Is It Cheaper to Buy an Oven or Microwave? A Cost Comparison Guide
If you’re debating whether to buy an oven or a microwave, the cost to run each one really matters. A microwave usually costs less to operate because it uses less energy and cooks food faster than an oven.
This can make a real difference if you’re trying to keep your electricity bill down.
The upfront price and what you actually want to cook also play into which one’s cheaper for you over time. Microwaves tend to be less expensive at first, but ovens give you more ways to cook.
Knowing how each appliance affects your energy use might just help you make a smarter choice.
If you want to dig deeper, check out this detailed look at oven vs. microwave energy costs.
Cost Comparison: Ovens vs. Microwaves
When you’re choosing between an oven or a microwave, you’ve got a few cost factors to weigh. There’s the price tag, anything extra you might need to set them up, and how much energy they’ll chew through over time.
Initial Purchase Price
Microwaves almost always cost less than ovens when you’re buying new. You can find a basic microwave for around $50, while even a no-frills oven usually starts at a few hundred bucks.
If you want more bells and whistles, prices can climb fast.
Electric ovens usually cost more than gas ovens. Microwaves strike a good balance between price and convenience, so if you’re on a tight budget, they’re hard to beat.
Here’s a quick price snapshot:
| Appliance | Basic Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Microwave | $50 to $300 |
| Oven | $300 to $1,500 or more |
Installation and Setup Expenses
Microwaves are super easy to set up. Most just plug right into the wall, so you probably don’t need to hire anyone.
This keeps your installation cost basically at zero.
Ovens? That’s a different story. Built-in and wall ovens usually need a pro for installation, which adds $100 to $300 or more in labor.
If you go with a gas oven, you might need a special gas line connection, which can bump the cost even higher.
If you rent or move a lot, the microwave’s plug-and-play setup is just easier—and cheaper.
Long-Term Energy Consumption
Microwaves use energy way more efficiently than ovens. If you’re cooking a small meal, the microwave might use just 10% to 25% of the energy an oven would for the same job.
Running an oven for an hour every day can use twice as much energy (or more) as a microwave for the same amount of time.
Gas ovens are a bit more energy-friendly than electric ones, but they still use more than microwaves.
Here’s a quick look at energy costs:
- Microwave: Low energy use, cheaper for quick meals
- Oven: Higher energy use, especially for bigger or longer cooking
If you stick with the microwave for smaller portions, you’ll probably notice some savings on your electricity or gas bill (source).
Other Factors Affecting Overall Cost
Don’t forget to think about upkeep and how often you’ll actually use each appliance for different meals.
Maintenance and Repairs
Ovens have more parts that can break—heating elements, fans, and so on. When something goes wrong, repairs can get pricey.
You’ll need to clean ovens regularly to keep them working well, especially to avoid gunk building up and messing with the heat.
Microwaves have fewer moving parts, so they usually need less maintenance. But if the magnetron (that’s the thing that heats your food) dies, fixing it can be expensive—or you might just need a whole new microwave.
When you’re deciding what fits your budget, it’s worth thinking about repair costs and how much time you want to spend on maintenance.
Versatility and Usage Frequency
How often you cook—and what kinds of meals you actually make—really shapes your cost efficiency. Ovens handle all sorts of dishes: baking, roasting, even broiling.
If you use those features a lot, you might squeeze more value out of your oven. Still, ovens take their time to heat up and usually burn through more energy each use.
Microwaves, on the other hand, heat food fast and sip less energy per minute. They’re perfect for reheating, defrosting, or tossing together a quick meal.
If you mostly nuke leftovers or stick to simple stuff, the microwave could end up cheaper for everyday energy costs.
Honestly, just taking a moment to notice your own kitchen habits might tell you which one fits your life better.
For more details on energy use, see this comparison of microwave vs. oven energy costs.
