The kettle bubbles away as you shuffle into the kitchen, bleary-eyed. Maybe you’re reaching for the coffee maker, or perhaps you’re setting up a pour-over—either way, that first hit of rich, roasted coffee aroma feels like a warm hug before the day kicks off. But have you ever thought about what it takes to get that cup from bean to brew? From the farms growing your coffee to the moment you take that first sip, every step has an impact—on both your electricity bill and the environment.
In this blog—part of our series on how home gadgets impact your energy use—we’ll explore the journey of your coffee, uncover its hidden energy costs, and share tips to make your morning ritual greener and more cost-effective. We'll also look at how Electricity Comparison can help you make informed decisions to lower your power usage and costs.
1. The Energy Cost of Growing Coffee Beans - Electricity Comparison
Long before your coffee reaches your cup, there’s a whole journey behind it—one that uses energy at every step. From irrigation to harvesting, coffee farms rely on various processes to cultivate quality beans. Once picked, the beans go through washing, drying, and hulling before they’re ready for roasting and brewing. All of this requires energy, making coffee one of the world’s most resource-intensive crops.
While the energy cost of growing coffee beans might not hit your Electricity bill directly, understanding the broader environmental impact can inspire you to make more sustainable choices, both in terms of consumption and the brands you support. Choosing shade-grown or organic coffee can help support responsible farming practices and more efficient resource use.
2. The Energy Cost of Brewing Your Morning Cup - Electricity Comparison
The morning coffee routine varies from household to household. Some people rely on their espresso machine, others prefer the simplicity of a drip coffee maker, while many still opt for the classic kettle and pour-over. Regardless of the method, each comes with its own energy cost:
- Electric Kettle: The running cost is about 80c per hour (Ergon Energy).
- Coffee Maker: The running cost is about 20c per hour (Ergon Energy).
Brewing coffee at home can add up quickly. On average, using a coffee maker costs around $73 per year, while an electric kettle can run up to $292 annually. Switching to a coffee maker could save you $219 each year, which makes a noticeable difference in your Electricity bill over time.
3. How Vampire Power Drains Your Electricity Bill
Unlike other kitchen gadgets that love to sip power even when you’re not using them sneakily, your coffee maker is pretty chill. When it’s turned off and still plugged in, it doesn’t gobble up much energy at all. That’s right, modern espresso machines don’t suck up power in standby mode, so no need to worry about those little vampire power vampires here!
- Coffee Maker: Modern coffee machines don’t draw any power when switched off, so you won’t find your electricity bill getting a hit.
- Electric Kettle: Kettles aren’t big energy eaters either, but if yours has a warm function, keep an eye out—it might still be quietly sipping power while you’re not looking.
Just be mindful of other kitchen gadgets, though—vampire power from those may sneak up on you and makeup 5–10% of your total electricity use (Energy rating), adding up to an extra $100–$200 on your bill each year!
4. How to Make Your Coffee Habit More Sustainable - Electricity Comparison
The good news? Small changes can make a big difference. Here’s how you can cut energy use while still enjoying your daily brew:
- Brewing Efficiently: If you’re using a coffee maker, avoid keeping it on longer than necessary, and consider turning off warming plates once your coffee is ready. When using an electric kettle, only boil the amount of water you need—it heats up faster and saves electricity.
- Unplugging Devices: Vampire power is another area to watch. Appliances left plugged in may still draw power, so unplug your coffee maker or kettle when not in use. Using a power strip makes it even easier to turn off multiple appliances at once, and smart plugs can help track and control energy use remotely.
- Reducing Waste: Opt for reusable coffee cups, filters, and pods instead of disposable ones, and consider composting coffee grounds or using them in your garden—they’re great for enriching the soil.
If you want to lower your electricity costs even further, electricity comparison is a great way to explore potential savings with different energy plans.
Your morning coffee doesn’t have to come with a hefty electricity bill. By understanding the energy journey behind each cup and making small, conscious changes, you can continue enjoying your coffee while saving money and reducing your environmental footprint. Whether it’s switching to energy-efficient appliances, making smart decisions about your daily brewing habits, or finding better energy deals through the electricity comparison, every cup counts!
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