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
$0.87
10 uses/week at 0.11 kWh each · 1,500 W
Electric Stove Burner · per month
$8.34
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) | $0.87 | $8.34 |
| Cost per year (US avg) | $10.50 | $100 |
| Cost per month in Hawaii | $2.29 | $21.89 |
Rates as of July 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 (18.3¢/kWh), the electric kettle is cheaper: about $0.87/month versus $8.34/month for the electric stove burner — a difference of $7.47 per month.
How much could I save per year by choosing the electric kettle?
About $89.65 per year at typical usage and average rates. In Hawaii (48¢/kWh) the annual gap grows to roughly $235.
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 Louisiana at 12.7¢/kWh to Hawaii at 48¢/kWh. Open each appliance's page for the exact cost in your state.