Drip coffee maker vs. espresso machine: running cost
A drip coffee maker is cheaper to run: about $15 a year versus $22 for an espresso machine at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $8 difference.
| Drip coffee maker | Espresso machine | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,000 W | 1,400 W |
| Watt range | 60–1,500 W | 1,000–1,800 W |
| Typical use | 30 minutes a day | 30 minutes a day |
| Energy per year | 82 kWh | 124 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 7.2¢ | 11¢ |
| Cost per day | 4.0¢ | 6.1¢ |
| Cost per month | $1.22 | $1.85 |
| Cost per year | $15 | $22 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $36 | $54 |
Compare at your rate and settings
What drives the difference
- Drip coffee maker: Drip coffee makers draw 900-1,200 W for about 8-10 minutes to brew, then 60-100 W to keep the hot plate warm. Leaving the warmer on for hours often doubles the energy.
- Espresso machine: Home espresso machines draw 1,200-1,800 W while heating; idle boilers cycle to hold temperature. Machines left on all day can use 1-2 kWh.
Ways to cut either cost
Keeps coffee hot for hours with no warming plate power.
See options on AmazonTurns the machine on 20 minutes before you need it and off afterward automatically.
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 drip coffee maker or an espresso machine?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an espresso machine costs about $22 a year versus $15 for a drip coffee maker. That's $8 more, or 1.5× as much.
How many watts do drip coffee maker and espresso machine use?
A drip coffee maker typically draws 1,000 W (range 60–1,500 W). An espresso machine draws 1,400 W (range 1,000–1,800 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.