I don’t think that there’s currently anyone in the country that’s not worrying about their gas and electric bills. We’re all looking at ways we can reduce our energy usage; from switching off lights as we leave a room to lowering the thermostat by a degree.
One of the appliances most of us have in our homes is the electric kettle. Brits are famous the world over for enjoying their cuppas! But how much does it cost each time we brew up?
According to recent workings out by Which:
Based on the average capped energy price as of April 2022 (28p/kWh for electricity and 7p/kWh for gas), we’ve estimated that your kettle could cost you around £32 per year (based on boiling a litre of water three times per day). This is going to be a lot more than charging a phone or tablet, but slightly less than using your oven regularly or running an American-style fridge freezer.
A top tip you’ve probably already heard is to only boil as much water as you need. However, if you have a feeble old kettle whose element is caked in limescale, it will still cost you more than needed. Using one of these energy efficient kettles that we’ve featured will be quicker and cheaper in the long run.
I especially like the hot water dispenser (not strictly a kettle, I know). It’s like having one of those instant boiling water taps in your kitchen… without the hundreds or even thousand pound price tag! Plus, I’ve read lots of buyer reviews from people who can’t lift heavy objects calling it a godsend.
- Breville HotCup VKT124 8-cup hot water dispenser – black: £39.99, Currys
Patented design for super-quick heating
Large 1.7 litre capacity makes 6-8 cups
Ideal if you don’t want to lift a heavy kettle, the HotCup has one-touch operation and a hinged lid. Manual stop function gives you more control with different cup sizes – just press the button when you’ve topped up your cup or mug to the desired level - Dusk kettle ZJP30 slate grey: £54.99, Kenwood
With 3KW of power, you’ll enjoy a rapid boil and your hot water in a hurry.
The 1.7L capacity is perfect for larger households, although with the clear water window it’s just as easy to heat water for a singular cup, meaning you only boil the water you need, saving time and energy. - Sage The Compact 1L kettle Pure BKE395UK: £76.60, Lakeland
The kettle’s element is hidden in the base, and can boil as little as a cup and as much as 1L. This lets you save energy by only boiling the amount you need, but means, if needed, there will be plenty to keep you and your friends’ mugs topped up.
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