How much does It cost to run a dishwasher?

Dishwashers are a modern convenience that can save you time and keep your kitchen looking clean, but at what cost? If you want to know how much it costs to run a dishwasher in the UK, you’re in the right place.

Just enter a few details into the dishwasher running cost calculator below and you will get an estimated electricity cost per cycle, cost per month, and cost per year to run a dishwasher in the UK.

Are dishwashers expensive to run?

Dishwashers are generally not excessively expensive to operate. In the UK, the average cost can vary depending on the efficiency of the dishwasher, the utility provider’s rates, and the frequency of use.

A modern, energy-efficient 1.2 kWh dishwasher typically costs around 35 pence per cycle based on an electricity unit cost of about 29 pence per kWh, making it quite cost-effective over manual washing, especially when full loads are washed.

However, these costs can rise if the dishwasher is old, if pre-rinsing is done extensively, or if it is used frequently on intensive cycles.

Dishwasher electricity consumption

The first step in understanding the cost of running your dishwasher is through comprehending its power consumption.

Modern dishwashers typically consume between 1100 to 2400 watts per hour of operation, which can translate to around 1.1 to 2.4 kWh (kilowatt-hours). This is dependent on the dishwasher’s energy rating, load size, and the cycle being used.

To put these figures into a monetary perspective, you’ll need to know the current cost of electricity per kWh you’re paying. For the sake of illustration, we’ll use a 1200-watt dishwasher and a standard rate of £0.29 per kWh.

How much does it cost to run a dishwasher per cycle?

Based on the figures above, running a dishwasher for one cycle will cost you approximately £0.35 per hour, assuming it uses 1.2 kWh of electricity at a £0.29 kWh rate.

But, keep in mind that the cost may vary depending on your electricity provider, tariff rates and whether you have a smart meter installed.

How much does it cost to run a dishwasher per month?

Assuming you use your dishwasher 5 times per week and you’re paying £0.29 per kWh, it would cost you approximately £7 per month to run your dishwasher.

This is calculated by multiplying the cost of one cycle (£0.35) by the number of cycles per week (5), then multiplying it by 4 for a four-week month.

How much does it cost to run a dishwasher per year?

Now, let’s take a look at the annual cost of running a dishwasher. Assuming that you run your dishwasher 5 times per week, the yearly electricity consumption will amount to around 468 kWh, which would cost you approximately £90.48 per year.

This is calculated by multiplying the cost of one cycle (£0.35) by the number of cycles per week (5), then multiplying it by 52 for a full year.

How to you reduce your dishwasher electricity cost?

There are several steps you can take to minimize the cost of running a dishwasher:

• Run full loads: Running a dishwasher when it’s half empty is simply wasteful. Wait until it’s fully loaded before turning it on.
• Choose energy-efficient dishwashers: Look for dishwashers with a high energy rating (A++ or above) as they consume less electricity.
• Use the eco-cycle: Most dishwashers come with an eco-cycle that uses less water and electricity, saving you money in the long run.
• Hand-wash certain items: Not all dishes necessarily need to be washed in a dishwasher. Consider hand-washing items like pots and pans to save on water and electricity.
• Clean the dishwasher regularly: A dirty dishwasher can consume more energy than a clean one. Regularly cleaning your dishwasher will ensure it runs efficiently.

Wrapping up

Understanding the cost of running a dishwasher is not just about budgeting; it’s a reflection of our awareness of the resources we use.

By implementing cost-saving strategies and being mindful of our appliance use, we can save both money and contribute towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

For the household looking to penny-pinch without sacrificing the modern convenience of a dishwasher, informed choices are key.