Energy & running costs · A Brennan's Electrical guide
What Appliances Use the Most Electricity in Ireland?
With Irish electricity prices among the highest in Europe, knowing which appliances cost the most to run helps you cut your bills and choose more efficient models. Here is the full ranking, with real annual running costs in euro.
The appliances that use the most electricity in Irish homes are heat-generating ones: the tumble dryer, electric shower, immersion heater, oven and dishwasher. A tumble dryer can cost €150 to €250 a year to run, and an electric shower a similar amount. Fridges and freezers use less per hour but run constantly, so they add up too. Choosing energy-efficient models and using them wisely is the key to lower bills.
This guide ranks the biggest electricity users in a typical Irish home, with real annual running costs in euro, and shows how to reduce them. Figures are based on average Irish household usage and an electricity price of around €0.35 per kWh, so verify against your own tariff. When it is time to replace an old appliance, browsing our range of home appliances in Ireland is a good place to start.
The appliances that use the most electricity
The biggest electricity users are almost always appliances that generate heat, because heating uses far more energy than anything else. Here is the typical ranking with estimated annual running costs.
| Appliance | Est. annual cost | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tumble dryer | €150 to €250 | Heats air to dry clothes, one of the most energy-hungry appliances. Heat-pump models cost far less to run. |
| Electric shower | €150 to €250 | Heats water on demand at high power; cost depends on shower time and household size. |
| Immersion heater | €120 to €300 | Heats a full tank of water; expensive if used as the main hot-water source. |
| Oven / cooker | €80 to €150 | High power draw when in use; frequency of cooking is the main factor. |
| Dishwasher | €60 to €120 | Heats water for each cycle; eco modes cut cost significantly. |
| Washing machine | €50 to €100 | Most energy goes on heating the water; washing at 30°C saves a lot. |
| Fridge freezer | €60 to €120 | Low power but runs 24/7, so it adds up. Efficient models pay back over time. |
| Electric heater (portable) | €50 to €200+ | Very high running cost; costly if used regularly for heating. |
| Kettle | €40 to €80 | High power but short use; only boil what you need. |
| Air fryer | €20 to €40 | Far cheaper to run than an oven for small portions, a real energy saver. |
Estimates based on average Irish household usage at around €0.35/kWh. Your actual costs depend on your tariff, usage and the appliance's efficiency.
Why heat-generating appliances cost the most
There is a simple rule behind the ranking: appliances that generate heat use the most electricity. Heating air (tumble dryer), heating water (shower, immersion, dishwasher, washing machine) or heating a space (electric heater) all require large amounts of energy. By contrast, appliances that mainly move or power things, like a TV, a laptop, an LED light, even an air fryer heating a small space, use far less. This is why the humble tumble dryer often costs more to run than everything else in the kitchen combined.
The air fryer vs oven saving
One of the easiest ways to cut cooking costs is to use an air fryer instead of the oven for smaller meals. An air fryer heats a small chamber quickly and uses a fraction of the energy of a full-size oven, which wastes energy heating a large empty space. For everyday cooking for one or two people, an air fryer can noticeably reduce your cooking electricity, one reason the Ninja range is so popular in Irish homes.
How to cut your appliance running costs
- Choose efficient models. Check the EU energy label (A is best). A heat-pump tumble dryer or A-rated fridge costs more upfront but far less to run.
- Wash cooler. Washing at 30°C instead of 40°C or 60°C cuts most of a washing machine's energy use.
- Use eco modes. Dishwasher and washing machine eco cycles use less water and heat.
- Dry outdoors when you can. The tumble dryer is the biggest single saving if you use it less.
- Use an air fryer for small meals. A fraction of the oven's running cost.
- Only boil what you need. In the kettle and when heating water.
- Mind standby. Some appliances draw power on standby; switch off at the wall where practical.
When it is time to replace an old, inefficient appliance, an energy-efficient new model can pay for itself in lower bills. Brennan's Electrical stocks a curated range of energy-efficient appliances and our team can help you choose the most economical option for your home.
Frequently asked
What appliance uses the most electricity in Ireland?
Do fridges and freezers use a lot of electricity?
Is an air fryer cheaper to run than an oven?
How much does it cost to run appliances in Ireland?
Upgrade to energy-efficient
Replacing an old, inefficient appliance can pay for itself in lower running costs. Shop our curated, energy-efficient range online, or call into our Arklow store for expert advice.