Electric ovens have been all the craze for a while, and for a good reason. They cook food faster and more evenly than traditional ovens, and they’re much easier to clean. But boy, before you bring one of these bad boys home, ensure you’re prepared to handle the electrical load! So, how many amps does an electric oven use?
Well, that’s one question that lots and lots of homeowners have been asking lately. And to help calm your nerves (and your curiosity), I dived in and did little research on the subject. Herein, I’ve enveloped so much stuff that you probably never knew about electric ovens. So without further ado, let’s get started!
Read: How Many Amps Does a Phone Charger Use?
How Many Amps Does an Electric Oven Use?
The amps used by an electric oven vary significantly, depending on the model, brand, and age of the oven. But generally, most conventional ovens have their amperage draw falling between 15 and 50 amps at 120V, and 7 to 25 amps at 240V. You can know the exact amps of your appliances by finding your unit’s power rating.
I won’t lie; an electric oven isn’t among the home appliances that will have a negligible impact on your home’s energy consumption. It’s one of the energy-intensive appliances.
After all, generating heat from electrical energy is one process that takes up a lot of power. So, electric ovens are some of the most energy-intensive units in the home, second only after air conditioners.
The good news is that ovens have gotten more energy-efficient over the years. So if you’re in the market for a new one, check on the energy level.
But generally, the amperage rating range of the oven depends on whether you’re getting a standard oven or a microwave oven.
A Standard Oven
An average convection oven has a wattage rating of around 2,000 to 5,000 watts, but it can go as high as 6,000 watts or more. So, it draws as few as about 9 amps up to 25 amps at 240 volts, with the most common electric range being 12 to 20 amps at the same voltage.
Of course, if a 120-volt was to go, you’re looking at a significantly higher amp rating. For example, an oven with a 2,000-watt element will need about 16.7 amps, while one with a 5,000-watt element will require about 41.7 amps. As for a 6000-watt element, it’ll need about 50 amps.
A Microwave Oven
A microwave oven’s electrical load is usually around 600 to 1500 watts, translating to about 5 to 12.5 amps at 120 volts. When on a higher 240-volt circuit, it’ll require only 2.5 to 6.3 amps, about a quarter of what’s needed by a standard oven.
But in this article, I’ll presume you’re talking about a standard oven whose normal range is 2000 watts to 5000 watts.
How Do You Calculate the Amperage of an Electric Oven?
You can calculate the amperage of an electric oven by dividing the appliance’s wattage by the voltage. If unsure of the actual amperage of your piece, check the label on the back of the oven or where the cord exits the appliance.
Once you get the exact wattage of your unit, use this formula to determine the amps:
Amps = Watts / Volts
Let’s assume you have a 3500-watt oven that uses 240 volts.
Here’s how the calculation would look like:
Amps = Watts / Volts
= 3500 / 240
= 14.58 amps
As you can see, this particular oven uses about 15 amps, which is pretty standard for electric ovens.
Perhaps you’ve read other related blogs and are wondering why my amperage figures differ from theirs. Well, that’s because most of them assume 120 volts for their calculations, while I’m using 240 volts; which is the ideal voltage for electric ovens.
Why is the Amps Rating of an Electric Oven Important?
The importance of knowing the amps rating of an electric oven is that you can make informed decisions when planning the electrical configuration of your kitchen. Plus, an oven will claim a sizable chunk of your energy consumption, so it only makes sense that you know exactly how much power it will need.
Let’s look at three main reasons why the amps rating is essential:
Choose the Ideal Appliance For Your Home
Electric ovens have a wide range of amp ratings. So, depending on your home’s electrical configuration, you can choose the oven that best suits your needs. For instance, if you have a 20-amp circuit, you’ll be better off with a range with a lower amp rating.
Know What To Expect
Amps don’t communicate the exact power usage of an appliance. But it gives you a good idea of how much power the appliance will draw. So, if you’re looking at electric ovens, you can expect them to draw more power than, say, refrigerators.
Do The Configurations Right
When configuring an electrical circuit to support an appliance, you must ensure the circuit can handle the unit’s amperage requirement. Otherwise, you risk overloading the circuit, which could lead to many problems, including fire. Plus, it’s from the wattage that you can size the wire and breaker appropriately.
How Much Does It Cost Per Year To Run an Electric Oven?
The cost of running an electric oven per year will depend on the oven’s wattage. But mostly, it will cost in the regions of $150. That’s quite a lot, especially comparing it to other appliances. But then, considering the convenience and speed that an electric oven offers, the cost is definitely worth it.
The diversity in wattage rating means that what you have to pay to run it for a year differs from one model to another. And generally, the more efficient the appliance, the less you’ll have to pay in electricity bills.
How Can You Save Money on Your Electric Oven Usage?
You can save money on your electric oven usage in several ways. So, if you’re looking to cut down on your electricity bills, here are some tips that you can use:
Get A High-Efficiency Model
Yes, we also have energy star electric burners. These models have higher energy efficiency ratings, meaning they’ll use less power than their conventional counterparts. It would mean paying more upfront for the appliance. But you’ll save money on your energy bills in the long run.
For your oven to keep running efficiently, you need to give it the proper maintenance it deserves. For instance, dirt accumulation can affect heat distribution in the oven. So, make sure to keep it clean at all times.
Avoid Opening the Door More Often
Not many people know this, but heat escapes whenever you open your electric oven door. So, if you can minimize the times you open the door, you’ll be able to save some money on your energy usage.
Turn It Off 5 Minutes Before
You don’t need to keep your oven on for the entire cooking duration. You can actually save some money if you turn it off 5 minutes before the food is done. The heat already in the oven will be enough to finish cooking the food.
Work On Several Dishes At a Time
If you’re preparing a meal that requires several dishes to be cooked in the oven, try to work on them simultaneously. This way, you won’t have to keep the oven on for a long time, and you’ll be able to save some money on your energy usage.
Precook Some Foods
Lastly, you don’t have to always have your oven begin the cooking from scratch. If you have some time, you can precook some of the foods beforehand. This way, when you’re ready to eat, you’ll only need to heat them up, which will take less time and energy.
Read: How Many Amps and Watts Does an Air Fryer Use?
Does a Bigger Oven Consume More Electricity?
Yes, a microwave with a bigger capacity will use more electricity than a smaller model. The larger capacity means that the microwave has to use more electricity to saturate the cooking space with adequate heat, so it will use more power.
But then again, a larger oven means that you can cook more food at once. So, if you have a big family or entertain guests often, a giant oven will be more efficient in the long run than a smaller one.
How To Choose the Right Circuit Breaker For an Electric Oven?
Consider the oven’s amperage when choosing the correct circuit breaker for an electric oven. The amps need not exceed 80% of the total number of amps that the circuit breaker can handle. Otherwise, the breaker will trip often.
For example, if your electric oven has a maximum amp rating of 30 amps, choose a circuit breaker that can handle at least 36 amps. And, of course, we don’t have a 36-amp breaker, so you’ll need to consider the next highest option, which is a 40-amp breaker.
Once you choose the ideal breaker, also consider the wiring. More amps need a thicker wire size to avoid overheating. For instance, if you go by a 50-amp 240-volt circuit, use a 6 AWG wire. For 40 amps, 8 AWG is good; for 30 amps, you can use either 8 AWG or 10 AWG gauge wire. Generally, a thicker wire size is always better.
What are the Different Factors That Affect How Much Power an Electric Oven Uses?
We have several factors that affect the amount of power an electric oven uses, such as:
The Size of the Oven
Larger ovens will definitely use more power than smaller ones, and that’s because they have to use more energy to heat up the larger cooking space.
The Efficiency of the Oven
More efficient ovens will use less power than less efficient models. It’s the same logic as anything else – the more efficient something is, the less energy it will use.
The Temperature Setting
The higher the temperature setting, the more power the oven will use. That’s because it takes more energy to maintain a high temperature than a low one. But then again, a higher setting saves you time, so it’s a trade-off.
The Length of Use
Obviously, the longer you use the oven, the more power it will consume. So, if you’re cooking a large meal, you can expect your energy bill to be higher than usual.
The Quality of the Oven
Better-quality ovens will use less power than lower-quality models. That’s because they’re better insulated and they have more efficient heating elements.
The Age of the Oven
Older ovens tend to be less energy-efficient than newer models. That’s because they’ve gone through years of wear and tear and are not as efficient as they used to be.
Maintenance of the Oven
Proper maintenance is also essential in keeping your oven power consumption low. If your oven is dirty, it will have to work harder to maintain the temperature, which will use more power. So, make sure to clean your oven regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Can The Oven And Stove Be On The Same Breaker?
Yes, you can have your oven and an electric stove on the same amp breaker, but only if it’s a 60-amp double-pole circuit breaker. A 40-amp double pole breaker would support either of the two but not the two appliances simultaneously.
Does An Oven Need Its Own Breaker?
Yes, it’s necessary to have an amp breaker dedicated to your oven. The main reason is that an electric oven uses much energy, so it needs a dedicated circuit. Additionally, if there’s a problem with the oven, it won’t affect the other appliances on the same circuit.
Are Ovens 30 Or 50 Amps?
It depends on the model and make of the oven. Most electric ovens require a 30 or 50-amp circuit, but that will depend on the model and the voltage. So, consult your oven’s manual to be sure.
An electric oven is one of the best ways to bring convenience into your kitchen. And while ovens use much electricity, there are ways to minimize that. As long as you know the different factors that affect power consumption, you can easily find ways to save.
Read: How Many Amps Does a Mini Fridge Use?
Just remember to always consult your oven’s manual to know the specific power requirements of your model. As for the configuration, get a licensed electrician.