electric kettles are now found in nearly every household and workplace. They are efficient, fast, and safe for everyday water heating. However, one question often concerns users who want to reduce their electricity bills: does leaving the kettle plugged in use electricity?
The answer is very little—almost none. When your kettle is plugged in but switched off, it consumes only a tiny standby current, usually less than 0.5 watts. Let’s explore what happens when a kettle remains connected to power, how much energy that actually means, and the best practices for energy safety and efficiency.
Most modern electric kettles, including those made by Shenbao Electric Appliance Co., Ltd., are designed with energy-efficient electronic circuits. When the power switch is off, only a minimal current may flow through internal safety components, such as pilot lights or thermostats. This is known as standby power or “phantom load.”
For Shenbao kettles, standby power is typically:
| Model Type | Average Standby Power | Daily Consumption (24 hours) | Monthly Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Stainless Steel Kettle | 0.3 W | 7.2 Wh | 0.216 kWh |
| Smart Temperature-Controlled Kettle | 0.5 W | 12 Wh | 0.36 kWh |
At an average electricity cost of $0.15 USD/kWh, even the higher-end model costs less than $0.05 per month if left plugged in continuously. This is negligible, but still worth managing if you have multiple appliances.
Some kettles feature small indicator lamps that stay lit when plugged in. These low-voltage LEDs consume around 0.1–0.3 W, drawing a tiny current even when not heating.
A few advanced Shenbao models include electronic thermostats that require minimal standby power to maintain calibration. These systems are efficient, designed to meet international energy-saving standards (CE, GS, RoHS).
Capacitors and surge suppressors protect the appliance from voltage spikes. They remain connected to the circuit, but their power draw is microscopically small, ensuring consistent safety without noticeable energy waste.
Although energy usage is extremely low, safety should always come first. Leaving appliances plugged in for long periods can pose minor electrical risks if outlets are faulty or exposed to moisture.
Shenbao’s electric kettles are built with multi-layer protection, including:
Overheating and boil-dry protection that stops heating automatically.
Thermal fuse cutoff for additional security during voltage surges.
Double insulation and grounded power cords that meet global safety standards.
Fire-retardant exterior materials tested under high temperature conditions.
Still, it’s good practice to unplug your kettle when it will not be used for several days or when cleaning the kitchen counter.
Shenbao designs its kettles not only for safety but also for maximum energy optimization. Key features include:
When water reaches 100 °C, the kettle stops heating instantly. No idle power continues to flow to the heating plate.
The concealed stainless-steel element transfers over 90% of power directly into the water, minimizing total consumption.
The double-wall stainless design helps retain heat for up to one hour, reducing the need for reheating cycles that waste electricity.
All Shenbao kettles use optimized internal wiring, certified for low energy standby performance under CE and CB standards.
Even though the standby power of an electric kettle is minimal, adopting a few good habits can make your kitchen more energy-efficient overall:
Unplug When Not in Use for Long Periods
Especially during travel or extended absence, unplugging prevents voltage fluctuations and enhances appliance life.
Boil Only What You Need
Overfilling the kettle wastes both water and power. Shenbao’s inner markings help measure accurately.
Clean Regularly
Limescale build-up can reduce heating efficiency by up to 10%. Descaling every two weeks maintains optimal performance.
Use Power Strips with Switches
Connecting multiple small appliances to a switched power strip makes it easy to cut all standby power instantly.
Choose Certified Models
All Shenbao kettles meet international standards such as CE, CB, GS, and RoHS, ensuring top-level efficiency and safety compliance.
Only a very small amount—usually less than 0.5 watts. It’s negligible, but unplugging is still recommended for safety.
Not if it’s a certified Shenbao model. It includes surge protection, grounding, and overheat safeguards. Still, avoid contact with water or wet surfaces.
Slightly. Smart temperature-controlled models may consume 0.4–0.5 W for internal control circuits, still very low overall.
No. Shenbao kettles include a mechanical safety switch that requires manual activation, preventing accidental operation.
It’s optional but good practice. Doing so reduces even the smallest standby draw and protects against voltage fluctuations.
Leaving your electric kettle plugged in does not use a lot of electricity—the standby consumption is nearly zero. However, unplugging when not in use remains a smart safety habit and a sign of responsible energy management.
Shenbao Electric Appliance Co., Ltd. continues to design energy-efficient, CE-certified kettles that combine smart engineering, minimal standby power, and advanced protection features. Whether for home or commercial use, Shenbao kettles ensure reliable performance with every boil — saving energy without compromising safety or convenience.
Visit www.shenbao-china.com to learn more about Shenbao’s innovative range of stainless-steel and temperature-controlled kettles built for global markets.