Calculate cooking electricity cost using selected zone power, daily minutes and average load.
We convert power to kilowatts and time to hours. Average load approximates the on/off cycling of the heating element.
Once the zone reaches temperature, the element switches on and off. Average load therefore gives a more realistic estimate.
A ceramic hob stays hot after switch-off, so finishing cooking with residual heat can reduce powered-on time.
A ceramic hob cycles its heating element on and off to maintain the selected setting. That means a 1,800 W zone does not necessarily draw 1,800 W continuously for the whole cooking period.
Radiant ceramic zones stay hot after the element switches off. For suitable dishes, reducing power before the end of cooking or using residual heat can lower powered-on time while the pan continues to receive heat from the glass surface.
If you are comparing ceramic and induction, use the same recipe, pan size, quantity of food and electricity price. A useful comparison looks at kWh needed to finish the task, not just rated zone power.
See induction vs ceramic hob for a broader comparison, and use the current electricity price if you are estimating cost in Spain.
Editorial review: 11 Oct 2026. Real consumption depends on cycling, cookware, power setting and cooking time.
