Views: 222 Author: Rebecca Publish Time: 2025-04-23 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Understanding How Kettles Work
>> Gas Kettles
● Energy Efficiency: Gas vs Electric Kettle
>> How Efficient Is Each Method?
● Cost Comparison: Which Is Cheaper to Run?
>> The Basics of Cost Calculation
>> Why Is the Difference So Small?
● Safety and Practical Considerations
>> Safety
>> Usability
● Tips to Save Money When Boiling Water
● FAQs
>> 1. Which boils water faster: a gas or electric kettle?
>> 3. Are electric kettles more energy-efficient than gas kettles?
>> 3. How much can I save per year by choosing the cheaper kettle?
>> 4. Which kettle is better for the environment?
>> 5. What are the best ways to reduce the cost of boiling water?
Boiling water is a daily ritual in homes worldwide, whether it's for tea, coffee, or cooking. But with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, many people are asking: Is it cheaper to run a gas or electric kettle? This comprehensive guide will break down the costs, efficiency, environmental impact, and practical considerations of each option, helping you make an informed decision for your kitchen and your wallet.
Gas kettles are traditional stovetop kettles heated by a gas burner. The flame heats the kettle's base, which then transfers heat to the water inside. They are simple, durable, and can be used on most stovetops.
Electric kettles are modern appliances with a built-in heating element powered by electricity. They are designed for rapid heating and often include features like automatic shut-off, temperature control, and cordless designs for convenience.
- Electric kettles are highly efficient, converting almost all the electrical energy into heat that goes directly into the water. Their efficiency typically exceeds 80–90%, with minimal heat loss to the environment[1][8][9].
- Gas kettles are less efficient. A significant portion of the heat from the gas flame escapes around the sides of the kettle, heating the air rather than the water. Efficiency can be as low as 40–50%[1][8][9][10].
Key Point:
An electric kettle can boil nearly three liters of water using the same energy a gas kettle needs to boil just one liter, due to the direct transfer of heat[1][8].
The cost to boil water depends on:
- The efficiency of the kettle
- The price of electricity and gas in your area
- The amount of water you're boiling
| Kettle Type | Cost per Cup (approx.) | Cost per Full Kettle (approx. 1.7L) | Annual Cost (2 cups/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Kettle | 1.2p ($0.02) | 5–7p ($0.07) | £9–£15 ($12–$20) |
| Gas Kettle | 0.5p ($0.01) | 2–3p ($0.04) | £5–£8 ($7–$11) |
*Note: Prices vary by country and energy rates. Calculations based on UK and US averages from 2024–2025[2][3][6][8][9].*
- Even with gas being cheaper per unit of energy, its lower efficiency means you use more gas to boil the same amount of water.
- Electricity is usually more expensive per kWh, but electric kettles waste less energy.
- In practice, the difference in cost per boil is tiny—often just 1–3 cents or pennies[1][8][9].
If you always use the cheaper method, you might save $3–$7 per year. For most households, this is a negligible amount[1][9].
- If electricity rates are very high (over $0.23/kWh) and gas is cheap, a gas kettle can be slightly cheaper to run[1][9][10].
- In most regions, the difference is so small that convenience and efficiency often matter more than the cost.
- Electric kettles are faster, boiling 1 liter of water in 3–4 minutes.
- Gas kettles take about 5–6 minutes for the same amount[8][9].
- Electric kettles often have automatic shut-off, boil-dry protection, and temperature controls, making them safer and easier to use[8][9].
- Gas kettles require manual monitoring and can pose a risk if left unattended.
- Electric kettles are usually better for the environment, especially if your electricity comes from renewable sources[1][4][8][9].
- Gas kettles emit carbon dioxide directly into your home and the environment during combustion[8][9].
Exception:
If your electricity is generated from coal or other fossil fuels, the environmental advantage of electric kettles is reduced, but they still tend to be more efficient overall[4].
- Electric kettles: Automatic shut-off and boil-dry protection reduce the risk of accidents.
- Gas kettles: Open flames require manual supervision and can be hazardous, especially around children or pets[8][9].
- Electric kettles are more convenient for quick, repeated use and are often cordless.
- Gas kettles are more traditional and may appeal to those who prefer vintage kitchenware or have unreliable electricity.
- Gas kettles are simple and durable, with fewer parts that can fail.
- Electric kettles may require replacement sooner if the heating element or electronics fail, but modern models are generally reliable[9].
- Boil only what you need. Overfilling wastes energy and money[2][6][7].
- Descale your kettle regularly to keep it efficient.
- Choose energy-efficient models with rapid-boil features and good insulation[2][7].
- Consider your energy source. If you have access to renewable electricity, electric kettles are the greener choice.
- Switch off appliances at the wall when not in use to avoid standby power consumption.
So, what is cheaper to run: a gas or electric kettle?
- Electric kettles are more energy-efficient, faster, and safer, with only a slightly higher cost per use in most regions.
- Gas kettles can be marginally cheaper to operate if your gas prices are very low and electricity is expensive, but the annual savings are minimal—often less than the cost of a single box of tea bags[1][8][9].
- Environmental impact favors electric kettles, especially when powered by renewables.
- Convenience and safety make electric kettles the preferred choice for most households.
Bottom line:
For most people, the difference in running costs is so small that you should choose the kettle that best fits your lifestyle, kitchen setup, and environmental values.
Electric kettles boil water faster, typically heating 1 liter in 3–4 minutes, while gas kettles take about 5–6 minutes for the same amount[8][9].
Yes, electric kettles are more energy-efficient because almost all the electricity is converted into heat, with minimal loss. Gas kettles lose a significant amount of heat to the surrounding air[1][8][9].
The annual savings between choosing the cheapest method (gas or electric) are minimal—usually $3–$7 per year, depending on your usage and local energy prices[1][9].
Electric kettles are generally better for the environment, particularly if your electricity is sourced from renewables. Gas kettles emit carbon dioxide directly during use[1][4][8][9].
- Only boil the amount of water you need.
- Use a kettle with good insulation and rapid-boil features.
- Descale your kettle regularly.
- Switch to renewable electricity if possible[2][7][8].
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[2] https://www.idealhome.co.uk/property-advice/how-much-does-it-cost-to-boil-a-kettle-299761
[3] https://www.ecoflow.com/au/blog/kettle-wattage
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqqjCpCzKp0
[5] https://thenonconsumeradvocate.com/the-cost-of-an-electric-kettle-on-a-gas-stove/
[6] https://hugoenergyapp.co.uk/cost-to-boil-a-kettle/
[7] https://vibehome.co.uk/blogs/news/how-much-does-it-cost-to-run-a-kettle-2024
[8] https://www.yongkeng.com/is-a-gas-kettle-cheaper-than-electric.html
[9] https://www.yongkeng.com/is-a-gas-or-electric-kettle-cheaper-to-use.html
[10] https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/wa4afg/given_the_current_energy_prices_is_it_cheaper_to/
[11] https://www.nimblefins.co.uk/cheaper-boil-water-tea-gas-hob-or-electric-kettle
[12] https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/wa4afg/given_the_current_energy_prices_is_it_cheaper_to/
[13] https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6301608/cost-of-boiling-water-in-kettle-vs-gas-hob
[14] https://www.breville.com/us/en/blog/cooking/electric-vs-stovetop-kettle.html
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[16] https://www.yongkeng.com/is-a-gas-kettle-cheaper-than-electric.html
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[18] https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/svaqjs/is_an_electric_kettle_more_efficient_economically/
[19] https://heatable.co.uk/boiler-advice/how-much-energy-do-appliances-use
[20] https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/zcvsdn/are_the_electricity_costs_for_boiling_water_from/
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[22] https://www.slashplan.com/electric-kettle-energy-calculator-cost-and-kwh-usage/
[23] https://www.tiktok.com/@dinosaurdannyx/video/7135067096454548742
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[25] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKhJ3E6xZqI
[26] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMpC6tbrERM
[27] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WslNLRKc1uY
[28] https://www.tiktok.com/discover/is-electric-water-heat-kettle-better-than-gas
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[30] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI3B3JAN_uY
