👔 Iron

How much electricity does an iron use? Cost per hour, steam generators too

Electricity use of steam irons and steam generators per hour of ironing, with the running cost.

Typical power

1,100 W

Cost per hour

$0.198 · £0.286

Per year · 120 kWh

$22 · £31

With 0.3 hours a day, electricity at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh all-in.

The box says 2,000–2,800 W, but that’s peak power: once hot, the thermostat switches the plate on and off. An hour of ironing uses 1–1.5 kWh on average.

Steam generators use a bit more per hour but iron faster: overall the difference is small.

Consumption compared

TypeUsagekWh/yearCost/year
Steam iron 2,400 W (average with thermostat)1,100 W120$22 · £31
Steam generator iron1,500 W164$30 · £43
Garment steamer1,400 W153$28 · £40

Yearly cost with 0.3 hours a day.

Work out your cost

Per hour
$0.20
Per month
$1.81
Per year
$22
Energy per year
120.5 kWh

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

How to use less

  • Iron everything in one session a week: each heat-up costs energy.
  • Start with delicate items at low temperature and switch off before the end: residual heat does the last few.
  • Hang laundry well stretched: less ironing, or none.
Lower-energy modelsCompare prices and energy labels on AmazonAmazon ↗

FAQ

How much electricity does an iron use?
About 1,100 W, or 1.1 kWh for each hour of use; from 600 to 2,000 W depending on the model.
How much does it cost per year?
With 0.3 hours a day it uses about 120 kWh a year: about $22 · £31 at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh.
How can I reduce it?
Iron everything in one session a week: each heat-up costs energy. Start with delicate items at low temperature and switch off before the end: residual heat does the last few.

And what does your whole home use?

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