For many, making a cup of tea is a daily ritual—especially for those working from home. However, with Ofgem’s gas and electricity price cap set to rise by 6.4% in April—an average increase of £111—household energy costs, including running appliances like ovens and washing machines, will also climb.

While the expense of boiling a kettle may go unnoticed, it is one of the most energy-intensive kitchen appliances. Because it operates in short bursts, its impact on energy bills isn't always obvious.

As reported by The Express, Saga magazine highlights that a standard kettle has a 3kW element and a 1.7-litre capacity. With Ofgem’s price cap increasing from 24.86p per kWh to 27.03p per kWh from April 1, the cost of boiling a kettle will rise from 4.9p to 5.4p per use.

A YouGov survey found that the average Brit drinks 884 cups of tea per year—roughly 2.5 cups daily. For a two-person household, this results in a daily cost of 27p for boiling water, adding up to £98.55 annually. Previously, this cost was £89.42, meaning tea drinkers will now pay an extra £9.13 per year.

To cut costs without reducing tea consumption, simple energy-saving habits can help. By boiling only the necessary amount of water instead of filling the kettle, households could save around £20 per year. Saga notes that a standard cup holds approximately 235ml, which a 3kW kettle can boil in about 45 seconds. This method reduces the cost per boil from 6p to just 1.1p.

Additionally, keeping the kettle free from limescale is essential, especially in hard water areas. Saga advises regular descaling to not only improve the taste of tea but also to shorten boiling times, ultimately making the kettle more energy efficient.