Curling iron vs. flat iron: running cost
A curling iron is cheaper to run: about $1 a year versus $1 for a flat iron at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $0 difference.
| Curling iron | Flat iron | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 50 W | 60 W |
| Watt range | 25–150 W | 30–150 W |
| Typical use | 20 minutes a day, 4 days a week | 20 minutes a day, 4 days a week |
| Energy per year | 3 kWh | 4 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.9¢ | 1.1¢ |
| Cost per day | 0.2¢ | 0.2¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.05 | $0.06 |
| Cost per year | $1 | $1 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $1 | $2 |
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What drives the difference
- Curling iron: Curling irons draw 25-150 W while heating, then cycle to hold temperature; energy cost is tiny.
- Flat iron: Flat irons draw 30-150 W, mostly during heat-up; a year of regular use costs a few dollars.
Ways to cut either cost
Heatless curlers
No electricity and no heat damage.
See options on Amazon Heat protectant
Lets you use lower temperature settings with good results.
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 curling iron or a flat iron?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a flat iron costs about $1 a year versus $1 for a curling iron. That's $0 more, or 1.2× as much.
How many watts do curling iron and flat iron use?
A curling iron typically draws 50 W (range 25–150 W). A flat iron draws 60 W (range 30–150 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.