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How Energy Efficient is a Dishwasher?
We don’t know about you, but when it comes to washing up there’s always a debate in our household. Which is more energy efficient? Washing pots in the sink, or using the dishwasher? Let’s settle things once and for all, shall we?
How Energy Efficient is a Dishwasher?
According to USwitch, the average dishwasher costs around 19p per cycle to use, totalling approximately £36 per year. The cost of washing up by hand depends on your water tariff, plus how long you’re running the tap for.
Modern dishwashers are designed for maximum efficiency. Many new dishwashers have eco programmes and half load options to help you save energy and water consumption. If you have an older dishwasher, the chances are it will be less energy efficient than its modern counterparts. Technology is constantly evolving and new dishwashers have the latest features to improve efficiency.
How energy efficient your dishwasher is depends on its energy rating. Appliances such as ovens, washing machines and dishwashers are required by law to be supplied with an energy rating label. This label indicates for efficient, or inefficient an appliance is. Dishwashers are rated between A-G. A is the most energy efficient and G is the least efficient. The rating is based on the kWh consumption (how many units of energy the appliance uses per hour). The lower the energy consumption, the more efficient the appliance is. According to Which?, you could save up to £704 by choosing an energy efficient full-sized dishwasher over its lifetime (as of November 2025). That’s a lot of money!
Using a Dishwasher Vs Washing Up: Which is Best?
So, which is the best for saving money and energy: washing up by hand, or using the dishwasher? Many factors affect how energy efficient your dishwasher is, compared to handwashing.
Firstly, you need to consider the amount of washing up you do. For example, a family of four will use more pots, plates and cutlery than someone living alone. Using a dishwasher can be more energy efficient than hand washing if you use it at full capacity. If you are only washing a couple of items, it tends to be more cost effective to wash by hand. However if you have a small household, you could opt for a slimline dishwasher instead of a full size model. Utilising the full internal space of a smaller dishwasher wastes less water and energy.
As we mentioned, an older dishwasher might not be as energy efficient as a modern one. It is important to check the energy consumption and the amount of water used per cycle. You can find this information on the energy label that came with your dishwasher.
Conclusion
Thinking about purchasing a new dishwasher? At Appliance City we have a fantastic range to choose from. If you need some help deciding which model to choose, read our handy Dishwasher Buying Guide. Alternatively, you can contact our sales team for expert advice on 0115 965 1937.
