Indoor electric grill vs. electric griddle: running cost
An indoor electric grill is cheaper to run: about $4 a year versus $4 for an electric griddle at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $0 difference.
| Indoor electric grill | Electric griddle | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,200 W | 1,500 W |
| Watt range | 760–1,800 W | 1,200–1,800 W |
| Typical use | 18 minutes a day, 2 days a week | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week |
| Energy per year | 23 kWh | 23 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 13¢ | 16¢ |
| Cost per day | 1.1¢ | 1.2¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.34 | $0.35 |
| Cost per year | $4 | $4 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $10 | $10 |
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What drives the difference
- Indoor electric grill: Contact grills like the George Foreman draw 760-1,500 W; smokeless open grills about 1,500-1,800 W.
- Electric griddle: Countertop electric griddles draw 1,200-1,500 W, cycling once at temperature.
Ways to cut either cost
Two-sided cooking finishes food faster than an open grill or skillet.
See options on AmazonInduction heats the griddle with less waste than an exposed electric plate.
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 indoor electric grill or an electric griddle?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an electric griddle costs about $4 a year versus $4 for an indoor electric grill. That's $0 more.
How many watts do indoor electric grill and electric griddle use?
An indoor electric grill typically draws 1,200 W (range 760–1,800 W). An electric griddle draws 1,500 W (range 1,200–1,800 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.