Home / Laundry & Cleaning / Iron
How many watts does an iron use? (1,100 W)
An iron uses about 1,100 W
Typical range 1,000–1,800 watts.
Typical range 1,000–1,800 watts.
Running cost calculator
Per hour—
Per day—
Per month—
Per year—
Energy/mo—
A clothes iron cycles its heating element on and off, so it only draws full power while reaching the set temperature.
Iron power specs
| Typical running power | 1,100 W |
| Typical range | 1,000–1,800 W |
| Energy use | 0.33 kWh/day · 9.9 kWh/mo |
What affects an iron's wattage
An iron is rated around 1,100 W, but the real figure shifts with a few things:
- Model and rating: An iron ranges from about 1,000 W on efficient units to 1,800 W on larger or older ones — a spread of ~800 W.
- Usage: the real draw depends on the water temperature you pick — heating water, not the motor, drives the draw.
- Run time: because an iron only runs in short bursts (a few minutes at a time), hours of use matter as much as raw wattage on your bill.
Running cost at $0.17/kWh
| Electricity rate | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.10/kWh | $0.03 | $0.99 | $12.05 |
| $0.15/kWh | $0.05 | $1.49 | $18.07 |
| $0.20/kWh | $0.07 | $1.98 | $24.09 |
| $0.25/kWh | $0.08 | $2.48 | $30.11 |
| $0.30/kWh | $0.10 | $2.97 | $36.14 |
| $0.40/kWh | $0.13 | $3.96 | $48.18 |
See the full breakdown of what it costs to run an iron, or what size power station runs an iron.
FAQ
How many watts does an iron use?
Steam irons draw about 1000-1800 watts when the element is heating.
Does an iron use power between presses?
Only when reheating to the set temperature; it idles low once hot.
More in Laundry & Cleaning