How much does it cost to run a kettle?

Want to know how much it costs to run a kettle? Enter your details into the electricity cost calculator below to find out.

Electricity rates

To calculate your kettle’s precise cost, you need to know the cost of electricity per unit (kilowatt-hour) from your provider. In the UK, this value can vary from provider to provider, this price is currently capped at 29p per kWh.

The higher the wattage, the faster your kettle will boil, but this speed comes at the price of, well, speed in depleting your electricity supply.

Calculating the cost of running a kettle

To calculate the cost, you need to know the energy consumption of your kettle, which can typically be found in the user manual or on the manufacturer’s website.

Next, you need to know the cost of electricity per kWh in your location. This information can usually be found on your electricity bill or by contacting your utility provider.

Here’s a simple formula:

kWh × kWh cost ÷ 60 × minutes

Let’s say your kettle has a power rating of 3 kW, it takes 3 minutes to boil, and the cost of electricity is 29 pence per kWh. The calculation would look like this:

3 × 0.29 ÷ 60 × 3 = £0.043

So, it would cost you approximately 4.3 pence to boil your kettle for 3 minutes.

How much does it cost per month to run an electric kettle?

Using the same figures shown above, it would cost approximately:

• £1.30 to use a 3000 watt kettle for 3 minutes per day for 30 days.
• £2.17 to use a 3000 watt kettle for 5 minutes per day for 30 days.
• £3.48 to use a 3000 watt kettle for 8 minutes per day for 30 days.
• £4.35 to use a 3000 watt kettle for 10 minutes per day for 30 days.

Factors influencing the cost

While the average cost of boiling a kettle may seem relatively low, there are factors that can significantly impact this cost.

1. Kettle Efficiency: Some kettles are more energy-efficient than others. Features like automatic shut-off and thermal insulation can help to reduce energy consumption.
2. Water Volume: The more water you boil, the longer it takes, and the more energy it consumes. Only boil the amount of water you need.
3. Electricity Rates: Electricity costs vary by location and provider. Peak hours may also attract higher rates.
4. Frequency of Use: Naturally, the more often you use your kettle, the higher your total energy costs will be.

Tips to reduce kettle energy consumption

Being mindful of how you use your kettle can lead to considerable savings. Here are a few tips to consider:

Fill only what you need

One of the easiest ways to reduce energy usage is to boil just the amount of water you need. Most kettles have volume measurements imprinted inside, so you can fill to your desired level without overdoing it.

Clean regularly

Over time, limescale buildup can insulate the heating element, making your kettle work harder and longer to achieve the same boil. Regular cleaning will keep your kettle in peak operating condition.

Use properly and efficiently

Make sure to place the kettle on the base correctly, and don’t allow the water level to drop below the minimum level when boiling. Both can lead to inefficient energy use.

Avoid using it during peak hours

During peak hours, the cost of energy is typically higher. You can save money on your electricity bill by avoiding using your kettle during these times.

Invest in a more efficient kettle

If you’re in the market for a new kettle, consider purchasing one with an energy-saving feature or one that has a lower wattage. These kettles will use less energy, ultimately leading to cost savings.