Electric kettle vs. microwave: running cost
An electric kettle is cheaper to run: about $10 a year versus $23 for a microwave at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $13 difference.
| Electric kettle | Microwave | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,500 W | 1,200 W |
| Watt range | 1,000–1,500 W | 700–1,800 W |
| Typical use | 6 minutes a day | 15 minutes a day |
| Energy per year | 55 kWh | 127 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 27¢ | 22¢ |
| Cost per day | 2.7¢ | 6.3¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.82 | $1.90 |
| Cost per year | $10 | $23 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $24 | $55 |
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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.
- Microwave: A microwave's advertised wattage is cooking output; it draws about 1.4-1.6x that from the wall. Clocks and displays add 1-3 W standby.
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 AmazonRemoves clock standby load from microwave and countertop appliances when not in use.
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 microwave?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a microwave costs about $23 a year versus $10 for an electric kettle. That's $13 more, or 2.3× as much.
How many watts do electric kettle and microwave use?
An electric kettle typically draws 1,500 W (range 1,000–1,500 W). A microwave draws 1,200 W (range 700–1,800 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.