How Much Does a Dishwasher Cost to Run?

Calculate the electricity cost of running your dishwasher

Dishwasher Details

Wattage (watts)

Hours per day

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Run only full loads: Running a half-empty dishwasher wastes water and energy. Wait until it is full before starting a cycle.
Skip the heated dry cycle: Open the door after the wash cycle and let dishes air dry to save energy on the heating element.
Use the eco or energy-saving mode: Most modern dishwashers have an eco cycle that uses less water and lower temperatures.
Scrape, do not rinse: Modern dishwashers can handle food residue. Scraping plates instead of pre-rinsing saves both water and energy.
Run during off-peak hours: If your utility offers time-of-use rates, run the dishwasher at night or early morning for lower electricity costs.
Maintain your dishwasher: Clean the filter, spray arms, and door seal regularly to maintain optimal cleaning performance and efficiency.