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
$0.88
10 uses/week at 0.11 kWh each · 1,500 W
Electric Stove Burner · per month
$8.39
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) | $0.88 | $8.39 |
| Cost per year (US avg) | $10.55 | $101 |
| Cost per month in Hawaii | $2.48 | $23.71 |
Rates as of May 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 (18.4¢/kWh), the electric kettle is cheaper: about $0.88/month versus $8.39/month for the electric stove burner — a difference of $7.51 per month.
How much could I save per year by choosing the electric kettle?
About $90.14 per year at typical usage and average rates. In Hawaii (52¢/kWh) the annual gap grows to roughly $255.
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 Idaho at 12.4¢/kWh to Hawaii at 52¢/kWh. Open each appliance's page for the exact cost in your state.