How Much Does A Kettle Cost To Boil?
Reference table
| Scenario | Power | Use time | Cost at 24.67p/kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| One quick boil | 3,000W | 0.05 hours | 3.70p |
| Five quick boils | 3,000W | 0.25 hours | 18.50p |
| Ten quick boils | 3,000W | 0.50 hours | 37.01p |
What to know
Kettles have high wattage but short run times, so each boil is usually only a few pence.
Practical guidance
The avoidable cost comes from overfilling and reboiling.
How to use this
Hard-water scale can slow boiling, so descaling helps keep performance stable.
FAQs
Is a kettle expensive?
Not per boil, but frequent overfilled boils add up.
Does lower wattage save money?
Not necessarily if it takes longer to boil the same water.
What is the easiest saving?
Boil only the amount you need.
Does this include water cost?
No. The estimate is electricity only.
Last reviewed 3 May 2026. Source: Ofgem energy price cap. Figures are estimates. Actual prices vary by region, supplier, tariff, payment method and meter type.