Electric kettle vs. electric stove burner: running cost
An electric kettle is cheaper to run: about $10 a year versus $59 for an electric stove burner at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $49 difference.
| Electric kettle | Electric stove burner | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,500 W | 1,500 W |
| Watt range | 1,000–1,500 W | 1,000–3,000 W |
| Typical use | 6 minutes a day | 1 hour a day |
| Energy per year | 55 kWh | 329 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 27¢ | 16¢ |
| Cost per day | 2.7¢ | 16¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.82 | $4.93 |
| Cost per year | $10 | $59 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $24 | $143 |
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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.
- Electric stove burner: Electric coil and radiant smooth-top burners are rated 1.2-3 kW and cycle at medium settings. A typical household uses burners about an hour a day across meals.
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 AmazonInduction transfers about 85% of its energy into the pan versus about 70% for radiant and coil burners.
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 an electric stove burner?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an electric stove burner costs about $59 a year versus $10 for an electric kettle. That's $49 more, or 6.0× as much.
How many watts do electric kettle and electric stove burner use?
An electric kettle typically draws 1,500 W (range 1,000–1,500 W). An electric stove burner draws 1,500 W (range 1,000–3,000 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.