Quick answer: An average dishwasher uses about 1.0-1.5 kWh per cycle, costing roughly £0.25-£0.37 per wash in the UK (at 24.5p/kWh) or $0.17-$0.26 in the US (at 17c/kWh). Running it 5 times a week costs around £6-9/month in the UK. Use the calculator below with your own dishwasher’s energy label figures for an exact number.
Dishwasher Running Cost Calculator
Check your dishwasher’s energy label or manual – eco cycles use ~0.7-1.0 kWh, normal cycles ~1.0-1.5 kWh
Auto-filled with a typical average – edit to match your own tariff
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Dishwasher?
The formula is straightforward:
Cost Per Cycle = kWh Used Per Cycle × Electricity Rate per kWh
Modern A-rated dishwashers are surprisingly efficient – an eco cycle often uses less hot water and energy than washing the same load by hand under a running tap, since the machine heats only the water it needs and reuses it across the wash.
Dishwasher Running Cost by Cycle Type
| Cycle Type | Typical Energy Use | Cost/Cycle (UK, 24.5p) | Cost/Cycle (US, 17c) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eco/Economy | 0.7-0.9 kWh | £0.17-£0.22 | $0.12-$0.15 |
| Normal/Auto | 1.0-1.3 kWh | £0.25-£0.32 | $0.17-$0.22 |
| Intensive/Heavy | 1.4-1.8 kWh | £0.34-£0.44 | $0.24-$0.31 |
| Quick/Rapid (30-45 min) | 0.6-0.8 kWh | £0.15-£0.20 | $0.10-$0.14 |
Dishwasher vs Hand Washing – Which Is Cheaper?
Studies by the US Department of Energy and UK’s Energy Saving Trust consistently find that a full, eco-cycle dishwasher load uses less water and often less total energy than hand washing the same dishes under a running tap – typically 3-5 gallons (11-19 litres) per eco cycle versus 20+ gallons for a hand wash under a running tap. The gap closes only if you hand-wash in a filled basin rather than under running water.
5 Ways to Cut Your Dishwasher Bill
- Always use the eco cycle – it runs longer but at a lower temperature, using significantly less energy than normal or intensive cycles.
- Only run full loads – a half-empty dishwasher uses almost the same energy as a full one.
- Skip pre-rinsing – modern dishwashers are designed to handle food residue; pre-rinsing under a hot tap wastes water and energy for no real benefit.
- Air-dry instead of heated dry – disabling the heated dry option (or opening the door after the wash) can cut cycle energy use by 15-20%.
- Descale regularly – limescale build-up makes the heating element work harder, raising running cost over time.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to run a dishwasher on eco mode?
Yes – the eco cycle uses a lower wash temperature and less water than normal or intensive cycles, typically cutting energy use by 20-30% even though the cycle itself takes longer to run.
How many kWh does a dishwasher use per cycle?
Most modern A-rated dishwashers use between 0.7 and 1.5 kWh per cycle depending on the programme selected. Check the EU/UK energy label on your machine or its manual for the exact figure – it’s usually listed as “annual energy consumption” divided by 280 standard cycles.
Does dishwasher running cost include water?
No, this calculator estimates only the electricity cost of heating water and running the pump/motor. Water and sewage charges are separate and vary by local utility, but dishwashers use far less water per cycle (3-5 gallons) than most people assume.
Is it cheaper to hand wash dishes instead?
Usually not, unless you wash in a filled basin rather than under a continuously running tap. A full, eco-cycle dishwasher load typically uses less total water and comparable or less energy than hand washing under running water, according to US DOE and UK Energy Saving Trust studies.
How much does running a dishwasher daily cost per year?
At a typical 1.0 kWh/cycle and UK rate of 24.5p/kWh, running once a day costs about £90/year; at the US average of 17c/kWh, about $62/year. Use the calculator above with your own cycle energy and rate for a precise figure.
Does an older dishwasher cost more to run?
Yes, often significantly more. Dishwashers older than 10-15 years can use 2-3x the energy and water of a modern A-rated model, so upgrading can pay for itself in energy savings over several years of heavy use.