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Cost to run a microwave in South Australia (2026–27)

SA reference tariff · 41.9c/kWh

$0.54 per hour at 1,300 W

Typical use (0.25 h/day, 365 days a year at 1,300 W) ≈ $50/year on the SA Power Networks rate.

Source: AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8), effective 1 July 2026

Microwave cost in SA at 0.25 h/day, 365 days/year (41.9c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (1,000 W)$0.42$0.10$3.19$38
Typical (1,300 W)$0.54$0.14$4.14$50
High (1,700 W)$0.71$0.18$5.41$65

Appliance running-cost calculator

SA

Microwave: 1,000–1,700 W typical range.

10–15 min/day of actual heating in a typical household.

$0.54 per hour · $50/year at your settings
Per day (0.25 h)
$0.14
Per month
$4.14
Per year (365 days)
$49.72

Tariff: 41.9c/kWh — AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) for the SA Power Networks network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Eco Cost Savings — microwave wattage study. Full microwave costs in SA →

The same appliance in other states

Cutting the cost

For small portions, reheating and single servings, the microwave beats the oven comfortably, because it heats the food rather than a big empty cavity. Cover dishes to trap the steam and heat evenly, and stir partway through. Its standby draw is trivial next to how you cook, so the real win is simply reaching for it instead of the oven on quick jobs.

Frequently asked questions

What does a microwave cost per hour in SA?
$0.54 at the typical 1,300 W draw on SA's reference rate of 41.9c/kWh (SA Power Networks network). Efficient models run $0.42, high-draw models $0.71.
How is this calculated?
Watts ÷ 1,000 × the tariff = cost per hour, then × hours × days for the period figures. Every figure on this page uses SA's 2026–27 reference rate — change the assumptions in the calculator above.
Is the tariff here what I actually pay?
It's the AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) usage rate for the SA Power Networks network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See SA rates by zone.

Related

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

10–15 min/day of actual heating in a typical household.