 (two-rate) | If you reliably use a high % overnight (often 30–40%+) and have the right meter | Most standard hob cooking (peak-heavy). Low off-peak use can increase bills | Peak unit rate may be higher; off-peak hours vary by region/meter setup |
| Smart time-of-use | Smart-meter homes that can automate shifting (EV charging, batteries, overnight appliances) | If most usage is during peak (evening cooking + daytime homeworking) | Rates can vary by time/day; understand peak windows before switching |
| Tracker / agile-style tariffs | Risk-tolerant users who can handle price changes and watch rates | Anyone needing price certainty or who can’t engage regularly | Prices can rise; check terms, caps (if any), and how often rates update |
Decision checklist (quick)
A single-rate tariff is likely best if…
- You mainly cook between 6am–10pm
- You don’t have EV charging or storage heating
- You want simpler bills and predictable costs
- Your off-peak share would be under ~25–30%
Off-peak / time-of-use may be worth checking if…
- You can shift 30–40%+ of your electricity off-peak
- You have (or can get) a smart meter / Economy 7 meter
- You can schedule appliances or EV charging overnight
- You understand when peak pricing applies
Important: Not all suppliers offer all tariff types in all regions, and some deals are only available with certain payment methods (often direct debit) or meter types.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)
These are the main reasons a tariff that looks “cheap” can end up costing more for electric hob households.
1) Standing charge shock
If you’re a low electricity user, a higher daily standing charge can outweigh a lower unit rate. Always compare the estimated annual cost.
2) Off-peak tariffs that don’t match your routine
Cooking tends to happen at peak times. If the peak rate is high and you can’t shift other loads, Economy 7/time-of-use can increase bills.
3) Meter constraints and setup
Some tariffs require a smart meter. Economy 7 hours can vary. If your meter needs changing, timing and eligibility can affect when you can start.
4) Exit fees and end-of-fix changes
Fixed tariffs may include exit fees. After the fix ends you may move to a different (often pricier) rate unless you switch again.
5) Payment method differences
Direct debit tariffs are often cheaper than pay-on-receipt. Prepayment options can be more limited depending on region and supplier.
6) “Hob-only” optimisation
Your hob is rarely the biggest electricity user. You may get better results by choosing the cheapest whole-home tariff and improving cooking efficiency.
Renters: If you pay the energy bills, you can usually switch supplier. If you have debt to your current supplier, or you’re on a prepay meter, there may be restrictions. If unsure, check supplier terms and Citizens Advice guidance.
FAQs: cheapest tariff for an electric hob (UK)
Is there a special “electric hob tariff” in the UK?
Not usually. Suppliers price electricity for your whole home. The cheapest option for hob cooking is typically the cheapest overall electricity tariff for your usage pattern (especially your day/peak usage).
Is Economy 7 cheaper if I cook on an electric hob?
Often no—because cooking is mostly in peak hours. Economy 7 can be cheaper if you can shift a significant share of your electricity overnight (commonly 30–40%+), but it can cost more if most usage remains during the day/evening.
Does an induction hob cost less to run than ceramic?
Induction is typically more efficient because it heats the pan more directly, so you may use fewer kWh for the same meal. Your exact cost still depends on your tariff’s unit rate (p/kWh) and cooking habits.
What matters more for hob users: unit rate or standing charge?
Both matter, but if your overall electricity use is low, standing charge can be the bigger driver of your annual bill. If you use a lot of electricity overall, unit rate differences tend to matter more.
Can I get the cheapest deals on a prepayment meter?
You can still compare and switch, but the range of tariffs may be smaller and pricing can differ. In some cases you may be able to switch to direct debit if you pass supplier checks and your circumstances allow.
Do I need a smart meter for time-of-use tariffs?
Usually yes. Many time-of-use tariffs rely on half-hourly readings from a smart meter. Availability varies by supplier, region, and meter status.
Will switching tariff affect my hob or electrics?
No—switching supplier/tariff doesn’t change your home wiring or appliances. If you move to Economy 7 or certain smart tariffs, your meter setup may need to be compatible.
How quickly can I switch to a cheaper tariff?
Switching times vary by supplier and circumstances (e.g., smart meter status, account checks). Your new supplier should confirm the expected start date and any steps required.
If you want help choosing: use the quote form above—your postcode and meter type are the biggest drivers of what’s cheapest and what you can switch to.
Trust, methodology and sources
Editorial details
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- April 2026
How we assess “cheapest” for electric hob households
We treat this query as a whole-home tariff decision with cooking as the motivating use-case. That’s because a hob’s annual kWh is usually smaller than heating/hot water (if electric), refrigeration, laundry, and general household electricity.
Our comparisons prioritise:
- Estimated annual cost (unit rate(s) + standing charge) using your region and meter type
- Eligibility and practicality (smart meter requirements, Economy 7 suitability, payment method constraints)
- Risk and predictability (fixed vs variable vs tracker/time-of-use complexity)
- Transparency around exit fees and end-of-contract terms
Limitations: Supplier pricing changes, and not every tariff is available in every region or for every meter/payment type. Any “hob kWh” figures on this page are illustrative ranges, not measurements of your appliance.
Sources (UK)
- Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — guidance on switching, tariffs and consumer protections
- Citizens Advice: energy — help with billing, meters, switching and complaints
- GOV.UK — official information on consumer rights and support schemes (where applicable)
We link to third-party sources for consumer guidance. Tariff availability and prices should always be checked at the point of quote.
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