Keurig vs. drip coffee maker: running cost
A Keurig is cheaper to run: about $9 a year versus $15 for a drip coffee maker at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $6 difference.
| Keurig | Drip coffee maker | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,400 W | 1,000 W |
| Watt range | 1,100–1,500 W | 60–1,500 W |
| Typical use | 10 cups a week | 30 minutes a day |
| Energy per year | 49 kWh | 82 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 1.1¢ | 7.2¢ |
| Cost per day | 2.4¢ | 4.0¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.73 | $1.22 |
| Cost per year | $9 | $15 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $21 | $36 |
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What drives the difference
- Keurig: Keurig brewers heat an internal reservoir at about 1,400-1,500 W; each cup uses about 0.04-0.08 kWh including warm-up. Models that keep water hot between cups idle at 15-30 W if auto-off is disabled.
- 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
Brewing a full pot once uses less energy per cup than repeated single-serve brewing for households drinking 3+ cups.
See options on AmazonCuts pod costs; pair with auto-off to cut energy.
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, a Keurig 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 $9 for a Keurig. That's $6 more, or 1.7× as much.
How many watts do Keurig and drip coffee maker use?
A Keurig typically draws 1,400 W (range 1,100–1,500 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.