Electric Kettle vs Electric Stove Burner: Which Costs Less to Run?
Boiling water is the most-repeated cooking task in most homes, and the two common tools differ more than people expect.
Electric Kettle · per month
$0.90
10 uses/week at 0.11 kWh each · 1,500 W
Electric Stove Burner · per month
$8.57
1 hour/day · 1,000–3,000 W
Verdict
The electric kettle wins — it transfers nearly all its energy directly into the water and shuts off at the boil, beating an open pot on a radiant burner by 30–50%. Induction cooktops narrow the gap but don't close it. Boil only the water you need and the kettle's win doubles.
Side by side
| Electric Kettle | Electric Stove Burner | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical power | 1,500 W | 1,000–3,000 W |
| Typical usage | 10 uses/week at 0.11 kWh each | 1 hour/day |
| Energy per month | 4.8 kWh | 46 kWh |
| Cost per month (US avg) | $0.90 | $8.57 |
| Cost per year (US avg) | $10.78 | $103 |
| Cost per month in Hawaii | $2.23 | $21.25 |
Rates as of April 2026. Adjust the assumptions on each appliance's page: Electric Kettle · Electric Stove Burner.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to run: a electric kettle or a electric stove burner?
At typical usage and the current U.S. average rate (18.8¢/kWh), the electric kettle is cheaper: about $0.90/month versus $8.57/month for the electric stove burner — a difference of $7.67 per month.
How much could I save per year by choosing the electric kettle?
About $92.10 per year at typical usage and average rates. In Hawaii (46.6¢/kWh) the annual gap grows to roughly $228.
Do these numbers apply to my state?
The ratio between the two stays the same everywhere, but the dollar gap scales with your rate — from North Dakota at 12.4¢/kWh to Hawaii at 46.6¢/kWh. Open each appliance's page for the exact cost in your state.