Dishwasher Electricity Cost
Find out how much your dishwasher costs to run per cycle, per week and per year on your tariff.
Dishwasher running cost calculator
Example: 700 W. Average draw across a standard cycle. Eco cycles run longer at lower temperatures.
e.g. 0.25 = 15 min
0 to 7
Example rate — enter your own tariff.
Estimated cost to run your dishwasher
£0.26per day used
Uses 1.05 kWh on each day it's used (700 W × 1.5 h).
How it works: cost = power (kW) × hours used × price per kWh. Standing charges aren't included because you pay them whether or not the appliance is on.
Estimates only. Real consumption depends on the model, settings and how the appliance is used.
How dishwasher electricity use is measured
Like a washing machine, a dishwasher spends most of its energy heating water and drying. Power use rises sharply during heating and drops while it circulates water. An average power figure, or the kWh-per-cycle from your energy label, gives a sensible estimate.
How to calculate your dishwasher running cost
Cost = power (kW) × hours used × price per kWh
Example only: at 700 W for 1.5 hours, a dishwasher would use about 1.05 kWh, costing around £0.26 at 25p per kWh. Used 5 days a week, that's roughly 274 kWh and £68.44 a year. Your own figures may be quite different.
Why actual usage varies
- Programme — intensive and hot cycles use more; eco cycles use less despite running longer.
- Drying method — heated drying adds energy; some models use residual heat instead.
- Running it half-full — the cost per cycle is similar whether it's full or not.
- Model efficiency and age.
Ways to reduce the cost
- Run it only when full.
- Choose the eco programme.
- Skip pre-rinsing under the hot tap.
- Turn off heated drying if your model allows.
To include all your household use, try the electricity cost calculator, or price any other device with the appliance electricity cost calculator.