Waffle maker vs. electric griddle: running cost
A waffle maker is cheaper to run: about $1 a year versus $4 for an electric griddle at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $3 difference.
| Waffle maker | Electric griddle | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,000 W | 1,500 W |
| Watt range | 350–1,400 W | 1,200–1,800 W |
| Typical use | 15 minutes a day, 1 days a week | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week |
| Energy per year | 8 kWh | 23 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 11¢ | 16¢ |
| Cost per day | 0.4¢ | 1.2¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.12 | $0.35 |
| Cost per year | $1 | $4 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $3 | $10 |
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What drives the difference
- Waffle maker: Standard waffle makers draw 800-1,400 W while heating; mini makers draw about 350 W.
- Electric griddle: Countertop electric griddles draw 1,200-1,500 W, cycling once at temperature.
Ways to cut either cost
Draws about a third of the power for one or two servings.
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, a waffle maker 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 $1 for a waffle maker. That's $3 more, or 3.0× as much.
How many watts do waffle maker and electric griddle use?
A waffle maker typically draws 1,000 W (range 350–1,400 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.