Stand mixer vs. food processor: running cost
A stand mixer is cheaper to run: about $1 a year versus $1 for a food processor at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $0 difference.
| Stand mixer | Food processor | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 325 W | 600 W |
| Watt range | 250–1,000 W | 250–1,200 W |
| Typical use | 15 minutes a day, 1 days a week | 6 minutes a day, 2 days a week |
| Energy per year | 4 kWh | 6 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 5.8¢ | 11¢ |
| Cost per day | 0.2¢ | 0.3¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.06 | $0.09 |
| Cost per year | $1 | $1 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $2 | $3 |
Compare at your rate and settings
What drives the difference
- Stand mixer: A KitchenAid tilt-head stand mixer is rated 325 W and draws less on light loads; even heavy bread dough costs pennies.
- Food processor: Full-size food processors draw 500-750 W; mini choppers 250 W. Running a few minutes costs very little.
Ways to cut either cost
A 200-250 W hand mixer is enough for batters and whipped cream.
See options on AmazonUses about a third of the power for small jobs like garlic and herbs.
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 stand mixer or a food processor?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a food processor costs about $1 a year versus $1 for a stand mixer. That's $0 more, or 1.5× as much.
How many watts do stand mixer and food processor use?
A stand mixer typically draws 325 W (range 250–1,000 W). A food processor draws 600 W (range 250–1,200 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.