HowMuchToRun

How much does it cost to run a electric kettle?

A typical electric kettle draws about 1500 watts. Used 0.3 hours a day, that works out to roughly $0.08 per day, $2.33 per month, and $27.92 per year on an average electricity rate of 17¢ per kWh. Boiling water is energy-intensive, but kettles only run for a minute or two.

Electric Kettle running cost calculator

Per day
$0.08
Per month
$2.33
Per year
$27.92
CO₂ / year
65.7 kg

Based on 164.2 kWh per year. Adjust the price per kWh to match your latest electricity bill for an exact figure.

The number that matters most is your own electricity rate. Rates range from under 11¢ per kWh in some regions to over 30¢ in others, so the same electric kettle can cost two or three times as much depending on where you live. Enter your exact rate in the calculator above to get a figure tailored to your bill.

Over a full year this electric kettle uses about 164.2 kWh of electricity and is responsible for roughly 65.7 kg of CO₂ emissions on an average grid. Reducing run time, or switching to a more efficient model, lowers both the cost and the footprint.

If this electric kettle is one you use daily, even small efficiency gains compound. Cutting its usage or wattage by 20% would save around $5.58 every year — money that an efficient replacement can recover over its lifetime.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to run a electric kettle per hour?
At 1500 watts and a 17¢/kWh rate, a electric kettle costs about $0.26 per hour to run.
How much electricity does a electric kettle use per month?
Running 0.3 hours a day, a electric kettle uses roughly 13.7 kWh per month, costing about $2.33.
Is a electric kettle expensive to run?
Not particularly — at around $27.92 per year, a electric kettle is a relatively minor part of most electricity bills.
How can I reduce my electric kettle running costs?
Use it during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use pricing, reduce daily run time, and consider an ENERGY STAR rated electric kettle, which uses less power for the same job.

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