Do smart kitchen appliances use more electricity in the UK?

Smart kitchen appliances in the UK usually consume less electricity during active use than older appliances, but they can increase overall electricity consumption if standby power, always-on connectivity, and background features are not managed properly.

Whether a smart appliance saves or wastes electricity depends on how it is designed, how it is used, and which smart features remain active when the appliance is not in use.

How smart kitchen appliances consume electricity

Smart kitchen appliances consume electricity in two main ways: active operation and background operation.

During active use, smart appliances often run more efficiently because sensors and software optimise temperature, timing, and power output. However, when not actively in use, many smart appliances continue consuming electricity through connectivity and monitoring functions.

Active electricity use

During cooking, cooling, or cleaning cycles, smart appliances can reduce wasted energy by adjusting performance in real time, such as lowering power once a target temperature is reached.

Background and standby electricity use

When idle, smart appliances may still draw power to maintain Wi-Fi connections, run sensors, or keep displays active. This standby usage is usually small per hour, but it accumulates over time.

This ongoing electricity use is known as standby power consumption, and it can add up when multiple smart appliances remain connected at all times.

Standby power and always-on connectivity

Standby power is one of the main reasons smart appliances can increase household electricity usage.

Appliances with always-on features — such as remote monitoring, notifications, or voice assistant integration — often consume electricity continuously, even when no task is running.

When smart appliances increase electricity bills

Smart kitchen appliances are more likely to increase electricity bills when:

• connectivity features are never disabled
• displays remain permanently active
• appliances are left in default “always connected” modes
• energy-saving settings are not configured

This is why understanding what makes an appliance energy efficient in the UK is critical.

How to reduce electricity usage from smart appliances

Electricity usage from smart appliances can usually be reduced by:

• disabling unused smart features
• enabling eco or energy-saving modes
• switching off displays when possible
• disconnecting appliances from Wi-Fi when smart functions are not needed

Smart appliances are not automatically inefficient — they simply require informed configuration.