If you own a coffee machine, it’s likely that you use it everyday and may just leave it sitting on standby to use as and when you need to. But, you may be surprised at how quickly coffee makers add to your energy bill.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to give up on your favorite drink. Instead, you should be evaluating how much energy your machine actually uses, and seek more energy efficient ways to have your coffee.
What is the average wattage of a Coffee Machine?
Did you know the wattage of your coffee machine will differ depending on what kind of coffee machine you use? All coffee machines will work on 120v power, but the wattage can differ hugely.
We’ve broken down the wattage of the most popular coffee machines below.
Standard filter drip machines
Standard filter coffee machines use the least amount of electricity out of all the coffee machines on our list.
They use as little as 650 watts depending on the model you choose.
A huge amount of this energy is used to heat the water in the machine to around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the machines will usually keep the carafe heated for about 2 hours until they automatically shut off.
Single-serve coffee machines
Single-serve coffee machines, also known as pod coffee machines, use more energy than standard drip coffee machines, but they are less expensive than espresso machines.
A single up in a single-serve coffee machine will use about 300 watts. This type of machine uses the wattage in two ways: to heat the water, pressurize it and run it through the coffee pod.
Although they use a relatively low wattage, they are criticized for not being eco-friendly. The pods which are used for these coffee machines are typically single use and made of plastic. If you use this type of coffee machine and wish to be more eco-friendly, you can buy reusable coffee pods made from metal.
Espresso machines
Espresso machines use the most amount of electricity out of all types of coffee machines. They heat the water and pressurize it to pressure far higher than single serve coffee machines, which is what gives espresso its distinctive flavor.
They use around 1000 to 1500 watts of power, meaning if you wanted to make 10 espresso shots, it would take around 1.56 kilowatt-hours of energy.
Espresso machines are best for small servings, if you are trying to be energy conscious.
Combination coffee machines
There are a number of coffee machines which combine two coffee makers together, such as a single-serve coffee machine being combined with an espresso machine.
These machines are the median of energy consumption, allowing you to brew coffee in different ways that can be more energy efficient.
The most common combination coffee machine uses around 1,350 watts of power.
Cost of running a coffee machine in the US
In the US, it costs on average 20 cents per hour to run a coffee machine on maximum power.
However, the price can range from 10-30 cents per hour depending which machine you choose.
To work out the running costs of your coffee machine, simply multiply your consumption (in kWh) by the price you pay per kWh.
This is based on the cost of 15c per KWh but please check your own cost as this can vary greatly.
How to reduce the energy consumption of a coffee machine
If you are conscious of how much energy your coffee machines use, do not worry. We’ve listed our top four tips for reducing the running costs.
- Only use it when needed: Just like a TV being on standby, coffee machines continue to consume electricity when idle and many also heat up when idle too.
This can be convenient when you want a hot coffee on demand, but there is a significant amount of power wasted in doing so. Only use your machine when needed to help to reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. - Unplug it: Instead of leaving it to consume energy, unplug your coffee machine and only plug it back in when needed.
- Consider upgrading: Many modern coffee machines have power saving features, such as an auto turn off. If you have an older model, it may be a good idea to upgrade it to a newer, more energy efficient model.
- Reduce the temperature: If your machine has a max temperature feature, you could reduce it to a lower temperature in order to consume less electricity.
Energy efficient coffee makers
Here are some of our favorite coffee models that will save you energy and money:
Black + Decker
The Black + Decker CM1160B is perfect for those who want an easy to use and energy efficient device. The machine only uses 975 watts to produce 12 cups of coffee, and comes in at a reasonable price.
It also has ‘quicktouch’ programming, digital touch controls and an easy-view water window, making the brewing process incredibly easy.
LIVIVO
LIVIVO’s Espresso machine is ideal for home and office use, capable of making four espresso shots in a quick and easy to clean machine whilst only using 800 watts of power.
The machine comes with a steam nozzle, making it ideal for not just espresso’s but for cappuccinos and lattes too.
Mr. Coffee
The Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Espresso Maker is a great option for those who want the coffee shop experience at home. The stainless steel machine uses 1040 watts of power, has easy one touch controls for cappuccinos, lattes or espresso shots.
FAQs about coffee machine energy usage
Do coffee makers take a lot of electricity to power?
In general, coffee machines do not use a lot of electricity, and most of the electricity is used to simply heat the water and keep the brewed coffee in your pot hot.
Despite the fact the initial energy use can be high, your coffee machine may not use it all once your cup of coffee is done.
Does a coffee machine use any power when off?
Yes, coffee machines still use power by simply being plugged into a power outlet even when they are turned off.
These types of machines use what is known as “phantom power”.
To prevent this, you should unplug your machine when you’re not using it in order to save money on your energy bills.