Cheapest electricity tariff for an electric hob in the UK
Find the lowest-cost tariff type for cooking, based on how electric hobs use energy (short bursts, mostly at peak times) — plus a simple way to compare whole-of-market deals for your home.
- Best for most homes: a competitive single-rate tariff with a low standing charge and strong day unit rate
- Economy 7 / time-of-use can work, but usually only if you also shift bigger loads (hot water, EV, heat pump)
- We explain the maths, show 2 realistic scenarios, and highlight common pitfalls before you switch
Estimates for UK households. Prices vary by region, meter type and payment method. Always check tariff terms and exit fees before switching.
Fast answer: what’s usually cheapest for an electric hob?
For most UK households, the cheapest electricity tariff for running an electric hob is typically a competitive single-rate tariff (the same unit price all day) with:
- a low day unit rate (p/kWh), because cooking usually happens in the evening peak
- a low standing charge (p/day), because hob-only electricity use is often relatively modest
- no unnecessary extras (bundles, add-ons, long fixes with high exit fees) unless they suit you
Important: there isn’t one “cheapest tariff” for everyone. Your cheapest option depends on your region, meter type (standard vs smart; single-rate vs Economy 7), payment method, and how much electricity you use overall (not just the hob).
Key takeaways (quick decision)
If you only care about the hob
Choose a sharp single-rate deal. Hob usage is short and mostly at peak times, so cheap off-peak rates rarely help on their own.
If you can shift big loads overnight
Consider Economy 7 or another time-of-use tariff — but only if a meaningful share of your total use can move to off-peak.
If you’re not sure
Compare with your actual usage (kWh) and check your meter type. A quick quote will show likely winners based on your details.
Compare tariffs for your home (whole of market)
If you cook on an electric hob, the tariff that looks cheapest on a headline rate isn’t always the cheapest overall. The best comparison uses your household details:
- Postcode (prices vary by region and network costs)
- Meter set-up (single-rate vs Economy 7; smart meter availability)
- Payment type (usually Direct Debit is lowest; other methods can cost more)
- Actual usage (annual kWh if you have it, or a best estimate)
Tip for hob users: focus on the day unit rate if you cook mainly between 4pm and 9pm. Off-peak rates matter far more for EV charging or electric heating than for a hob.
What we’ll show you
Estimated yearly cost using your details (where available)
Tariff terms including exit fees, duration and payment method
Eligibility flags (e.g. smart meter required for some time-of-use tariffs)
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Complete this quick form and we’ll help you compare suitable tariffs. This is for UK homes (not business energy).
Why “cheapest for a hob” is really about your whole electricity bill
An electric hob is a high-power appliance (often 1–7kW depending on rings/boost), but it’s usually used for short periods. That means your total annual cost is often driven more by the tariff’s standing charge and your broader electricity use than by hob cooking alone.
Tariff types: what tends to be cheapest for electric hob cooking?
If your main question is “What’s the cheapest tariff for using an electric hob?”, here’s the practical UK answer: single-rate tariffs usually win because most people cook during daytime/evening rates. Time-of-use can still be best in the right home.
Single-rate (standard)
Same unit rate all day. Simple to understand and usually best if cooking is your main “flexible” load.
- Best for: most flats/houses with typical evening cooking
- Watch for: high standing charges
Economy 7 (E7)
Two unit rates: cheaper off-peak (often overnight) and higher day rate. Great if you can shift significant kWh to off-peak.
- Best for: storage heaters, immersion heating, some EV charging
- Risk for hob-only: day rate can outweigh off-peak savings
Smart time-of-use (TOU)
Rates vary by time/day. Potentially very cheap off-peak, but can be pricey at peak times. Usually needs a smart meter.
- Best for: households that can automate usage (EV, batteries)
- Risk: cooking at peak could cost more
UK reality check: some suppliers restrict certain tariffs by region, meter type, or whether you pay by Direct Debit. Always confirm eligibility and whether any exit fees apply before switching.
How much electricity does an electric hob use?
Hobs are high-power, but usage is typically short. A realistic way to estimate is:
Estimated hob kWh = (average power in kW) × (minutes used ÷ 60)
Example: two rings averaging 1.5kW total for 45 minutes:
1.5 × 0.75 = 1.125kWh for that cooking session.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
These examples are illustrative to help you understand which tariff structure tends to suit hob users. They don’t represent today’s market rates and don’t include gas costs.
Scenario A: Hob-heavy, low flexibility
- Household
- 2 adults in a flat
- Electricity use
- 1,800kWh/year total
- Off-peak share
- 10% (mostly nothing shifted)
- Hob estimate
- ~400kWh/year (about 1.1kWh/day)
If Economy 7 has a higher day rate, this household often pays more overall because most usage (including cooking) is in daytime/evenings. A strong single-rate tariff is usually the safer “cheapest” bet.
Scenario B: Electric hot water + EV charging
- Household
- 3-bed house, EV on drive
- Electricity use
- 4,200kWh/year total
- Off-peak share
- 45% (EV + immersion timed)
- Hob estimate
- ~500kWh/year (still mostly peak)
Here, a time-of-use tariff can be cheaper overall because lots of kWh shift off-peak. The hob itself doesn’t benefit much, but the rest of the home does — which is what matters for your bill.
Assumptions used above: Hob energy is estimated from typical daily cooking. Your actual usage will vary depending on household size, cooking style, pan size/lids, and whether you also use an electric oven or microwave.
Comparison table: which tariff structure suits electric hob users?
Use this table to narrow down the tariff type to compare. Then run a quote using your postcode and meter details for accurate prices.
| Tariff type | When it’s often cheapest | Watch-outs | Good fit for an electric hob? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-rate | Most homes with typical daytime/evening usage patterns | Standing charge differences can outweigh small unit-rate gaps | Usually yes (simple and predictable) |
| Economy 7 | If you can shift a large share of total kWh to off-peak (heating, hot water, EV) | Higher day rate can increase cooking costs; E7 meter required | Only if your overall use is off-peak heavy |
| Smart TOU | If you can automate major loads or avoid peak windows | Peak pricing risk; eligibility and rates can be complex | Mixed: hob is often used at peak times |
| Tracker / variable | If you accept price changes and monitor costs | Not price-certain; changes can be frequent; budgeting harder | Can be fine, but not “hob-specific” |
Decision checklist (who it suits / who it doesn’t)
A single-rate tariff likely suits you if…
- You cook mainly in the evening
- You don’t have storage heaters, an EV, or timed electric hot water
- You want predictable bills and minimal admin
- Your annual electricity usage is modest and standing charge matters
Economy 7 / TOU may not suit you if…
- You can’t shift usage to off-peak times
- Your heating/hot water is mostly gas (so little off-peak demand)
- You already use most electricity during the day/evening
- You’re on the wrong meter set-up (or can’t change it easily)
Quick rule of thumb: if you can’t confidently say “at least a third of my electricity is off-peak”, it’s worth double-checking whether an E7/TOU tariff will really be cheaper for you.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK)
If you’re looking for the “cheapest” tariff, these are the issues that most often change the answer for real households.
Standing charge surprises
Two tariffs can have similar unit rates but very different standing charges. If your total kWh is low (common in small flats), standing charge can dominate your bill.
Payment method differences
Direct Debit deals are often cheaper than pay-on-receipt or prepayment options. When comparing, ensure you’re looking at the same payment method.
Meter type & eligibility
Economy 7 tariffs normally require an E7 meter configuration. Many time-of-use deals require a smart meter and may not be available in every region.
Exit fees and contract length
A fixed tariff may include exit fees. That can matter if you expect to move, change meter set-up, or want flexibility.
Check: exit fee amount, whether it applies to both fuels, and any cooling-off period terms.
Peak-time cooking on TOU tariffs
Some TOU tariffs have expensive peak windows (often late afternoon/evening). If you cook at those times, the hob can become an unexpectedly costly part of your day rate.
Practical tip: if you’re considering TOU, check the exact peak hours and compare a sample week of your routine.
Small ways to reduce hob costs (no tariff change required)
Use a lid and match pan size to ring size to reduce wasted heat.
Batch cook to avoid repeated heat-up cycles (especially for simmering dishes).
Use the right appliance (microwave/air fryer/kettle) where it genuinely uses less energy.
FAQs: cheapest electricity tariff for electric hob users
Is an electric hob expensive to run in the UK?
It can be, but it depends on how long you cook for and your tariff. Hobs draw high power, yet they’re usually used for short periods. For many homes, the bigger drivers of the electricity bill are heating/hot water (if electric), appliances left running, and the tariff’s standing charge.
What tariff is best if I cook mainly in the evening?
Usually a single-rate tariff with a competitive unit rate and reasonable standing charge. Evening cooking typically falls into the higher “day” rate on Economy 7 and often into peak windows on some smart time-of-use tariffs.
Can Economy 7 be cheaper if I only want it for the hob?
Rarely. Economy 7 helps when you can move a large share of your electricity use to off-peak hours. The hob itself is normally used at peak times, so E7 can increase your cooking cost unless other big loads (hot water, storage heating, EV charging) outweigh the higher day rate.
Do I need a smart meter to get the cheapest tariff?
Not always. Many competitive single-rate tariffs don’t require a smart meter. However, some smart time-of-use tariffs do. If you’re considering a TOU tariff, check the supplier’s smart meter requirement and whether your meter is communicating properly.
Why do electricity prices vary by postcode in the UK?
Because regional network costs and pricing structures can differ. Suppliers publish prices by region, so the cheapest deal in one area may not be the cheapest in another. That’s why a comparison needs your postcode.
Will switching electricity tariffs affect my electric hob installation or safety?
No — switching supplier/tariff doesn’t change your appliance wiring or certification. If you’re installing a new hob or moving from gas to electric, use a qualified professional and follow manufacturer guidance.
What details should I check before choosing a “cheap” tariff?
- Unit rate(s) and standing charge
- Payment method (Direct Debit vs other)
- Tariff length and any exit fees
- Meter compatibility (single-rate vs Economy 7; smart meter requirements)
- Whether prices are fixed or variable, and how changes are communicated
If I’m renting, can I switch my electricity tariff?
Often yes, as long as you’re the bill payer and your tenancy allows it, but there are exceptions (for example, some bills included arrangements). If you’re unsure, check your tenancy agreement and speak to your landlord/agent. You’ll also want to consider exit fees if you may move soon.
Trust, methodology and sources
Page checks
- Written by
- EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Energy Specialist
- Last updated
- April 2026
How we assess “cheapest” for an electric hob
We focus on what typically changes the total electricity cost for hob users:
- Timing: cooking is often in peak evening hours
- Scale: hob use is usually a modest share of annual kWh compared with heating, hot water or EV charging
- Tariff structure: single-rate vs E7/TOU, and how the standing charge affects low-to-medium usage homes
- UK constraints: regional pricing, meter compatibility and payment method
Limitations and caveats
- We can’t name a single “cheapest electricity tariff” for all hob users because UK tariffs vary by region, meter type, usage and payment method.
- Supplier availability and prices change. Always confirm today’s rates and terms on your personalised results.
- Scenario numbers are illustrative and based on reasonable household assumptions, not live market pricing.
Helpful UK sources
- Ofgem (UK energy regulator) — guidance on tariffs, switching and consumer protections
- Citizens Advice: energy — practical help if you have billing or switching problems
- GOV.UK — general UK government guidance (including consumer rights information)
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