This Small Appliance Uses the Most Energy at Home

Refrigerators: The Silent Energy Guzzler

The refrigerator, a staple in almost every household, is consistently identified as the small appliance with the highest annual energy consumption. According to the U.S.

Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024 report, refrigerators account for about 13% of total household appliance electricity use, with the average U.S. fridge consuming between 400 and 800 kWh per year.

Modern fridges are more efficient than older models, but surveys conducted in early 2025 show that over 30% of American homes still operate a secondary, older refrigerator or freezer—often in garages or basements—significantly increasing overall consumption. A 2024 study by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that older fridges can use up to twice as much energy as new Energy Star-certified models.

The continuous operation—24 hours a day, 7 days a week—means that even small refrigerators quickly rack up high energy bills. Energy Star reports that replacing a refrigerator from the 1990s with a 2024 model can save up to $250 per year on electricity.

These findings highlight the refrigerator’s outsized impact compared to other small appliances.

Mini-Split Air Conditioners: A Growing Share

Mini-split (ductless) air conditioners have surged in popularity, especially in apartments and retrofitted homes. According to a 2024 report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), mini-splits now account for 17% of global residential cooling systems.

While marketed as efficient, a typical 9,000 BTU mini-split can consume up to 500 kWh during a hot summer, rivaling or exceeding the energy use of refrigerators in some regions. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) noted in its 2025 update that improper installation or excessive usage can cause mini-splits to operate inefficiently, driving up electricity costs.

Many households leave these units running for extended periods, often due to the convenience of remote control operation. In Tokyo, a 2024 city survey revealed that mini-split ACs are now the largest single load in high-rise apartments.

This trend underlines the importance of considering “small” appliances like mini-splits in discussions about home energy use.

Dehumidifiers: A Hidden Cost in Humid Climates

Dehumidifiers are a necessity in many humid regions, but their energy use can be surprisingly high. The U.S.

Department of Energy (DOE) released data in 2024 showing that a standard 50-pint dehumidifier can consume 600 kWh or more annually if used continuously through the summer. In New Orleans and Miami, utility companies reported a 22% spike in residential electricity use attributed to increased dehumidifier use during the record-breaking humid summer of 2024.

The NRDC’s spring 2025 appliance audit confirmed that in homes with persistent moisture problems, dehumidifiers can rival or exceed the annual energy usage of a modern refrigerator. Many homeowners are unaware of this invisible drain on their electricity bill, especially since dehumidifiers often run unnoticed in basements or laundry rooms.

The DOE recommends using models with automatic humidity sensors to limit unnecessary runtime and cut costs.

Microwave Ovens: Surprising Standby Power

Microwave ovens are used in nearly every kitchen, and while cooking sessions are brief, recent research points to a hidden culprit: standby power consumption. A 2024 study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that the average U.S.

microwave uses about 215 kWh per year—over half of which can be attributed to standby mode, powering the clock and display. In the UK, the Energy Saving Trust reported that leaving a microwave plugged in costs households an extra £10–£15 annually, even if it’s used just a few minutes a day.

Newer models have reduced standby power requirements, but millions of older units remain in service worldwide. The European Commission’s 2025 appliance survey identified microwaves as a “top 5” offender for phantom load in the kitchen.

Experts recommend unplugging or using smart power strips to minimize unnecessary energy waste from microwaves.

Dishwashers: The Real Cost of Convenience

Dishwashers have gotten more efficient, but their energy use is still substantial, particularly in households that run frequent cycles. According to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) 2024 market report, the average dishwasher uses between 1.5 and 2 kWh per wash cycle, translating to 300–500 kWh annually for a family running it daily.

The bulk of this energy is used to heat water, which accounts for up to 80% of the dishwasher’s electricity use. Data from the 2025 European Union Product Database shows that energy use varies dramatically based on cycle selection, with “eco” modes using nearly 40% less power than standard cycles.

A 2024 consumer survey by Which? in the UK found that most users default to quick or intensive cycles, missing out on potential savings.

Proper loading and using energy-efficient settings can significantly reduce a dishwasher’s impact.

Toaster Ovens: Small but Mighty Power Draw

Toaster ovens are compact and convenient, but they pack a punch in terms of energy demand during use. A 2024 Consumer Reports test measured that a typical toaster oven uses around 1,200 to 1,800 watts per hour of operation, translating to 0.9–1.3 kWh for a single 45-minute use.

While overall annual consumption is lower than that of a refrigerator, frequent use can add up quickly, particularly in households that use toaster ovens for daily cooking. The California Energy Commission’s 2025 kitchen appliance audit found that some models now include air-fry or convection functions, which can double the energy used per session.

In dense urban areas like San Francisco, where full ovens are less common, toaster ovens have become a leading kitchen appliance by total household energy share. Consumers are advised to look for models with auto shut-off and energy-saving features.

Clothes Dryers: The Laundry Room Heavyweight

Clothes dryers, though technically not “small” in size, are sometimes considered small appliances in energy audits due to their plug-and-play nature. The EIA’s 2024 Residential Energy Consumption Survey reported that electric dryers use an average of 900 kWh annually in U.S.

homes—making them the highest single-appliance load in many apartments and condos. The Australian Energy Regulator noted in its 2025 appliance report that ventless and heat pump dryers, while more efficient, still consume 40–60% as much energy as traditional models.

In Europe, the shift to lower-temperature drying has cut average dryer usage by 18% over the past two years, according to Eurostat’s 2024 home energy analysis. Experts recommend line-drying when possible and always cleaning lint filters to maximize efficiency.

Coffee Makers: Daily Rituals, Daily Costs

Coffee makers, especially single-serve pod machines, are a daily ritual for millions and a surprisingly steady energy consumer. The National Coffee Association’s 2024 consumer survey estimated that the average single-serve coffee machine uses 900–1,200 watts per brew and about 50–60 kWh annually in homes where it is used daily.

Continuous “keep warm” settings and programmable timers add hidden standby loads. In Germany, the Federal Environment Agency’s 2025 household audit found that leaving coffee makers plugged in with lights or clocks running can waste up to 10 kWh per year.

Commercial-grade drip brewers, common in home offices, draw even more power, with some models using over 1.5 kWh per day. Simple changes—like unplugging after use—can save real money over time.

Electric Kettles: Boiling Down the Numbers

Electric kettles are among the fastest ways to boil water, but their power demand is steep. The UK’s Office for National Statistics reported in January 2025 that a typical 3,000-watt kettle can use 0.1 kWh per boil, with the average British household boiling water five times daily—adding up to about 180 kWh per year.

In Canada, Hydro Québec’s 2024 energy study confirmed electric kettles as the highest per-use power draw among countertop kitchen appliances. Boiling more water than needed increases waste, with the UK Energy Saving Trust estimating that overfilling kettles adds £68 million to national electricity bills annually.

Recent models with variable temperature controls and auto shut-off features have improved efficiency, but habits make the biggest difference.

Hair Dryers: Short Bursts, High Wattage

Hair dryers are typically used for just a few minutes at a time, but their power output is immense. A 2025 study from the Consumer Product Safety Commission found that the average hair dryer operates between 1,200 and 2,400 watts, consuming up to 0.15 kWh for a standard 5-minute session.

The Australian Energy Foundation’s 2024 household survey revealed that in homes with multiple users—such as shared apartments—daily hair dryer use can reach 60–80 kWh per year. Newer “ionic” and “professional” models can use even more power, though they are faster.

The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry noted in its 2025 report that compact travel dryers, often thought to be efficient, actually use similar wattage over longer drying times. The key to reducing energy use is to towel-dry hair first and use the lowest effective setting.