A contemporary U.S. home is ornamented with an assortment of modern conveniences, and this article explores the available information on the carbon footprint of plug in appliances (blenders, food processors, coffee grinders).
As with any other manufactured product, carbon emissions are generated at each stage of the life cycle.
In the case of plug-in appliances, more than half of all emissions are produced through consumer use due to electricity consumption.
Continue reading to learn about how plug-in appliances contribute to household energy consumption, how technology is making appliances more efficient, and how individuals can improve the carbon footprint of their household appliances in a few simple steps.
The Carbon Footprint of Plug In Appliances (Blenders, Food Processors, Coffee Grinders)
Every occupied home in the United States likely has at least one household appliance that is regularly used.
Most homes have many appliances, the majority of which are plug-in, drawing electrical energy directly from the home’s electric supply.
Each appliance has its own carbon footprint, reflecting the emissions generated throughout its life cycle, and this article explores the environmental impact of many types of plug-in appliances. But first, take a look at some key terms.
What Is a Carbon Footprint?
What is a carbon footprint? Well, various definitions have been put forth, but the simplest way of explaining it is as the total Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) generated by a specific source.29
Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide, trap heat in the atmosphere, warming the earth. Different activities produce varying amounts of GHG or carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), and “carbon footprint” is the term used to represent this.5
Calculating carbon footprints is essential to understanding how various entities (individuals, products, households, companies) negatively impact the environment.
These calculations can be very complicated and depend upon the complexity of the operations and system being examined. This makes learning how to calculate carbon footprint manually quite difficult (though not impossible), and various websites, including this one, have undertaken the development of carbon emissions calculators that can provide reasonably accurate estimations of a source’s impact on climate change (See “Carbon Footprint Factsheet“).5
What Is an Appliance?
“Appliance” refers to a mechanical device, typically within the home, that is designed to serve a particular function.1
Appliances are generally powered by electricity or gas. For the purposes of this article, appliances are separated into small and large, where small appliances are those which are easily moved from one place to another while large appliances are generally stationary or in semi-permanent locations.
Continue reading to learn more about the carbon footprint of plug in appliances (blenders, food processors, coffee grinders), from those as small as a blender to as large as an air conditioner.
How Is the Carbon Footprint of Plug In Appliances (Blenders, Food Processors, Coffee Grinders) Measured?
When examining the carbon emissions generated by appliances, it is easy to focus on the electricity they consume while being used in the home. Although most sources agree that the consumer use sector of an appliance’s life cycle generates the most CO2e (between 80 and 90% of total life cycle emissions), it is important to put this in perspective.2
The average large household appliance has a 10 to 15-year lifespan.24 Considering this, it is not really surprising that 12.5 years (on average) of consistent electricity consumption by an appliance would be its biggest emissions generator.
(Image: James Kovin36)
However, when the lifetime energy consumption is divided by the years of use, the CO2e emissions make more sense, and it becomes apparent that manufacturing emissions are produced at a higher rate in a shorter period of time.
To accurately measure the carbon footprint of plug in appliances (blenders, food processors, coffee grinders), it’s necessary to know the approximate amount of CO2e emissions generated during raw material processing, manufacturing, packaging and transport, and end-of-life treatment as well! For more information on direct and indirect CO2e emissions, consult the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pamphlets on Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions (“Scope 1 and Scope 2 Inventory Guidance” and “Scope 3 Inventory Guidance”).30, 31, 32
There are various tools that can assist with calculating an emissions factor for residential electricity consumption by location, thus allowing an independent calculation, but it can be very difficult to estimate the other factors without accurate manufacturer reporting and accountability. The following sections explore the climate impact of various household appliances.
Small Plug-In Appliances
There is a wide range of small, plug-in appliances, most of which are kitchen accessories, in regular use throughout U.S. homes.
Some of the most common small appliances are blenders, coffee makers, instant pots, and toasters. The carbon footprint of each of these is dependent upon manufacturing emissions as well as electricity consumption on the consumer end.
Every company’s products will have different value chain emissions, and the production of steel, stainless steel in particular, has a heavy CO2 impact.
Additionally, remember that Energy Star-certified appliances are more energy efficient than their non-certified counterparts.
Continue reading to learn more about the carbon footprints of several common small appliances.8
Air Fryer
Air fryers are a super convenient way to make small amounts of food that may normally require an oven. Air fryers use less than half as many watts as conventional ovens, making them a more energy-efficient option for cooking.17
Blender/Food Processor
Blenders and food processors are used to chop, mix, puree, or liquefy solid food into a smoother texture. Although these two appliances serve somewhat different purposes, they are mechanically quite similar.
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2020 data, more than 37 million U.S. residences (30.5%) have a blender that is used at least weekly.8 The lifetime carbon footprint of this type of appliance may exceed 33 kg of CO2e.3
Coffee Maker
Based on EIA data, over 92 million U.S. homes (74.9%) have a coffee maker in regular use.8 A drip coffee maker will usually last approximately 5 years when used daily, consuming between 100 and 150 kWh annually, and generating around 200 g CO2e per cup when brewing large batches (10 cups) and around 300 g of CO2e per cup when brewing small batches (3 cups).12,18
Instant Pot
Instant Pots have grown in popularity in recent years, and the EIA reports that nearly 20 million U.S. homes (16.1%) rely on this appliance for at least weekly use.8 Instant pots improve upon conventional ovens enormously in terms of efficiency, consuming less than 20% of the energy required by a standard oven to produce the same meal.6
Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are a great way to make home cooking more convenient and eco-friendly as they are less energy-intensive than stovetop or oven cooking. According to the EIA, over 34 million U.S. homes (27.7%) use slow cookers regularly.8
Slow cookers are considered one of the most environmentally friendly ways to cook. This small appliance uses between 150 and 250 watts per hour compared to 2,000 to 4,000 watts per hour for a conventional oven/stove.10
Are Small Appliances Recyclable?
Despite the best endeavors to extend the lifetime of household appliances, they will eventually reach the end of the line for their lifetimes, raising the question “Are small appliances recyclable?” This is a very important question, as most appliances contain valuable metals such as steel and copper which can be recycled to make new products.16
Many electronics stores will accept trade-ins or simply recycle old products, and most major cities have dedicated recycling programs or locations for small and large appliances.
Large Plug-In Appliances
Large household appliances, aside from being relatively stationary, are also typically used at a much higher frequency than their smaller counterparts. They are usually staples in the home that may be used daily.
While some definitions include electronic devices such as televisions and sound systems in the appliance category, for the purpose of this article, appliances are non-electronic devices that serve a practical purpose within the home. Note that many of the most prominent types of large appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators, also use significant amounts of water, a factor that impacts the environment but is not typically included in carbon footprint calculations.
Continue reading to learn more about the carbon emissions generated by various large plug-in appliances.8
Dishwasher
Not every home has a dishwasher, but these have certainly become more prevalent and common in kitchens across the United States. In fact, according to EIA 2020 statistics, almost 90 million U.S. homes (~73%) have a dishwasher installed, and more than 65% of these reportedly use the dishwasher more than once weekly.8
Fortunately, newer dishwasher models are more energy efficient and require less water. In fact, some sources report that built-in dishwashers generate approximately 209 kg of CO2e per year over their (roughly) 10-year lifespan, compared to 526 kg per year generated through manual washing.13
Dryer
Approximately 83% of U.S. homes (102 million) have a dedicated clothes dryer installed. Around 91% of homes with a clothes dryer report drying between one and nine loads of laundry per week, while almost 7% of homes report drying 10 or more loads per week.8
A clothes dryer is among the most carbon-intensive household appliances, and drying a single load of laundry can use around between 1 and 2 kg of CO2e.25
Machine drying laundry contributes 75% of emissions for the total wash and dry process.21
Microwave
The EIA reports that more than 118 million U.S. residences (96%) have a microwave oven, and 99% of those people who have a microwave use it at least once a week. In fact, over 32% of households with microwaves reportedly use the microwave a minimum of 15 times per week.8
A microwave may emit around 400 g of CO2e with each use, generating a total carbon footprint of about 118 kg CO2e in its 5 to 10-year lifespan.25,26
Remember that for each of these appliances, consumer use is only part of the carbon footprint. One study found that consumer use was responsible for 54% of a microwave’s CO2e emissions, while raw materials and manufacturing were at 23 and 15 percent, respectively.19
Oven and/or Stove
A range is a kitchen appliance with an oven and cooktop stove, and this is the most typical configuration in U.S. kitchens. More than 110 million U.S. homes (89%) have at least one kitchen range, 59% electric-powered and 31% gas-powered.8
Using an oven may create 400 to 600 g of CO2e emissions per hour, stacking up to an average of 319 kg of CO2e during its 10 to 15-year lifespan.7, 25, 26
Refrigerator
Approximately 99.5% of U.S. homes (122.86 million residences) have at least one refrigerator, the vast majority of which are medium to large in size.8 Refrigerators are indispensable in the modern home, but this large appliance has a few characteristics that set it apart from other appliances in this article.
Firstly, refrigerators are in constant use, always working to maintain the proper internal temperatures.
(Image: Latrach Med Jamil38)
Secondly, refrigerators, like air conditioners, require coolants which contain harmful chemicals with high global warming potential which leak into the atmosphere.15
A properly functioning, non-leaking refrigerator may generate between 90 and 175 kg of CO2e each year.4
Washing Machine
Nearly 104 million U.S. homes (~84%) have a clothes washer installed, and 92% of these homes use their washing machine between 1 and 9 times a week. Incredibly, 6.5% of these homes reportedly wash more than 9 loads each week.
Only 40% of these residences reportedly wash their clothes in cold water.8
Washing a single load of laundry generates around 275 g of CO2e, adding up to nearly 540 kg of CO2e in its approximately 12-year lifespan.25,26 Washing in cold water significantly reduces environmental impact.
Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Plug In Appliances (Blenders, Food Processors, Coffee Grinders)
Most U.S. citizens rely heavily on multiple household appliances in their daily lives, refrigerators, stoves, and washing machines being prime examples. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the carbon footprint of plug in appliances (blenders, food processors, coffee grinders), and this can be done in 4 easy steps!
- Purchase Energy Star appliances that are most efficient
- Unplug appliances when not in use
- Keep appliances operating smoothly by maintaining clean filters and regulated temperatures
- Dispose of old appliances appropriately, as up to 90% of raw materials can be recycled (See the EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program)33,2
Do Plug-In Electrical Devices Generate More Carbon Emissions Than Battery-Powered Devices?
Most household appliances plug into walls to draw electricity directly from the source, but more wireless varieties which run on a battery charge are becoming available. The question for eco-minded consumers then is whether plug-in electrical devices are worse or better for the environment than battery-powered devices.
A well-known example of this conversation is robotic vacuums versus traditional vacuums.
Although data is not complete, the conclusion that can be drawn about this debate is that battery-powered devices/appliances consume less electricity than plug-in appliances, generating fewer emissions through consumer use. However, the processing of raw materials and manufacturing of batteries can be extremely carbon intensive, potentially canceling out any reduction in emissions in later life cycles.
To improve the carbon footprint of a battery-powered device, it is important to care for the batteries properly, charging according to the manual. Extending the lifetime of the appliance to get as much use as possible from it helps to make the device more eco-friendly.20
Until manufacturers begin publishing more information about scopes 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions for their products, it is difficult to provide more accurate information.
What Are Energy Star Appliances?
Energy Star appliances are those which have obtained the Energy Star Certification.34 In order to receive an Energy Star label, a product must be tested and determined to meet the criteria outlined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) to meet international standards.27,11
The Energy Star label was created in 1992 to help consumers identify more energy-efficient products, often those that use less water and less electricity for operations.27
Since that time, an additional tier has been created.
The Energy Star Most Efficient Program was launched in 2011 as a means of distinguishing the top-performing appliances and products each year.11 See the Energy Star Most Efficient 2024 products here.
What Is the Average U.S. Household Electricity Consumption?
Where appliances are concerned, a significant portion of their carbon footprint comes from the consumer use phase of their life cycle. Electricity use is the big determining factor here.
Obviously, various devices will draw different amounts of electricity depending on how much they are used and how many watts they consume.
(Image: Clint Patterson37)
In the United States, just as in other regions around the world, average household electricity consumption varies from state to state, region to region. This is primarily a reflection of the carbon intensity of the electric grid in different areas, or in other words, how much of the electricity is produced by fossil fuels, as opposed to renewable sources.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average purchased kilowatt hours per U.S. residential electric customer in 2022 was 10,791 kWh.14 This average included states at the extreme ends of the spectrum: Louisiana with an average of 14,774 kWh per residence and Hawaii at 6,178 kWh.14
How Much Do Household Appliances Contribute to Home Energy Consumption?
Depending on the frequency of use, household appliances, particularly large appliances, can contribute considerably to home energy consumption.
The EIA published household energy data for the year 2020, examining energy use for more than 123 million U.S. homes.23 It parsed out energy use, reported in British thermal units (Btu),35 by state, region, home size, housing type, age, and also by consumer end-use.23
In the consumer end-use sector, several large household appliances were looked at. The average U.S. home consumed approximately 76.8 million Btu. Space heaters accounted for 42% of home energy use, water heaters 18%, air conditioners 9%, and refrigerators 4%.
The remaining 26% is attributed to other end uses, including electronics, lighting, and appliances.9
(Source: Energy Information Administration9)
Clothes dryers consumed 2.32 million Btu (~3%), freezers consumed 1.94 million Btu (~2.5%), stove/ovens consumed .99 million Btu (~1.2%), microwaves consumed .36 million Btu (~.5%), and dishwashers consumed .38 million Btu (~.5%). Televisions, unsurprisingly, consumed 2.16 million Btu (~2.8%).28
How Many Watts To Run a House
The EIA reports that the average U.S. residence requires about 10,791 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually, but to figure out approximately how many watts to run a house hourly, a bit of math is required.14 By dividing 10,791 by 365 days of the year (equal to 29.56 kWh per day) and further dividing by 24 hours in the day (equal to 1.23 kWh), the number of kilowatt hours per hour is determined.
Multiply this number by 1000 to convert kilowatts into watts and the answer to the question is 1,231.84 watts per hour to power the average U.S. home.
Carbon Footprint of Plug In Appliances (Blenders, Food Processors, Coffee Grinders): How To Reduce Electricity Usage at Home
There are many strategies for how to reduce electricity usage at home. Some of the methods are easy to accommodate while others require an initial financial investment.
Read through the following tips to see what changes you can make today to cut back on electricity consumption.22
- Turn lights and TVs off when leaving a room
- Unplug small appliances, electrical devices, and chargers when not in use
- Open windows and use ceiling fans to ventilate the home when possible
- Use curtains to help cool the home
- Ensure air vents are not occluded
- Set the thermostat cooler in winter and warmer in summer.
- Turn the thermostat down or off when going on vacation or leaving home for extended periods of time
- Replace old light bulbs with new LED bulbs
- Never leave refrigerator or freezer doors open longer than necessary
- Wash clothes in cold water
- Hang dry laundry when possible
- Take warm rather than hot showers
- Change HVAC filters at least quarterly
- Ensure home is well insulated and doors and windows are weather proofed
- Consider a solar photovoltaic home energy system!
This article has examined several popular small and large appliances, readily found in the average U.S. home. Although information and data are still lacking in terms of carbon emissions reporting by manufacturers, many conclusions have been drawn about appliance energy consumption and its environmental impact.
Large appliances such as clothes dryers, refrigerators, and built-in ovens are some of the biggest carbon emitters while small appliances such as air fryers and slow cookers are considered eco-friendly alternatives to conventional kitchen ranges.
As life cycle assessments on the carbon footprint of plug in appliances (blenders, food processors, coffee grinders) are carried out and published, consumers will be able to make more informed decisions.
Read More About Carbon Footprint of Plug In Appliances (Blenders, Food Processors, Coffee Grinders)
How To Become Carbon Neutral at Home With 1 Simple, Free Tool
How Many Watts To Run a House? Home Appliance Wattage Worksheet
Average American Carbon Footprint: Emissions by City and State (Updated 2023)
Carbon Footprint Assessment (11 Steps): Carbon Footprint Calculator for Business
Green Construction Credits Now Replacing the 9 Steps of Green Building
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36Black and silver coffee maker Photo by James Kovin. (2021, August 5) / Unsplash License. Cropped and changed file format. Unsplash. Retrieved June 4, 2024, from <https://unsplash.com/photos/black-and-silver-coffee-maker-aBKRAg4ggvo>
37Black male plug in front of electric socket Photo by Clint Patterson. (2019, August 5). Unsplash License. Resized and changed file format. Unsplash. Retrieved June 4, 2024, from <https://unsplash.com/photos/black-male-plug-in-front-of-electric-socket-exfrR9KkzlE>
38Fridge in a corner Photo by Latrach Med Jamil. (2019, October 15) / Unsplash License. Cropped, resized, and changed file format. Unsplash. Retrieved June 4, 2024, from <https://unsplash.com/photos/blue-refrigerator-beside-green-leafed-plant-Eb6hMEhGlKY>