Typical takeaway energy consumption
Consumption varies with cuisine type; fried food and pizza operations tend to use more energy than sandwich or cold-food-led takeaways due to continuous fryer or oven operation.
| Takeaway type | Electricity (kWh/yr) | Gas (kWh/yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Small sandwich/cold-food takeaway | 10,000 - 22,000 | 3,000 - 12,000 |
| Fried food/chicken shop | 22,000 - 40,000 | 10,000 - 30,000 |
| Pizza takeaway with gas ovens | 20,000 - 38,000 | 20,000 - 45,000 |
What drives the cost
- Fryers, which often run continuously through opening hours regardless of order volume
- Pizza ovens, whether electric or gas-fired, requiring long preheat and hold times
- Extraction and ventilation systems, a legal requirement for cooking premises
- Refrigeration for ingredient storage
- Shopfront lighting and heating for customer waiting areas
Gas versus electricity split
Takeaways using gas-fired pizza ovens or ranges often see a near-even split between fuels, while fryer-led operations without significant gas equipment lean more heavily towards electricity. Checking equipment fuel type before comparing quotes ensures an accurate like-for-like comparison.
Concentrated evening trading
Many takeaways trade primarily in the evening, with some also open at lunchtime and weekends. This concentrates a large share of daily energy use into a few hours, which differs from all-day dining venues and is worth flagging when comparing time-of-use tariff structures.
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Standing charges and premises size
Takeaways generally occupy smaller premises than full-service restaurants, and standing charges are typically lower as a result, though extraction and multiple fryers can still require meaningful electrical capacity even in a compact unit.
Contract length and renewal timing
Fixed contracts of 1 to 3 years are common, helping manage costs against tight margins typical of the sector. Comparing renewal quotes 2 to 4 months before contract end is generally sufficient given the smaller scale of most takeaway sites.
How to compare takeaway energy prices
- Confirm fryer count and oven fuel type before requesting quotes
- Check current contract end date to avoid a costly rollover rate
- Compare standing charges given typically smaller premises size
- Ask about half-hourly settlement only if consumption is unusually high for the sector