Clothes iron vs. garment steamer: running cost
A clothes iron is cheaper to run: about $6 a year versus $10 for a garment steamer at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $4 difference.
| Clothes iron | Garment steamer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,200 W | 1,500 W |
| Watt range | 800–1,800 W | 800–1,800 W |
| Typical use | 30 minutes a day, 2 days a week | 15 minutes a day, 3 days a week |
| Energy per year | 31 kWh | 53 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 11¢ | 24¢ |
| Cost per day | 1.5¢ | 2.6¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.47 | $0.79 |
| Cost per year | $6 | $10 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $14 | $23 |
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What drives the difference
- Clothes iron: Irons draw 1,000-1,800 W while heating; the thermostat cycles the plate on and off so average draw is about half.
- Garment steamer: Steamers boil water continuously at 800-1,800 W, so they draw near full power the whole time they're on.
Ways to cut either cost
Removes light wrinkles with no electricity.
See options on AmazonRemoves light wrinkles with no electricity, especially combined with hanging clothes in a steamy bathroom.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a clothes iron or a garment steamer?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a garment steamer costs about $10 a year versus $6 for a clothes iron. That's $4 more, or 1.7× as much.
How many watts do clothes iron and garment steamer use?
A clothes iron typically draws 1,200 W (range 800–1,800 W). A garment steamer draws 1,500 W (range 800–1,800 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.