Electric kettle vs. drip coffee maker: running cost
An electric kettle is cheaper to run: about $10 a year versus $15 for a drip coffee maker at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $5 difference.
| Electric kettle | Drip coffee maker | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,500 W | 1,000 W |
| Watt range | 1,000–1,500 W | 60–1,500 W |
| Typical use | 6 minutes a day | 30 minutes a day |
| Energy per year | 55 kWh | 82 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 27¢ | 7.2¢ |
| Cost per day | 2.7¢ | 4.0¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.82 | $1.22 |
| Cost per year | $10 | $15 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $24 | $36 |
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What drives the difference
- Electric kettle: US electric kettles draw 1,200-1,500 W and boil 1 liter in about 4-5 minutes, using about 0.1 kWh per liter.
- 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.
Ways to cut either cost
Heats to the exact temperature needed instead of always boiling.
See options on AmazonKeeps boiled water hot for hours so you don't reboil.
See options on AmazonKeeps coffee hot for hours with no warming plate power.
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, an electric kettle or a drip coffee maker?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a drip coffee maker costs about $15 a year versus $10 for an electric kettle. That's $5 more, or 1.5× as much.
How many watts do electric kettle and drip coffee maker use?
An electric kettle typically draws 1,500 W (range 1,000–1,500 W). A drip coffee maker draws 1,000 W (range 60–1,500 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.