🫖 Electric kettle

How much electricity does a kettle use? Cost per boil

Kettle electricity use per cup and per litre, cost per boil and comparison with a gas hob.

Per boil

0.11 kWh

Cost per boil

$0.02 · £0.029

Per year · 80 kWh

$14 · £21

With 14 times a week, electricity at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh all-in.

Boiling 1 litre of water takes about 0.11 kWh, and a kettle does it in 2–3 minutes. It’s one of the most efficient ways to heat water: about 80–90% of the energy ends up in the water.

On a gas hob more than half is lost around the pan; induction is about as efficient as a kettle.

Consumption compared

TypeUsagekWh/yearCost/year
One cup (250 ml)30 Wh / boil22$4 · £6
1 litre0.11 kWh / boil80$14 · £21
1.7 litres (full)0.19 kWh / boil138$25 · £36

Yearly cost with 14 times a week.

Work out your cost

Per boil
$0.02
Per month
$1.20
Per year
$14
Energy per year
80.1 kWh

The price is a typical all-in figure for your country: replace it with yours (bill total ÷ kWh).

How to use less

  • Boil only what you need: filling the kettle for one cup wastes two thirds of the energy.
  • Descale regularly: scale slows heating.
  • For pasta, boil water in the kettle then pour it into the pan: faster and cheaper than gas.
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FAQ

How much electricity does a kettle use?
About 0.11 kWh per boil, from 30 Wh to 0.2 kWh depending on model and programme.
How much does it cost per year?
With 14 times a week it uses about 80 kWh a year: about $14 · £21 at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh.
How can I reduce it?
Boil only what you need: filling the kettle for one cup wastes two thirds of the energy. Descale regularly: scale slows heating.

And what does your whole home use?

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