Watts Brewing? A Look at Coffee Maker Power Use
How Much Electricity Does Your Coffee Maker Use?
The amount of electricity your coffee maker consumes depends on its type and size. Traditional drip brewers, single-serve pod machines (like Keurig or Nespresso), and automatic espresso machines all draw different amounts of power:
Drip coffee makers: 550 to 1200 watts
Single-serve brewers: 900 to 1500 watts
Espresso machines: up to 1500 watts
But remember — wattage alone doesn’t determine your electricity bill. The real cost comes down to how long you run the machine. For a better understanding, check out our guide on watts vs. kilowatt-hours (kWh) to see how usage time impacts your energy consumption and cost.
Drip Coffee Makers: How Much Energy Do They Use?
Drip coffee makers are a favorite for making multiple cups at once, especially in households or offices. Their power use varies by model and capacity, generally ranging from 500 to 1200 watts.
A standard 8–12 cup machine typically runs at 750–1200 watts and includes a warming plate that stays on for up to 2 hours. Over time, this adds up:
Power rating: 1200 watts
Usage time: 2 hours per day
Daily consumption: 1200 W × 2 hrs = 2400 Wh = 2.4 kWh/day
Monthly consumption: 2.4 kWh × 30 = 72 kWh/month
Monthly cost (at 14¢/kWh): $10.08
That’s a fraction of the cost of daily coffee shop visits — and way more convenient.
Single-Serve Machines: High Wattage, Low Usage
Single-serve brewers like Keurig or Nespresso may have a high wattage rating (up to 1500 watts), but their short brew times make them surprisingly efficient.
Let’s say you brew 2 cups of coffee per day, each taking about 5 minutes:
Power rating: 1500 watts
Usage time: 10 minutes total per day (0.167 hrs)
Daily consumption: 1500 W × 0.167 hrs = 250 Wh = 0.25 kWh/day
Monthly consumption: 0.25 kWh × 30 = 7.5 kWh/month
Monthly cost: $1.05
The takeaway? Short usage time makes single-serve machines very energy-efficient.
Espresso Machines: Fast and Powerful
Espresso machines also pack a punch, pulling up to 1500 watts to rapidly heat water for quick extractions. However, their overall energy usage is still low due to brief operation times — similar to single-serve machines.
If you're pulling two espresso shots daily:
Estimated usage: 7.5 kWh/month
Monthly cost: $1.05 (again assuming 14¢/kWh)
Bottom Line:
Whether you're brewing a full pot or a single cup, coffee makers don’t use as much electricity as you might think — especially when you factor in how little time they actually run. So go ahead, make your brew of choice without worrying too much about your power bill.
