Popcorn maker vs. microwave: running cost
A popcorn maker is cheaper to run: about $2 a year versus $23 for a microwave at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $21 difference.
| Popcorn maker | Microwave | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,100 W | 1,200 W |
| Watt range | 850–1,400 W | 700–1,800 W |
| Typical use | 6 minutes a day, 2 days a week | 15 minutes a day |
| Energy per year | 11 kWh | 127 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 20¢ | 22¢ |
| Cost per day | 0.6¢ | 6.3¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.17 | $1.90 |
| Cost per year | $2 | $23 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $5 | $55 |
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What drives the difference
- Popcorn maker: Hot air poppers draw about 1,000-1,400 W for 2-3 minutes; theater-style kettle machines 800-900 W including the kettle and warming light.
- 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
Pops a bowl in 2-3 minutes in the microwave with no extra appliance.
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, a popcorn maker or a microwave?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a microwave costs about $23 a year versus $2 for a popcorn maker. That's $21 more, or 11.1× as much.
How many watts do popcorn maker and microwave use?
A popcorn maker typically draws 1,100 W (range 850–1,400 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.