Blender vs. food processor: running cost
A food processor is cheaper to run: about $1 a year versus $2 for a blender at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $0 difference.
| Blender | Food processor | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 800 W | 600 W |
| Watt range | 300–1,500 W | 250–1,200 W |
| Typical use | 3 minutes a day, 4 days a week | 6 minutes a day, 2 days a week |
| Energy per year | 8 kWh | 6 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 14¢ | 11¢ |
| Cost per day | 0.4¢ | 0.3¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.13 | $0.09 |
| Cost per year | $2 | $1 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $4 | $3 |
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What drives the difference
- Blender: Blenders run only a minute or two per use; a high-speed Vitamix peaks around 1,400 W, but a smoothie uses about 0.02 kWh.
- Food processor: Full-size food processors draw 500-750 W; mini choppers 250 W. Running a few minutes costs very little.
Ways to cut either cost
Uses about a third of the power for small jobs like garlic and herbs.
See options on AmazonUses about half the power of a full-size high-speed blender for single smoothies.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a blender or a food processor?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a blender costs about $2 a year versus $1 for a food processor. That's $0 more, or 1.3× as much.
How many watts do blender and food processor use?
A blender typically draws 800 W (range 300–1,500 W). A food processor draws 600 W (range 250–1,200 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.