Everyone needs a kick of energy from coffee every morning, but have you ever wondered how many watts does a coffee maker use to wake itself up? If you immediately thought it depends on the coffee maker model, then you are on the right track. Let’s explore the wattage of each coffee maker in this article!
How Many Watts Does A Coffee Maker Use?
Each coffee maker has different functions and technical specs, so grouping them in one number for the entire article is not wise. If you come here looking for a clear-cut answer that fits all, you are mistaken. Instead, we will categorize coffee machines into different types and judge them by their distinct functions.
However, there is a certain number we can get to answer the question of “How much energy does a coffee maker use?” in general. All coffee makers go through the same principles of boiling water, which will take from 5-7 minutes. The water should be from around 50-200℃ for coffee to actually be incorporated into the liquid.
To have water reach its boiling temperature, coffee makers will usually have to use about 1000 watts. That will be 83 watts per hour on average for a pot of coffee, which should answer most questions about coffee machines’ energy consumptions.
It is not guaranteed that you will use that much energy on your own, but brewing coffee for an entire office is different. Remember, this is the energy you need to boil an entire pot rather than one cup, so “83 watts” is merely an average number!
With that out of the way, let’s look into the different types of products and the wattage they require to work their magic!
Drip Coffee Pots
Most modern drip coffee makers are designed to be efficient. They have a special heat plate that is installed underneath the pot that aids the heating process as well as keep the pot warm for hours after you are done boiling it. This makes drip coffee pots very efficient and suitable for home and office kitchens alike!
Considering all their functions, drip coffee pots use between 750 to 1250 watts after one use.
Single-Serve Coffee Makers
When compared to the model above, single-serve coffee machines are more optimal in terms of usage range. The coffee makers of this type tend to offer more options to users, so they can cater to a wider range of tastes and preferences. This is also why single-serve coffee makers are very expensive to acquire and power.
Generally, water will be heated in a built-in reservoir so you will not burn your hands trying to pour water into your cup. These machines typically use between 200-400 watts for a cup of coffee to be produced, which is enough information to do the math from here.
Espresso Machines
If you are a self-proclaimed coffee expert, then you must own an espresso machine in your office space somewhere. Because they are so specialized, they might consume a lot of energy in their uses. A machine will need at least 1000-1500 watts to have a turn of making one cup of espresso. The costs of making coffee will be just as much as buying the machine itself.
How Much Does Powering A Coffee Maker Cost?
The average price that Americans usually pay for each kWh of electricity is 13,19 cents. Multiplying that by yearly uses, you will end up spending around $14-20 every year on using your coffee maker alone. It does not sound like too much weight on your budget, and that is definitely true!
How Should You Save Energy On Your Coffee Maker?
If the price range of $14-20 does not feel as comfortable now that you think about the costs of other machines as well, you can always opt to save energy on your coffee maker! There are multiple ways to do so, so you can consult the list below:
Keep Your Coffee Machines Squeaky Clean
Maintaining your coffee maker’s cleanliness is a good way to help your device stay efficient and quick off its mark. Dirt, coffee residue, dust, and other types of debris might build up around your machine’s crevices and tanks, causing it to heat water at a slower pace and higher power consumption.
Taking out the tank to give it a deep and thorough scrub every few weeks will keep your machine running smoothly and economically.
Try Cold-Brewing Your Coffee
There is a way for you to skip boiling water in general, and that is to have cold-brew coffee instead! By steeping coarsely ground beans in water within 12 hours or even overnight, this brand of brew has created the difference. The result is the coffee that is absolutely fitting for summer noon cravings. There is no boiling water involved, so you will be able to save energy from that front!
Try Energy-Saving Coffee Machines
If you have the choice, energy-saving coffee machines are definitely up for grabs. These machines have a common function called “eco mode” that allows them to turn themselves off completely after not being used for a while!
Turn Off Your Coffee Machines
As we have mentioned before, instead of leaving your coffee machines sitting idly about, some like to turn it off completely or unplug the device even. If you do not want to reach your hand down the back of your cupboard and pull the dusty plug, you can always use a smart app on your phone and control your outlets!
Ending Note
In conclusion, the answer to “How many watts does a coffee maker use?” is 83 watts per hour on average. Keep in mind that this applies to a pot of coffee rather than one cup, so you will be able to save up energy if you are just brewing for yourself. Nonetheless, you should see how much your machine consumes!
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Almost 20 years already spent committed to coffee and more than 3 years of experience as a barista at Starbucks. Madelyn Doyle graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutritional Science from the University of California and finished the Coffee Skills Program at the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).