Waffle maker vs. toaster: running cost
A waffle maker is cheaper to run: about $1 a year versus $6 for a toaster at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $5 difference.
| Waffle maker | Toaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,000 W | 900 W |
| Watt range | 350–1,400 W | 700–1,600 W |
| Typical use | 15 minutes a day, 1 days a week | 6 minutes a day |
| Energy per year | 8 kWh | 33 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 11¢ | 16¢ |
| Cost per day | 0.4¢ | 1.6¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.12 | $0.49 |
| Cost per year | $1 | $6 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $3 | $14 |
Compare at your rate and settings
What drives the difference
- Waffle maker: Standard waffle makers draw 800-1,400 W while heating; mini makers draw about 350 W.
- Toaster: A 2-slice toaster draws 800-1,000 W for 2-4 minutes per batch, so toasting is a small cost.
Ways to cut either cost
Mini waffle maker
Draws about a third of the power for one or two servings.
See options on Amazon Toaster with single-slice setting
Heats only the elements needed for one slice.
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 a toaster?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a toaster costs about $6 a year versus $1 for a waffle maker. That's $5 more, or 4.2× as much.
How many watts do waffle maker and toaster use?
A waffle maker typically draws 1,000 W (range 350–1,400 W). A toaster draws 900 W (range 700–1,600 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.