Instant hot water dispenser vs. electric kettle: running cost
An electric kettle is cheaper to run: about $10 a year versus $72 for an instant hot water dispenser at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $62 difference.
| Instant hot water dispenser | Electric kettle | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 750 W | 1,500 W |
| Watt range | 500–1,300 W | 1,000–1,500 W |
| Typical use | 400 kWh a year | 6 minutes a day |
| Energy per year | 400 kWh | 55 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.8¢ | 27¢ |
| Cost per day | 20¢ | 2.7¢ |
| Cost per month | $6.00 | $0.82 |
| Cost per year | $72 | $10 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $174 | $24 |
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What drives the difference
- Instant hot water dispenser: Under-sink instant hot taps keep about 2/3 gallon at 190-200°F with a 750 W heater; standby losses alone add up to roughly 300-500 kWh a year.
- 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.
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 AmazonHeats water only when you need it, eliminating 24/7 standby loss.
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 instant hot water dispenser or an electric kettle?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an instant hot water dispenser costs about $72 a year versus $10 for an electric kettle. That's $62 more, or 7.3× as much.
How many watts do instant hot water dispenser and electric kettle use?
An instant hot water dispenser typically draws 750 W (range 500–1,300 W). An electric kettle draws 1,500 W (range 1,000–1,500 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.