Popcorn Maker Electricity Cost Calculator
The Popcorn Maker Electricity Cost Calculator computes your estimated monthly electricity cost by plugging in a machine's wattage, your weekly usage, and your local rate. The formula is simple: wattage ÷ 1000 × hours per week × 4.33 weeks × your $/kWh rate.
Why bother? Hot air poppers like the Presto PopLite 04820 (1050W) and Dash DAPP150V2 (1000W) use more power per batch than a stovetop or kettle machine, but they run for only a few minutes. A high-wattage unit with a short runtime might cost less per month than a low-wattage kettle that takes longer. This tool lets you compare any model using published wattage specs and your own habits, no testing involved.
Calculator
How the math works
Monthly cost = wattage / 1000 x hours per week x 4.33 weeks x your $/kWh rate
Worked example: the Elite Gourmet EPM250 Tabletop Kettle Popcorn Maker comes out at $0.30 using the default assumptions (hours per week = 1.5, rate kwh = 0.186).
Every spec in this tool comes from the product data behind our popcorn maker reviews; see how we choose.
All models compared
U.S. residential electricity rates by state
The calculator's state dropdown uses these numbers. Download the full table as CSV.
| Alabama | 17.15 |
| Alaska | 27.17 |
| Arizona | 15.59 |
| Arkansas | 13.63 |
| California | 33.35 |
| Colorado | 16.74 |
| Connecticut | 30.47 |
| Delaware | 17.64 |
| District of Columbia | 25.0 |
| Florida | 14.86 |
| Georgia | 15.01 |
| Hawaii | 42.23 |
| Idaho | 13.01 |
| Illinois | 18.86 |
| Indiana | 17.85 |
| Iowa | 13.42 |
| Kansas | 15.34 |
| Kentucky | 14.88 |
| Louisiana | 14.16 |
| Maine | 28.32 |
| Maryland | 22.2 |
| Massachusetts | 30.21 |
| Michigan | 21.2 |
| Minnesota | 15.08 |
| Mississippi | 16.3 |
| Missouri | 13.44 |
| Montana | 13.48 |
| Nebraska | 13.1 |
| Nevada | 14.17 |
| New Hampshire | 26.92 |
| New Jersey | 23.49 |
| New Mexico | 14.81 |
| New York | 28.55 |
| North Carolina | 16.0 |
| North Dakota | 11.95 |
| Ohio | 18.78 |
| Oklahoma | 13.56 |
| Oregon | 14.89 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.92 |
| Rhode Island | 29.91 |
| South Carolina | 16.45 |
| South Dakota | 14.29 |
| Tennessee | 15.08 |
| Texas | 16.39 |
| Utah | 13.17 |
| Vermont | 24.11 |
| Virginia | 17.05 |
| Washington | 14.4 |
| West Virginia | 16.37 |
| Wisconsin | 18.8 |
| Wyoming | 13.59 |
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A, March 2026. Retrieved 2026-06-10. U.S. average: 18.56 cents/kWh.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my machine's wattage?
Check the spec sheet or product page for the wattage rating. For example, the Presto PopLite 04820 is 1050W, the Cuisinart EasyPop CPM-100 is 1300W, and the Nostalgia RKP630 kettle is 580W. The tool's formula uses this number directly.
Which popcorn maker costs the least to run?
Lower wattage generally means lower cost, assuming similar usage time. Among tracked models, the Elite Gourmet EPM250 kettle uses only 250W, and the Great Northern Little Bambino uses 300W. But these kettles take longer to heat oil, so total energy per session may vary.
Do hot air poppers cost more to run than stovetop models?
Hot air models like the Dash DAPP150V2 (1000W) and Cuisinart EasyPop (1300W) have higher wattage than stovetop poppers. However, stovetop units (like the Whirley-Pop) don't have a wattage spec because they rely on your stove's power, so you'd need to estimate stove burner wattage separately.
Is the tool accurate for kettles that need oil?
The tool calculates only the electricity the machine consumes, not the energy to heat oil separately. For oil-required kettles like the Nostalgia RKP630 (580W), the wattage covers the motor and heating element, but actual power draw may vary during operation.
How often should I use the calculator?
Run it whenever you're comparing models or when your electricity rate changes. The tool uses your input $/kWh, so updating that ensures the estimate stays relevant. The formula assumes consistent weekly usage across 4.33 weeks per month.