How to make a cuppa for less

We all love a good cuppa. So much so in fact that the UK drinks 100m cups of tea every day (according to the UK Tea and Infusions Association). 

About a third of us drink five cups a day and almost one in five of us have six or more.  

That means a lot of kettle use. 

But with energy prices going up next month, you might be wondering how much your daily cuppas will cost you.  

Starting 1 April, gas and electricity prices are rising by 6.4%, which means everything from washing clothes to making tea will cost more.  

The kettle, being one of the most power-hungry appliances in the kitchen, will definitely make an impact. 

So, how can you keep your tea habit while saving on energy?  

Here are some tips: 

Only boil what you need 

Instead of filling the kettle to the top, just boil the amount of water you actually need. Boiling more water than necessary wastes both water and energy. 

Clean your kettle  

You might be surprised, but descaling your kettle can save you money. Limescale builds up on the heating element and makes it less efficient.  

By regularly descaling, you’ll help the kettle heat water more efficiently, saving energy and potentially extending the life of your kettle. 

Get an energy-efficient kettle 

If you’re in the market for a new kettle, look for one that’s energy-efficient. Kettles with a quick boil feature use less energy. Also, choose one that retains the heat and keeps water warm so you don’t have to re-boil it.  

Stainless steel kettles tend to be more efficient, but can be pricier to buy.  

Boil water in a pan 

According to the experts at Uswitch.com, the cheapest way to boil water is to use a covered pan on a gas hob. It might take a bit longer to heat the water, but it costs less than a kettle because gas is currently cheaper to use than electricity.  

Use the microwave 

Another way to save is by using the microwave. While it takes a bit longer, it uses less power than a kettle. It would take about three minutes to heat a cup of water in a microwave, but you'll use less energy in the process. 

Make a flask 

If you’re a tea guzzler, boil a full kettle in the morning and keep the hot water in a flask. Rather than boiling the kettle throughout the day, make your cups of tea from the water in the flask to save on energy.  

For more ways to cut your energy bills, read our 50 energy saving tips.