Cooking
Kettle Boiling Cost Calculator UK
Estimate the cost of boiling a kettle once, daily or monthly.
Estimated running cost
- Per hour
- 74.01p
- Per day
- 18.50p
- Per week
- £1.30
- Per month
- £5.55
- Per year
- £67.53
Formula: kettle wattage ÷ 1,000 × boil time × electricity price.
Cost table
| Scenario | Power | Use time | Cost at 24.67p/kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,000W for 3 minutes | 2,000W | 0.05 hours | 2.47p |
| 3,000W for 3 minutes | 3,000W | 0.05 hours | 3.70p |
| 3,000W for 5 minutes | 3,000W | 0.08 hours | 6.17p |
Formula
kettle wattage ÷ 1,000 × boil time × electricity price = running cost
For example, a 3,000W kettle used for 0.05 hours at 24.67p/kWh costs 3 x 0.05 x 24.67p = 3.70p.
Ways to reduce the cost
- Only boil the water you need.
- Descale the kettle in hard-water areas.
- Use a mug measure for single drinks.
- Reboil less often by making drinks promptly.
FAQs
How much does it cost to boil a kettle?
A 3kW kettle running for 3 minutes costs about 4p at 24.67p/kWh.
Does filling it to the top cost more?
Yes. More water usually means a longer boil.
Is a kettle cheaper than a microwave for water?
For most cups of tea, a kettle is usually practical and efficient if you boil only what you need.
Does kettle wattage matter?
Higher wattage draws more power but may boil faster, so total time matters too.
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.