How much electricity does a kettle use? The cost of making a cup of tea

Boiling the kettle might feel like a small daily habit, but it could be silently costing you more than you think.

According to Utilita’s Power Price List, a kettle can be a surprisingly energy-hungry device.

Let’s break down exactly how much electricity a kettle uses, why it matters as well as provide some energy saving tips to save money with every cup of tea or coffee.

How expensive is it to boil a kettle?

Utilita’s data reveals that boiling a kettle costs around £0.05 per use, which might not sound like much.

However, over the course of a year, based on typical usage, that adds up to £71.76. This kettle is one of the highest users of electricity in the home and one of the more expensive small appliances to run, especially if you're frequently boiling more water than needed.

And the environmental cost? Each boil is equivalent to driving 0.20 miles in a petrol car. Over a year, that’s like driving nearly 296 miles, just from making hot drinks.

Why does a kettle use so much electricity?

Kettles are built for speed. That means high power. Most electric kettles in the UK are rated at around 3,000 watts (3kW). Heating water from cold to boiling point quickly requires a lot of energy.

Here's what contributes to the high energy use:

• High wattage: Kettles demand a lot of power over a short period.
• Overfilling: Many people boil more water than they need, using extra energy for no reason. According to the UK Tea and Infusions Association (UKTIA), heating larger amounts of water costs more money, and overfilling adds an eye-watering £900 a day to the nation’s energy bills.​
• Limescale build-up: This reduces heating efficiency, making your kettle work harder (and longer).

As Utilita’s Power Price List puts it: “Want to know if your kettle’s a super saver or an energy sapper? Get to know the numbers.”

If you're curious about how to save money on other appliances, take a look at our guide to the cost of running a tumble dryer.

How can I save money when boiling my kettle?

Good news - cutting down on kettle-related electricity costs is easier than you might think. Here’s how to save on energy and money:

Boil Only What You Need

Measure the amount of water you actually need using a mug or cup. Dr. Sharon Hall, head of the UK Tea and Infusions Association, has emphasised the importance of boiling only the necessary amount of water to save energy and reduce costs. She stated: “Following the Smart Boil guidelines to fill the kettle with only the water you need is good for the planet as well as your budget.” ​

Descale Regularly

A kettle with limescale build-up takes longer to boil water. Descaling once a month can improve efficiency and cut running costs.

According to Russell Hobbs’ kettle expert Cira Jones: “The build-up of limescale is a culprit when it comes to the energy efficiency of your kettle. Resulting from the natural build-up of minerals such as calcium carbonate, magnesium, and iron, limescale deposits act as an insulator. In turn, this forces the kettle to work a lot harder to heat itself.”

Don’t Reboil

If you've already boiled the water and it’s still warm, don't start from scratch. Reboiling costs more than keeping the water hot.

Use a Thermos Flask

If you're making multiple hot drinks a day, consider boiling once and storing the hot water in a flask to avoid repeated boiling.

Should I buy a new kettle?

If your kettle is old, inefficient, or constantly needs to be refilled and reboiled, it might be time to upgrade.

But don’t rush to replace it. Utilita suggests: “Not so fast! Always consider servicing an item or replacing broken parts before replacing the entire item.”

However, according to Which.co.uk: “If a kettle is able to reach boiling point in around three minutes, it will use far less energy than one that takes four or five minutes to boil the same amount.”

If you do need a new kettle, look for one with:

• Auto shut-off
• Rapid boil settings
• Energy-saving eco modes
• Variable temperature controls

These features help reduce power usage, especially if you regularly heat water below boiling (e.g., for green tea or instant coffee).

So, how much electricity does a kettle use? The answer is: more than you'd think - especially if you're overfilling or reboiling regularly. At £71.76 per year, that little daily habit adds up fast.

With energy price rises soaring managing the electricity consumption of everyday appliances like kettles is crucial.

By making a few small changes - like boiling only what you need, descaling, and considering an energy-efficient model - you can cut your kettle costs significantly.