How Many Watts Does a Coffee Maker Use?

Have you ever wondered how many watts does a coffee maker use to produce your cup of coffee each morning? You might suspect a lot. After all, how can turning water and coffee grounds into a delicious beverage take so little energy? Sure, the coffee maker’s heating element might be efficient. However, what about the other parts that make it work?

How Many Watts Does a Coffee Maker Use?

The number of watts a coffee maker uses depends on its size and model. A standard drip-style coffee pot uses 550 to 900 watts to operate, and a full-size model uses 750 to 1200 watts. The most common single-serve coffee machine uses between 900 and 1500 watts. An automatic espresso machine typically uses 1000 to 1500 watts.

A watt is a unit of measurement for electrical power, while wattage is the amount of power required by an electrical appliance to work. Most coffee pots average 1350 watts. Coffee machine wattage can be as high as 2090 watts and as low as 400 watts. The higher end of the scale is more common for specialty machines with more features and capabilities, such as steamers or built-in grinders.

Coffee Machine Wattage by Machine Type

It is important to note that there are numerous types of coffee machines and the number of watts varies depending on the manufacturer. Knowing the exact wattage these machines use is difficult, however these numbers are the closest to the exact values.

A photo of coffee machine

Drip Coffee Makers

The most common type of coffee pot is the electric drip coffee machine. Usually, these machines have a reservoir where hot water is stored and slowly drips through your grinds and the filter into your carafe. A large 10-12 cup machine is rated for 750-1200 watts, while a smaller model 4-5 cups uses 550-900 watts.

One of the drawbacks of the drip coffee pot is that it heats water and keeps your coffee hot 24/7 when plugged in. Drip coffee machine like Bunn Coffee Makers uses about 100 watts per hour to maintain these temperatures.

Thermal Coffee Machines

As coffee makers go, thermal coffee pots are very similar to drip coffee machines at first glance. However, they also have their own special perks that make them superior in many respects. For example, these machines maintain the heat of the brewed coffee without causing it to get burnt. It is well known that when the beverage gets burnt, it develops a bittersweet taste and an unpleasant smell. Thermal coffee machines between 750-1000 watts, and the large ones use around 1200 watts.

Espresso Machines

Espresso machines are costly pieces of equipment that use fancy technology to brew the best coffee possible. Unlike typical coffee machines, which heat water and force it through grounds in a filter system, espresso machines work by heating the water and forcing it through more finely ground coffee beans.

As you might imagine, this produces a far better-tasting cup of coffee known as espresso. Pump and Automatic espresso machines use between 1000-1500 watts.  Steam type espresso machines use between 600 and 800 watts.

An image of a coffee maker

Single-Serve Machines

Single-serve coffee pots are popular, and they come in all sorts of varieties. The ones that seem to stand out among other models are the Keurig K55 and Nespresso Essenza C100. These machines brew a cup of coffee at a time, taking up less space and energy than bulky coffee machines. Single-serve coffee machines use between 900-1500 watts of power to run and warm the water inside.

Energy Costs to Run a Coffee Maker Each Year

A typical coffee machine (10-12 cups) uses about 0.205 kilowatt-hours (kWh) every time you brew a coffee. If you brew two pots every morning and one after dinner, that’s about 0.411 kWh a day and 150 kWh per year.

The cost of electricity varies by state and utility company; however, let’s assume that the average price is 12 cents per kWh. That gives us an annual energy cost of $10.57 for all the coffee you drink at home annually.

Related Questions

How Many Watts Does a 12 Cup Coffee Maker Use?

A 12 cup coffee machine can use anywhere from 700 to 1200 watts. The amount of power used depends on the wattage of your specific machine. It may use less power if you have an older model than newer models. To determine how much electricity your coffee machine will use, look at the wattage listed on the back of your appliance.

Do Coffee Machines Use a Lot of Electricity?

Coffee machines consume a lot of electricity! However, there’s good news: energy-efficient coffee machines also exist. An energy-efficient coffee machine will cut costs and also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a win-win for your wallet and Mother Nature.

Conclusion

How many watts does a coffee maker use? The typical wattage of a coffee pot is 750 watts. However, if you want to make a ton of coffee at once, you should go with one that’s at least 1500 watts. That way, you’re going to get your coffee fast, and it’s going to be piping hot and tasty!