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Page last updated on 19th June 2025

A man and his son pouring hot water from a kettle into mugs.

Kettle running costs and maintaining your kettle

Boiling a kettle is something many of us do several times throughout the day without much thought, but how much does it cost to boil a kettle? And could overfilling it or poor maintenance be adding to your appliance’s running costs?

In this guide, we’ll explore the cheapest way to boil water using an electric kettle, how limescale buildup affects kettle efficiency, and how to prevent limescale in your kettle.

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How much does it cost to boil a kettle?

On average, an electric kettle has a power rating of 2,500 to 3,000 watts. Although this rating is relatively high, a modern electric kettle only needs a couple of minutes to boil water. This means that boiling a kettle once is likely to use less energy overall compared to other appliances, like an oven or fan heater, which are normally used for longer periods of time.

Kettle running costs are entirely dependent on the cost of your electricity and how full the kettle is. The fuller the kettle, the longer it will take to boil. If you’re looking for the cheapest way to boil water using a kettle, only fill it with the amount of water you plan to use. This will save money and reduce water waste.

Use our energy cost calculator to estimate the running costs of your kettle and other appliances. It uses the latest energy price cap and average appliance ratings to show you how much your appliances could be costing you.

Some other ways you can reduce kettle running costs include:

Using an eco-kettle which can use around 20% less energy than a standard electric kettle.
Similarly, using a variable temperature kettle. Variable temperature kettles will only heat the water to a specified temperature. So, if you don’t need water to be fully boiled, they can help to save energy by only heating the water to the temperature you need.
Using a kettle with an automatic shut-off – these kettles will stop heating once the water is fully boiled. Most modern kettles have this feature, but traditional whistle kettles will require manual removal from the source of heat.

If you’d like to get a better sense of how much energy your kettle uses, a smart meter’s in-home display could help. You can use your smart meter’s in-home display to monitor changes in your energy usage when you boil the kettle, helping you understand and adjust your usage.

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What is limescale and why descale your kettle?

A silver kettle, white teacup, and an in-home display on a wooden countertop in the kitchen.

After a lot of use, you may notice a chalky white substance inside your kettle. This is known as limescale, a deposit made up of calcium carbonate that is left behind when hard water is heated and evaporated.

But is limescale in kettles bad for you? While limescale is generally not bad for your health, it can be harmful to kitchen appliances like kettles. Limescale in kettles can build up on the heating element, which could cause problems for your kettle. There are also concerns that it could impact the energy efficiency of the kettle, if there is significant build-up.

How often should you descale your kettle?

How quickly limescale builds up in your kettle will depend on the water hardness in your area and how often you use the kettle. If you’re noticing significant build-up in your kettle and it’s bothering you, then it’s probably time to descale.

How to remove limescale from a kettle

We’ve compiled a list of steps to help you learn how to stop limescale in your kettle, which could impact your kettle’s efficiency:

Choose your products

Limescale can be removed from your kettle using everyday household items such as white vinegar or purchasing a kettle descaling solution.
Remove loose limescale

Some of the limescale may be easily removed by filling the kettle with water, swirling it around, and then draining it. You may also be able to remove loose limescale by wiping the inside using a damp cloth. If your kettle has a removable filter, rinse it under running water and gently wipe with a soft cloth to remove any limescale deposits.
Prepare the solution

Fill your kettle with equal parts white vinegar and water. If you plan to use a kettle descaler, follow the instructions on the back of the packaging for best results.
Bring to a boil

Switch on the kettle and bring it to a boil. If you are using a traditional stove kettle, turn on the stove and bring the solution to a simmer.
Let it sit

Allow the solution to sit in the kettle for 15-30 minutes. This will allow the solution to dissolve the limescale.

Drain and boil with water

Drain the solution and use a damp cloth to wipe any residue. Then fill your kettle with clean water and boil it once or twice, to make sure that all traces of descaler are removed. If you happen to notice any lingering odour or taste, repeat the process as many times as necessary. If you’re using a kettle descaler, always follow the instructions on the packaging for best results.

While boiling a kettle may seem like a trivial task, kettle running costs can add up over time. By making small changes, such as filling the kettle only with the water you need, you can help keep your home cost- and energy-efficient.

If you want to find out how much energy your kettle is using, join millions of Brits and request a smart meter today. With the smart meter in-home display, you can monitor your energy usage in near real-time.

How to get a smart meter