Energy Cost Cooking Calculator for Garden Kitchens

Turn stove time into clear energy costs fast. Choose fuel, enter power, set duration easily. See per-meal totals, plus monthly and yearly projections instantly.

Calculator Inputs

Use for context; calculations use your power inputs.
Gas uses kWh-equivalent conversions for unit pricing.
Average mode multiplies rated power by your factor.
Examples: 2.4 (kW), 1800 (W), 12000 (BTU/h).
If unsure, check the label plate on your appliance.
0–1. Typical: 0.5–0.8 for thermostatic heating.
Total active cooking time, not including preheat.
Set to 0 if your method requires no preheat.
Include fans, warmers, or idle draw if known.
Higher means fewer losses. Try 0.8–0.9 for enclosed ovens.
Used when energy source is electricity.
Used only when energy source is gas.
m³ conversion uses ~10.55 kWh per m³.
Useful for harvest meals, canning batches, and prep days.
Used for weekly/monthly/yearly projections.
Optional: estimates CO₂ per session.
If unsure, keep the default or use local utility data.
Used only when gas is selected.
Reset

Example Data Table

Scenario Fuel Power Time (cook+preheat) Efficiency Energy (kWh equiv.) Cost/session
Roasted garden vegetables Electric 2.4 kW 55 min 0.85 ~2.59 Depends on your tariff
Batch canning day Gas 12,000 BTU/h 90 min 0.80 ~6.59 Depends on your unit price
Quick air fryer meal Electric 1,800 W 25 min 0.90 ~0.83 Depends on your tariff
These rows show typical inputs, not fixed outcomes.

Formula Used

Core energy
Total hours = (Cook minutes + Preheat minutes) ÷ 60
Rated kW = input converted to kW
Average kW = Rated kW × Average power factor (optional)
Active kWh = (Average kW × Total hours) ÷ Efficiency
Standby kWh = (Standby W ÷ 1000) × Total hours
Total kWh (equiv.) = Active kWh + Standby kWh
Cost and conversions
Electric cost = Total kWh × Price per kWh
Gas therms = Total kWh ÷ 29.300111
Gas MJ = Total kWh × 3.6
Gas m³ ≈ Total kWh ÷ 10.55
Gas cost = Gas units × Price per unit
Per serving = Session cost ÷ Servings
Monthly ≈ Weekly × 4.345, Yearly = Weekly × 52

Efficiency captures heat losses and real-world cycling. Use average mode when thermostats or pulsed heaters reduce continuous draw.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Pick your energy source and choose a power unit.
  2. Enter rated power from the appliance label plate.
  3. If heat cycles on and off, switch to average mode.
  4. Add cook time, preheat time, and any standby draw.
  5. Set efficiency and your local price for electricity or gas.
  6. Enter servings and weekly frequency for projections.
  7. Press calculate to view results and download files.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.