How Much Electricity Does a Kettle Use on Standby

Most electric kettles use little to no electricity when on standby, especially modern models with no display or heating elements. However, some smart or older kettles may consume a small amount of power, so unplugging or using a smart plug can help save energy and money.

Key Takeaways

• Standby power use is minimal: Most electric kettles use less than 1 watt when idle, making standby consumption extremely low.
• No heating = no energy drain: Unlike ovens or space heaters, kettles don’t maintain heat when off, so they don’t draw power for warming.
• Smart kettles may use slightly more: Models with digital displays, Wi-Fi, or timers can use 1–3 watts on standby due to electronics.
• Unplugging saves energy over time: Even small standby usage adds up; unplugging or using a smart plug can reduce phantom load.
• Energy-efficient habits matter more: Boiling only the water you need has a bigger impact on energy use than standby power.
• Check your kettle’s specs: Look for energy ratings or standby wattage in the user manual to understand your model’s consumption.
• Long-term savings add up: Reducing standby power across all appliances can lower your annual electricity bill by 5–10%.

How Much Electricity Does a Kettle Use on Standby?

You’ve probably stood in your kitchen, kettle in hand, wondering: “Does my electric kettle suck up electricity even when it’s not boiling water?” It’s a fair question—especially if you’re trying to cut down on energy use or lower your utility bill. The good news? In most cases, the answer is a reassuring “not really.” But let’s dig deeper.

Electric kettles are designed to be efficient. Their main job is to heat water quickly and shut off automatically once it reaches boiling point. Unlike appliances like refrigerators or space heaters, kettles don’t need to maintain a temperature when not in use. That means they don’t have heating elements running in the background. So, when your kettle is “on standby”—plugged in but not actively boiling—it’s essentially just sitting there, doing nothing. And doing nothing usually means using very little power.

But here’s the catch: not all kettles are created equal. While basic models use almost no electricity when idle, newer “smart” kettles with digital displays, timers, or Wi-Fi connectivity might draw a small amount of power to keep those features active. Still, even in those cases, the energy use is minimal—often less than what a single LED nightlight consumes. So while standby power isn’t zero, it’s rarely something to lose sleep over. The real energy savings come from how you use your kettle, not whether it’s plugged in.

Understanding Standby Power: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of kettle power use, let’s clarify what “standby power” actually means. Also known as “phantom load” or “vampire power,” standby power refers to the electricity consumed by appliances when they’re turned off but still plugged in. This happens because many devices have internal circuits, clocks, remote sensors, or displays that remain active even when the main function is off.

For example, your TV might use standby power to respond to the remote, or your microwave might keep the clock running. Over time, these small drains can add up. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that standby power accounts for about 5–10% of residential electricity use. That might not sound like much, but across all your devices—chargers, game consoles, coffee makers—it can mean hundreds of dollars a year in wasted energy.

Why Kettles Are Different

Electric kettles are different from most appliances because they don’t have components that need constant power. There’s no clock, no remote sensor, and no heating element running in the background. Once the water boils, the thermostat cuts off the power, and the kettle goes completely silent—both literally and electrically.

Even kettles with simple LED indicators (like a power light) use such a tiny amount of electricity that it’s almost negligible. We’re talking about less than 0.5 watts in most cases. To put that in perspective, a single 60-watt light bulb uses 60 watts per hour. Your kettle’s standby light uses 0.5 watts—so it would take 120 hours of being plugged in to use the same amount of energy as one hour of light bulb use.

Smart Kettles: The Exception to the Rule

Now, if you’ve upgraded to a smart kettle—one that connects to your phone, has a digital temperature display, or lets you set brewing schedules—then yes, it might use a bit more power on standby. These models often include small processors, Wi-Fi modules, or touchscreens that need a trickle of electricity to stay ready for commands.

For instance, a smart kettle with a digital display might use 1–3 watts when idle. That’s still very low, but over a year, it could add up to a few kilowatt-hours (kWh) of extra usage. If your electricity rate is $0.12 per kWh, that’s less than $1 extra per year. Not a huge amount, but if you’re trying to minimize energy waste, it’s worth noting.

Measuring Your Kettle’s Standby Consumption

Curious about how much power your specific kettle uses when it’s not boiling? The best way to find out is to measure it yourself. You don’t need fancy equipment—just a simple plug-in power meter, also known as a “kill-a-watt” meter. These devices plug into your wall outlet, and you plug your kettle into the meter. It displays real-time energy use in watts, volts, and amps.

Here’s how to do it:

• Plug the power meter into the wall.
• Plug your kettle into the meter.
• Make sure the kettle is turned off (not boiling).
• Wait a few minutes for the reading to stabilize.
• Check the wattage displayed.

In most cases, you’ll see a reading of 0.1 to 0.5 watts for a basic kettle. For a smart kettle, it might show 1–3 watts. If you see anything higher than that, double-check that the kettle isn’t in a warming mode or that the display isn’t actively running a timer.

What the Numbers Mean

Let’s put those numbers into real-world terms. Say your kettle uses 0.5 watts on standby. If it’s plugged in 24/7, that’s 0.5 watts × 24 hours = 12 watt-hours per day. Over a year, that’s 12 × 365 = 4,380 watt-hours, or 4.38 kWh.

At an average electricity rate of $0.12 per kWh, that’s about $0.53 per year. Less than the cost of a cup of coffee. Even if you have a smart kettle using 3 watts on standby, that’s still only about $3.15 per year. So while standby power isn’t zero, it’s not a major energy hog.

Comparing to Other Appliances

To give you a better sense of scale, here’s how your kettle’s standby use stacks up against other common devices:

• Cable box: 15–30 watts on standby
• Gaming console: 5–10 watts when off
• Microwave with clock: 3–5 watts
• Phone charger (plugged in, not charging): 0.1–0.5 watts
• Electric kettle (basic model): 0.1–0.5 watts

As you can see, your kettle is on the very low end of the spectrum. In fact, it uses about the same as a phone charger that’s plugged in but not actively charging a device. So unless you’re trying to eliminate every last bit of phantom load, your kettle isn’t a priority.

Does Unplugging Your Kettle Save Energy?

Now that we know standby use is minimal, the next question is: should you unplug your kettle when not in use? The short answer is: it depends.

If you have a basic kettle with no digital features, unplugging it will save a tiny amount of energy—less than $1 per year. That’s not nothing, but it’s also not a game-changer for your energy bill. However, if you’re someone who’s passionate about energy efficiency or lives in an area with high electricity rates, every little bit counts.

On the other hand, if you have a smart kettle, unplugging it might actually be counterproductive. Many smart kettles need to stay connected to Wi-Fi to receive updates or respond to voice commands. Unplugging them regularly could disrupt their functionality or require you to re-pair them with your phone or smart home system.

Smart Plugs: A Better Solution

A more practical approach is to use a smart plug. These are small devices that fit between your kettle and the wall outlet. You can control them via an app or voice assistant (like Alexa or Google Home), and many allow you to set schedules or turn off power completely when not in use.

For example, you could set your smart plug to cut power to the kettle overnight or when you’re away from home. That way, you eliminate standby power without sacrificing convenience. Some smart plugs even track energy use, so you can see exactly how much your kettle is consuming over time.

Another benefit? Smart plugs can protect your kettle from power surges. If there’s a lightning storm or a sudden voltage spike, the plug can cut power to prevent damage. That’s a win for both energy savings and appliance longevity.

Practical Tips for Reducing Kettle Energy Use

While standby power is low, the bigger energy savings come from how you use your kettle. Here are some practical tips to make your kettle use more efficient:

• Boil only what you need: Filling the kettle to the top when you only need one cup wastes energy. Most kettles have minimum and maximum fill lines—use them.
• Descale regularly: Limescale buildup insulates the heating element, making it work harder and use more power. Clean your kettle every few months with vinegar or a descaling solution.
• Use the right temperature: Some kettles let you choose the boiling temperature. For green tea or coffee, you don’t need a full boil—lower temperatures save energy.
• Unplug when traveling: If you’re going on vacation, unplug your kettle (and other appliances) to eliminate standby power completely.
• Choose an energy-efficient model: Look for kettles with good insulation, rapid boil technology, and automatic shut-off. These features reduce overall energy use, not just standby.

Environmental Impact: Is Standby Power a Big Deal?

From an environmental standpoint, the impact of your kettle’s standby power is minimal. Burning 4.38 kWh of electricity (the annual standby use of a basic kettle) produces about 3.5 pounds of CO₂, depending on your local energy mix. That’s roughly the same as driving a car for 4 miles.

Compare that to the emissions from boiling a full kettle once a day: about 0.1 kWh per boil, or 36.5 kWh per year. That’s over 8 times more energy—and emissions—than standby use. So while reducing standby power is a good habit, it’s far more impactful to focus on how you use your kettle during operation.

That said, if every household reduced phantom load by 5–10%, the cumulative effect would be significant. In the U.S. alone, that could mean billions of kilowatt-hours saved each year—enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes. So while your individual kettle isn’t a major contributor, collective action adds up.

What About Renewable Energy?

If you’re using solar panels or live in an area with a high percentage of renewable energy, the environmental impact of standby power drops even further. Solar and wind power produce little to no emissions during operation, so the carbon footprint of your kettle’s standby use becomes almost negligible.

Still, energy conservation is about more than just emissions. It’s also about resource use, grid stability, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Every watt saved helps, even if the impact seems small on a personal level.

Choosing an Energy-Efficient Kettle

If you’re in the market for a new kettle, energy efficiency should be a key consideration. Here’s what to look for:

• Rapid boil technology: Kettles that heat water quickly use less energy overall.
• Insulated walls: Double-walled or vacuum-insulated kettles keep water hot longer, reducing the need to reboil.
• Automatic shut-off: This prevents over-boiling and saves energy.
• Variable temperature control: Lets you heat water to the exact temperature needed, avoiding wasted energy.
• Low standby power: Check the manual or manufacturer specs for standby wattage. Aim for less than 1 watt.
• Energy Star certification: While not common for kettles, some models meet energy efficiency standards. Look for labels or ratings.

Brands like Breville, Cuisinart, and Russell Hobbs often offer models with these features. Reading customer reviews and checking energy specs can help you make an informed choice.

Are Glass Kettles More Efficient?

Glass kettles are popular for their sleek look and lack of plastic taste, but are they more energy-efficient? Not necessarily. The material of the kettle (glass, stainless steel, plastic) doesn’t directly affect energy use. What matters more is the heating element, insulation, and design.

That said, glass kettles often have thinner walls, which can lead to faster heat loss. If you’re using a glass kettle, try to use the boiled water quickly, or consider an insulated model to keep it hot longer.

Myths and Misconceptions About Kettle Energy Use

There are a few common myths about electric kettles and energy use that are worth clearing up:

Myth 1: “Kettles use a lot of power on standby.”

As we’ve seen, most kettles use less than 1 watt when idle. That’s a tiny fraction of their total energy use, which happens during boiling.

Myth 2: “Unplugging your kettle will save you hundreds on your bill.”

Unplugging might save you $1–$3 per year. While it’s a good habit, it won’t make a noticeable dent in your utility costs.

Myth 3: “All kettles are energy hogs.”

Modern kettles are actually very efficient. They heat water faster and use less energy than stovetop kettles or microwaves for the same task.

Myth 4: “You should always reboil water to save energy.”

Reboiling water uses more energy than boiling fresh water once. It’s better to boil only what you need.

Myth 5: “Smart kettles are always worse for energy use.”

While they may use slightly more standby power, many smart kettles have energy-saving features like precise temperature control and timers that can reduce overall consumption.

Conclusion: Small Power, Big Picture

So, how much electricity does a kettle use on standby? The answer is: very little. For most people, the standby power consumption of an electric kettle is so small that it’s not worth losing sleep over. Less than a watt for basic models, and 1–3 watts for smart versions—these numbers translate to just a few dollars a year in extra electricity costs.

But that doesn’t mean we should ignore energy efficiency altogether. While standby power is minimal, the real savings come from smart usage habits: boiling only what you need, descaling regularly, and choosing an efficient model. And if you want to go the extra mile, a smart plug can help eliminate phantom load without sacrificing convenience.

At the end of the day, your kettle is one of the most energy-efficient appliances in your kitchen. It heats water quickly, shuts off automatically, and uses almost no power when not in use. So go ahead, boil that cup of tea—just do it wisely. Your wallet, and the planet, will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do electric kettles use electricity when turned off?

Most electric kettles use very little electricity when turned off—typically less than 1 watt. This is known as standby or phantom power and is used only to power small components like indicator lights.

Is it worth unplugging my kettle to save energy?

Unplugging your kettle saves a small amount of energy—usually less than $1 per year. While it’s a good habit for energy-conscious households, the savings are minimal compared to other energy-saving actions.

Do smart kettles use more power on standby?

Yes, smart kettles with digital displays, Wi-Fi, or timers may use 1–3 watts on standby due to active electronics. However, this is still very low compared to other household devices.

How can I measure my kettle’s standby power use?

Use a plug-in power meter (like a Kill-A-Watt) to measure the exact wattage your kettle uses when idle. Simply plug the meter into the wall, then plug your kettle into the meter.

Does boiling a full kettle waste more energy than standby use?

Yes, boiling a full kettle uses significantly more energy—about 0.1 kWh per boil—compared to standby use, which is less than 0.005 kWh per day. Focus on boiling only what you need for bigger savings.

Are there kettles that use zero standby power?

Basic kettles with no digital features or lights come very close to zero standby power. However, any device with an indicator light or electronic component will use a tiny amount of electricity when plugged in.