Do Dishwashers Use a Lot of Electricity?

Cost of running a dishwasher in the UK 2023

Do dishwashers use a lot of electricity? Dishwashers are an essential appliance in many households, making it quick and easy to clean dirty dishes.

But with electricity prices on the rise, many people wonder how much energy dishwashers use and whether they are actually energy-efficient.

In this article, we look at how much electricity dishwashers use, how this compares to other household appliances, and what you can do to make your dishwasher more energy-efficient.

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the energy usage of dishwashers and how to save energy and money while using these appliances.

How much electricity do dishwashers use?

The amount of electricity that a dishwasher uses can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size and efficiency of the dishwasher, how full it is, and the duration of a wash cycle.

On average, a dishwasher will use between 1.1 and 2 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per load.

To put whether or not dishwashers use a lot of electricity into perspective, a dishwasher uses less electricity than a clothes washer, which typically uses around 3 kWh per load, but more than a refrigerator, which uses about 0.4 kWh per day.

Read more about the cost of running a washing machine in our related post.

How much does it cost to run a dishwasher in the UK 2023?

At the current average electricity price of 34 pence per kWh, a dishwasher using 1.1kWh per use would give a cost per use of £0.37, and a dishwasher using 2kWh would give a cost per use of £0.68.

The average dishwasher uses 1.8kWh per cycle. Based on this, the cost per use would be £0.62, around £17 per month, and around £222.65 per year.

It’s important to note that these are just averages and the actual amount of electricity used by your dishwasher will depend on the cost of electricity stated by your energy provider, the specific model and how it’s used.

Dishwasher vs hand washing UK

Whether it is cheaper to hand wash dishes or use a dishwasher depends on a number of factors, such as the cost of your electricity and water, the efficiency of your dishwasher, and how much you are washing by hand.

In general, however, using a dishwasher can be more cost-effective than hand-washing dishes because dishwashers use less water and energy than washing dishes by hand.

Dishwashers also use less soap and can clean dishes more thoroughly, which can save money on detergent and help reduce the amount of water and energy needed to get your dishes clean.

It’s worth calculating the cost of your dishwasher’s electricity and water usage and comparing it to the cost of hand-washing dishes to determine which is more cost-effective for you.

A smart meter can help with this – compare days when the dishwasher was used compared to days when dishes were washed by hand.

This video talks more in-depth about whether a dishwasher or handwashing dishes is cheaper.

Is it cheaper to use a dishwasher at night?

It is generally cheaper to use appliances, such as a dishwasher, during off-peak hours when electricity demand is lower.

In the UK, this usually means using the dishwasher at night or during the day on weekends.

This is because electricity providers often have tiered pricing systems in place, with lower rates for off-peak usage.

By using the dishwasher during off-peak hours, you can save money on your electricity bill.

It’s also worth noting that newer dishwashers are often more energy-efficient, which can also help reduce your energy costs.

Learn more about appliance usage at night in our related post: Is It Cheaper To Use A Washing Machine At Night?

Summary of Do Dishwashers Use a Lot of Electricity?

To summarise, a dishwasher uses an average of 1.8kWh per cycle. This makes the cost per use £0.62, around £17 per month, and around £222.65 per year.

Generally, a dishwasher is more cost-effective than hand-washing your dishes. To save your energy use even more, use your dishwasher during off-peak hours such as during the night.