Are Electric Stove Heaters Expensive to Run?

Electric stove heaters provide homeowners with a unique and convenient heating alternative. They come in a wide range of designs and sizes and may be used in practically any setting, depending on your needs.

While some electric fireplaces are purely aesthetic and provide no heat, the majority have an incorporated heater. They usually run on a typical household outlet (120 volts) and produce 4,500- 5,000 BTU, which is about the same as a small electric space heater.

It is because of this aesthetic appeal and the convenience they provide; one always wonders if these electric stove heaters are also cost-efficient.

So, read on as we answer this.

Key Takeaways

• Electric stove heaters are an efficient heating option, with almost all the energy used returned as heat to the room, making them cost-effective compared to other heating sources.
• To optimize expenses when using an electric stove heater, calculate electricity costs based on the stove’s kilowatts, choose a lower-wattage model, consider local electricity rates, and opt for LED lighting. You can also save money by using the flame effect independently from the heat.
• Running a 1,500-watt electric heater for 6 hours daily can amount to around £50.10 per month, factoring in electricity costs, but additional charges from electric companies may apply.

Is it expensive to run an electric stove heater?

Electric stoves have a terrible reputation for being expensive to operate, but there are a few factors you should consider before you draw a conclusion.

Let’s begin by taking a look at their effectiveness.

Electric stoves are 100 percent efficient, meaning that practically all of the energy used to operate the stove is returned to your room as heat. While they are more expensive to run per kilowatt, they have a cheaper initial cost and require less maintenance.

Electric fireplaces on the other hand consume about the same amount of energy as a typical space heater. Since a standard household outlet powers most fireplaces, the internal heater runs on 120 volts and draws roughly 1,500 watts at 12.5 amps.

An electric stove heater thus can be a more efficient option especially when it comes to potential energy saving for using an electric fireplace decreases the need for heat from any other sources.

Additionally, here are a few tips that you can execute to optimise your expenses when it comes to an electric stove burner:

Calculate the electricity cost according to the stove’s kw

The heat output of every stove sold will be measured in kilowatts (kW). Multiply this figure by the number of hours you plan to use the appliance to calculate the cost based on your current electricity use tariff.

This will help you plan and cut down on expenses.

Check your electric fireplace’s wattage

The wattage is the first thing to look at when purchasing an electric fire.

While a 1,500-watt heater would be the finest choice for supplemental warmth, a 1,000-watt heater will save you more money although heating a medium-sized room would take some time. Nevertheless, you can cut down on your expenses by going for a lower wattage model.

Check your area’s cost per kWh

The price per kilowatt-hour varies depending on where you reside. Some locations have a lower cost per KWH, while others have a higher cost per KWH. Your electricity bill will show you the cost per kWh. Considering this factor will also help you lower your costs.

Search for stoves that have LED lighting

Lighting is included in the design of electric stoves to give a dazzling flame effect. Some will have multiple brightness settings, allowing you to select how bright (or not) you want it to be.

It’s a good idea to choose a stove with LED illumination for the prices are significantly lower than those of ordinary bulbs. Compared to a regular bulb, which can consume up to 30 times as much energy, LED lighting utilises the equivalent of an 8W bulb to light the flame effect of an electric fire (240W).

Choose between heat and flame effects

Not all electric stoves are created equal. With a classic electric stove, you can get the heat as well as enjoy its flame effects. Since each acts independently, if you only utilise the heat and not the flame, you will consume less electricity and thereby save money.

You can use the flame effect all year long without having to light the fire. You can also have the heat but without the flickering flame effect (if using an electric stove for heat you can use a stove fan to radiate heat into the area). This allows you to cut your operating costs even further if you want to.

The process of computing your cost

After you’ve considered all the factors listed above, the final step is to calculate the cost.

So, let’s begin.

The cost of electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) therefore you must convert the electric heater’s energy consumption to kilowatts. Most households use 1500 wattage, therefore:

1,500 watts divided by 1,000 equals 1.5 kilowatts

A heater consumes 1.5 kilowatts per hour on average. The next step is to divide the electric fireplace’s electricity consumption by the number of hours you want to use it.

On average, consumers use an electric fire burner for 6 hours. Therefore, your electric heater heats your room with 9 kilowatts of electricity every day.

1.5 x 6 hours= 9 kilowatts

The entire daily usage is then multiplied by the cost of electricity per kWh. If the cost of a kWh per hour is 18.54p. This means:

£1.67 = 9 kilowatts x 18.54p (rounded off)

Hence, the cost of using a 1,500-watt electric heater for 6 hours every day is £1.67 and you will spend about £50.10 every month. Other charges, such as energy losses, network fees, and so on, are imposed by electric companies, so they must also be factored in.

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To sum up

Consider an electric stove if your property lacks a chimney and the cost of installing a gas fire seems too costly to justify. They make a good alternative if you won’t be using them for extended periods every day, but just as a heat source on cold evenings.

Electric log burners are simple and inexpensive to install, and they don’t require any upkeep, making them highly convenient.

Furthermore, the majority of electric stoves offer an ‘effect only’ setting. So, you can enjoy the flicker of incredibly realistic flames on days when you don’t require any heat!