How much does it cost to run a coffee maker?

By Juan Molina · Updated October 3, 2026 · How we calculate

Short answer: A coffee maker drawing 1,000 watts for 10 minutes costs about $0.03 per use at the U.S. average residential price of 18.31¢ per kWh. Used 7 times a week, that is about $0.93 per month and $11.11 per year. In Louisiana, the cheapest state, the same use costs $0.64 a month; in Hawaii, the most expensive, $2.43.

A coffee maker is a small water heater. It draws about 1,000 watts while it brews, which takes around ten minutes for a full pot, so each pot costs only a few cents. The warming plate and standby clock add a little more.

Cost by size and setting

Costs below use the U.S. average price and 10 minutes per use, 7 times a week.

Where the electricity goes

Nearly all of it goes into heating water. Brewing a full 12-cup pot takes roughly a sixth of a kilowatt-hour; a single-serve pod machine uses much less per cup because it heats only one cup of water, although its power rating is higher.

The part people overlook is what happens after brewing. A glass carafe on a warming plate keeps drawing power, typically 50 to 100 watts, for as long as the machine stays on. Left for two hours, that can use as much electricity as brewing the pot did.

Drip, pod or espresso

Per cup, the differences are small: a cent or two either way. A pod machine that keeps a tank of water hot all day uses more in standby than it does brewing. An espresso machine with a large boiler takes several minutes to heat up, and that warm-up is most of its energy use when you make one or two cups.

How to lower the cost

• Switch the machine off after brewing, or use the auto-off setting.
• Use a thermal carafe instead of a warming plate.
• Brew only the amount you will drink.
• Turn off the "keep hot" or instant-ready mode on pod and espresso machines.

How a coffee maker compares with other appliances

Typical power and use for each appliance, at the U.S. average price of 18.31¢ per kWh. Follow a link for that appliance's own calculator, or compare two side by side.

The math behind the numbers

1,000 watts ÷ 1,000 = 1 kW. 1 kW × 10 minutes ÷ 60 = 0.167 kWh per use. 0.167 kWh × $0.1831 = $0.03 per use. At 7 uses a week, that is 5.1 kWh and $0.93 a month.

Your own figure will differ if your appliance has a different wattage, if you use it more or less, or if your price per kWh is not the national average. Change any of those in the calculator at the top of this page. Our step-by-step guide explains where to find each number.

Cost to run a coffee maker in every state

Based on 1,000 watts for 10 minutes per use, 7 times a week, at each state's average residential electricity price for July 2026.

Sources

• U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Saver: Kitchen Appliances
• U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly (state electricity prices)
• U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Saver: Appliances and Electronics

Electricity prices are the EIA figures for July 2026. Wattages are typical values; check the label on your own appliance.