Electric sneakies exposed by the kill-a-watt

**2ndGenGranola** · 03-24-2009, 03:13 PM

What surprises did you get with your kill-a-watt?

I learned my Turkey Roaster and my electric fryer/steamer take way more electricity than I thought.

I also learned my bedroom TV and coffee pot can stay plugged in. The air purifier and humidifier are also non issues.

What kind of good/bad surprises did you have?

**justpeachy92** · 03-24-2009, 04:43 PM

I don't have a kill-a-wat. But I am curious how the electric use of your turkey roaster compares to using the oven to roast a turkey in. I love using my turkey roaster because it doesn't put heat off in the house like the regular oven does. I have found that the stuff I cook in it take less time then if I had put them in the oven. Living in the south, and knowing we occasionally have 80 degree weather at Thanksgiving, I thought using the roaster would help keep the AC from working to cool off a house being heated up by an oven.

**2ndGenGranola** · 03-24-2009, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by justpeachy92

But I am curious how the electric use of your turkey roaster compares to using the oven to roast a turkey in. I love using my turkey roaster because it doesn't put heat off in the house like the regular oven does.

My oven is gas so it is not like comparing 2 equals. My gas bill is $25 my electric is not even close. The turkey roaster pulls 1400 watts - like running an electric heater all day. It was primarily responsible for our kwh going up 10 points on Sat (I still blame DH - LOL - it was his fav meal in there) . If I wanted a warm weather turkey (we have 80 degree T'givings too), I would still use it outside or in the garage but on cold days its going to be the oven.

**thesightofoneself** · 03-24-2009, 05:38 PM

i want one, cant afford it

**pinetree** · 03-24-2009, 06:33 PM

Found the cell phone chargers are nothing to worry about, the freezers take nothing, but the dishwaher is way higher than we thought it was.
Also had a electric heater we used, the fan was going out, it was using 4 times what is suppose to.

Finding out what we thought used alot, doesn't use much.

**banana** · 03-24-2009, 07:38 PM

Originally Posted by pinetree

Found the cell phone chargers are nothing to worry about, the freezers take nothing, but the dishwaher is way higher than we thought it was.
Also had a electric heater we used, the fan was going out, it was using 4 times what is suppose to.

Finding out what we thought used alot, doesn't use much.

That's great! If you made a list and dont mind posting it I would love to see it.

**2ndGenGranola** · 03-24-2009, 09:39 PM

Hmmmm. I'll have to check the dw next. They say it is better on water usage but you don't hear to much about electric.

**Rosebush3** · 04-09-2009, 05:03 PM

Originally Posted by thesightofoneself

i want one, cant afford it

If what you want is a Kill-O-Watt, then check with your local public library. I know the electric company here in Maine is doing that, I got a notice with my electric bill months ago. They're free to borrow, it's worth checking out anyhow.

**gmarie** · 05-31-2011, 03:21 PM

I am so excited that I wanted to share: I was reading a newspaper article over the weekend that suggested borrowing a device from the library to check your electricity usage. It's called the "P3 International P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor"

Our library system has 6 of them, and none of them were checked out! I expect to receive it at my local library in the next few days - can't wait to find out what is sucking up the most electricity!

The devices start at about $16 on Amazon, but how cool is that to get to use one for free!?! Love the library!!

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/P3-International-P4400-Electricity-Monitor/dp/B00009MDBU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1306869592&sr=8-1"]Amazon.com: P3 International P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor: Electronics@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/319-YXP7I-L.@@AMEPARAM@@319-YXP7I-L[/ame]

**frugalfranny** · 06-01-2011, 01:03 PM

Interesting!

I am going to have to check at my library...to see if they have one. My utility might have one........will check around.

It would be interesting to see but my elec. is usually decent........it is the natural gas (heat and hot water) that is much higher.

Interesting about the freezer.........always thought that would be a big draw. Would love to check mine.

**Judi Dial** · 06-01-2011, 01:36 PM

Oh well, the info I originally had in this post is already in the thread, so I deleted it. Sigh.

Judi

**2_at_the_farm** · 06-03-2011, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by 2ndGenGranola

Hmmmm. I'll have to check the dw next. They say it is better on water usage but you don't hear to much about electric.

I did some research about that. It was funded by four dishwasher manufacturers, no pre-rinse on dishes, 12 place settings, if I remember correctly.

I agree, they don't say how much elecricity is used in operating the dishwasher, nor how much energy is used in heating up the replacement water in your water heater.

Most of the time I hand wash, don't leave the water running, don't fill the sink full of water, rinse in tepid water, etc. But if I had a dinner party for 12 (gasp!) I'd probably use the dishwasher.

**ladykemma2** · 06-03-2011, 08:53 AM

Originally Posted by pinetree

Found the cell phone chargers are nothing to worry about, the freezers take nothing, but the dishwaher is way higher than we thought it was.
Also had a electric heater we used, the fan was going out, it was using 4 times what is suppose to.

Finding out what we thought used alot, doesn't use much.

this is my experience. the dishwasher causes my bill to jump by 30 dollars.

**gmarie** · 06-03-2011, 03:25 PM

Well I picked up the Kill a Watt at the library yesterday.

I would be so excited to use it, however we have been forced to live in a cheap motel with our cat all week while repairs are being done on our bathroom! So frustrating... I want to go HOME! And calculate my electricity costs!