How Much Does Running a Dishwasher Cost? Save Money Now

When you press the 'start' button on your dishwasher, how much does it actually cost you? On average, a modern dishwasher in the UK will set you back between 14p and 23p per cycle in electricity. Run it daily, and that’s as little as £1 a week – proof that this handy appliance is far from a major drain on your household budget.

Your Dishwasher Running Cost at a Glance

So, what determines whether your dishwasher is at the cheaper or more expensive end of that scale? It really comes down to three things: your machine's age, its energy efficiency rating, and the wash cycle you pick. Think of it like a car – an older, gas-guzzling model will always cost more to run than a shiny new one designed for maximum fuel efficiency.

The biggest variable in the equation is electricity. With UK energy prices being what they are, every kilowatt-hour (kWh) counts. Based on the Energy Price Cap for summer 2025, the average electricity cost is around 25.73 pence per kWh. A typical dishwasher might use about 0.91 kWh per load, which works out to roughly 23p for a single wash. Do that every day, and you're looking at about £1.64 a week.

However, if you have a newer, high-efficiency model, that cost can plummet to just 14p per cycle. That’s a significant saving over the year. You can dive deeper into the data behind these dishwasher running costs to see how the numbers stack up.

Comparing Costs by Energy Rating and Cycle

To give you a clearer picture, let's break down how those costs are calculated. The energy rating label on your dishwasher is your best friend here. It runs from A (the most efficient) all the way down to G (the least efficient), giving you an at-a-glance guide to its running costs. An A-rated machine simply uses a lot less power to get the same job done.

Beyond the machine itself, your choice of cycle makes a huge difference. The 'Eco' setting is designed to save energy by heating the water more slowly and to a lower temperature, even though the cycle takes longer. In contrast, an 'Intensive' cycle ramps up the power to blast off tough, baked-on food in less time, but it uses more electricity to do it.

To help you visualise this, here’s a quick breakdown of how the energy rating and cycle choice affect your costs.

Estimated Dishwasher Running Costs Per Cycle

This table gives a quick overview of what you might pay for electricity per cycle, depending on your machine's efficiency and the program you select.

Note: Costs are estimates based on an electricity rate of 25.73p/kWh and may vary.

As you can see, the difference between an A-rated eco wash and an F-rated intensive one is substantial.

The key takeaway is simple: your choices matter. Opting for an energy-efficient appliance and consistently using its eco-setting are two of the most powerful ways to control your dishwasher running costs without sacrificing cleanliness.

If you notice your dishwasher is suddenly using more energy, or its performance just isn't what it used to be, it could be a sign of an underlying fault. A single malfunctioning part can make the whole machine inefficient, driving up your bills. Don't let a small problem turn into a costly one – our expert dishwasher repair services can diagnose and fix any issue, getting your appliance back to peak performance and saving you money in the long run.

Understanding What Drives Your Dishwasher Costs

When you press the 'start' button on your dishwasher, what exactly are you paying for? The total cost isn't just one single number; it's a mix of four distinct elements. Think of it like running a car – it's not just the petrol, but also the oil, tyres, and eventual servicing that contribute to the overall expense.

Your dishwasher's bill is mostly made up of electricity, water, detergent, and the often-forgotten cost of long-term maintenance. Each one plays its part in how much a cycle costs you. Getting to grips with them individually is the first step towards bringing those bills down.

Electricity: The Main Power Drain

Electricity is the biggest slice of the cost pie, without a doubt. Your dishwasher needs power for two main jobs: heating the water up to the right temperature and running the motor that spins the spray arms and pumps the dirty water away. Just like a car's fuel efficiency, this can vary massively from one model to another.

An older, less efficient machine will chew through more kilowatt-hours (kWh) per cycle. In contrast, a modern, A-rated appliance is designed to be far more frugal. The cycle you choose also makes a huge difference. An intensive, high-temperature wash will use a lot more energy than a cooler, longer eco-cycle.

Water: Surprisingly Efficient Use

This is where dishwashers pull off a surprise win. Many people assume washing up by hand is cheaper because it doesn’t use electricity, but it often uses far more water. A modern dishwasher can clean a full load using as little as 11-15 litres of water.

Compare that to washing the same amount of dishes by hand with the tap running, which can guzzle up to 100 litres. Even being careful with a washing-up bowl can't compete with the machine's efficiency. Since you pay for every litre of water, and even more to heat it, the dishwasher is the clear winner here.

A common misconception is that a dishwasher wastes water. In reality, a fully loaded, modern dishwasher uses significantly less water than washing the same number of dishes by hand, making it both an economical and environmentally sound choice.

Detergent: The Cost Per Wash

Whether you favour pods, powders, or liquids, detergent is a direct cost every single time you run a cycle. While it might seem like a small expense, it really adds up over the course of a year, and the price per wash can differ quite a bit depending on what you buy.

• Pods and Tablets: The most convenient option, but often the most expensive per wash.
• Powder: Generally the most budget-friendly choice, as you can dose out exactly what you need.
• Liquid: A middle-ground option, though sometimes it’s less effective on really grimy items.

Choosing a cost-effective detergent that still gets your dishes sparkling is a simple way to chip away at your running costs without sacrificing results.

Maintenance: The Hidden Cost of Neglect

Finally, there's the hidden cost of looking after your machine – or not looking after it. A poorly maintained dishwasher doesn't just clean less effectively; it also runs less efficiently and is far more likely to break down. A clogged filter or blocked spray arms force the machine to work harder, using more energy and water to get the job done.

Over time, this neglect can lead to expensive faults. If you notice your bills creeping up or your dishes aren't coming out as clean as they used to, it could be a cry for help from your appliance. If a problem does pop up, our professional dishwasher repair services can restore your machine's efficiency, stopping minor issues from turning into major expenses and keeping your running costs low.

How Energy Labels Translate to Real Savings

That colourful A-to-G sticker you see on the front of a new dishwasher is much more than just a bit of decoration. Think of it as a financial forecast for your appliance, offering a direct window into your future household bills. It’s one of the most powerful tools you have for understanding how much a dishwasher really costs to run.

This standardised energy label makes it incredibly easy to compare different models at a glance. An A-rated appliance sits at the top of the class, offering the best energy efficiency you can get. At the other end of the scale, a G-rated model is the least efficient, guzzling significantly more power to do the exact same job.

The difference isn't trivial; it translates into real savings, pound for pound, every single time you run a cycle. While the initial purchase price might be higher for a top-rated machine, it's best to see it as a long-term investment in lower running costs.

Decoding the Difference in Pounds and Pence

So, what does this A-to-G scale actually mean for your wallet? Let's break it down with a real-world example. An older, inefficient F-rated dishwasher might use around 1.04 kWh of electricity for a standard cycle. At the current average rate of 25.73p per kWh, that works out to about 27p per wash.

Now, compare that to a modern A-rated model, which might only need 0.54 kWh for the same load. The cost? A much more palatable 14p per wash. That 13p difference might not sound like much, but those small savings really start to add up over the years.

Choosing an A-rated dishwasher over an F-rated one can cut your electricity cost per cycle by nearly half. Over a year of daily use, that single choice could save you more than £47 in electricity alone.

This is exactly why getting to grips with the energy label is so important. It empowers you to look beyond the initial price tag and focus on the total cost of ownership. For a more detailed guide on interpreting these labels, you can read our full breakdown of appliance energy efficiency ratings.

How Power Consumption Affects Your Bill

At its core, the energy rating is simply a measure of an appliance's power consumption, or its wattage. Dishwashers in UK homes typically fall somewhere between 1200 and 2400 watts per cycle, with the average machine using around 1800 watts. This is the power needed for everything from the electronic controls to the water pumps.

A more efficient machine simply requires less power to heat the water and run its motors. This leads directly to lower electricity usage and, you guessed it, a smaller energy bill.

If your dishwasher seems to be working overtime or you've noticed your bills creeping up, it could be a sign that it’s no longer running as efficiently as it once did. An underperforming appliance doesn't just clean poorly; it costs you more to run. If you suspect there's a problem, our expert engineers can diagnose and fix any faults, getting your machine back to peak efficiency.

Calculate Your Dishwasher's Exact Running Cost

While averages give you a good ballpark figure, they don’t tell you exactly what you’re paying. To really get a grip on how much your dishwasher costs to run in your home, you need to do a little bit of personalised maths. Don't worry, it's simpler than you might think and is the key to taking control of your expenses.

To get started, you only need two pieces of information: your dishwasher's energy consumption and your current electricity price. With these two numbers, you can figure out the precise cost of every single wash cycle, turning a vague utility bill into clear, actionable information.

Step-By-Step Cost Calculation

First up, let's find your dishwasher's energy usage. This is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and is usually printed on the energy label that came with your appliance. If you can’t find the label, this info is almost always listed in the user manual, often under a "technical specifications" or "consumption values" table.

Next, you’ll need your electricity rate. Grab your latest energy bill and look for the price you pay per kWh, which is usually listed as "pence per kWh" or "p/kWh". Once you have both numbers, the formula is nice and simple:

Appliance Energy Use (kWh) x Your Electricity Cost (p/kWh) = Cost Per Cycle (in pence)

For instance, if your dishwasher uses 0.95 kWh per cycle and your electricity rate is 26p per kWh, the sum is: 0.95 x 26 = 24.7p. That's just under 25p for a full load of sparkling clean dishes.

Looking ahead, data for 2025 suggests an average UK dishwasher will cost around 29p per load to run. This is based on a consumption of 1.2 kWh and an electricity rate of 25.73p per kWh. Run it 100 times, and that’s about £29. Even when it’s not in use, the minimal standby power adds up to only about £6.44 per year. It can be eye-opening to explore the energy consumption of typical household appliances to see how your dishwasher stacks up.

Projecting Your Annual Dishwasher Expense

Once you know your cost per cycle, working out your annual expense is easy. Just multiply that cost by how often you use your machine. This helps you see the bigger picture and how those small daily costs add up over the year.

The table below shows some potential annual costs, using our example figure of 25p per cycle.

Your Annual Dishwasher Cost by Usage Frequency

If your calculations show a much higher running cost than you were expecting, it might point to an underlying problem with your appliance. An inefficient or faulty dishwasher has to work harder, which means it uses more energy.

If you suspect something’s not right, our expert dishwasher repair services can diagnose the issue, restore its efficiency, and help bring your bills back down to a more manageable level.

Proven Ways to Reduce Your Dishwasher Bill

Knowing what your dishwasher costs to run is one thing, but actually trimming that bill is where the real savings begin. By adopting a few smart habits, you can make a serious dent in how much it costs to run your machine. These aren't just the obvious tips; they're simple changes that deliver real, measurable savings on your utility bills.

It's all about working smarter, not harder. Small tweaks to your daily routine, from the cycle you choose to how you pack the racks, can add up to a surprising amount over the course of a year. Let's walk through the most effective strategies.

Embrace the Eco-Cycle

That 'Eco' button on your dishwasher? It's your wallet's new best friend. It might seem counterintuitive for a longer cycle to save money, but the secret is all in how it handles energy. The most power-hungry part of any wash cycle is heating the water.

Eco cycles cleverly get around this by running at a lower temperature and heating the water much more gradually, which slashes electricity use. The extra time gives the detergent more contact with the dishes, allowing it to dissolve food and grime just as effectively. For your average, day-to-day loads that aren't caked in grime, the eco setting is hands-down the most cost-effective choice.

Rethink Your Rinsing Habits

Are you one of the many people who meticulously rinses every single plate under a running tap before loading it? This is a really common habit, but it wastes a huge amount of hot water and, by extension, money. Modern dishwashers and detergents are more than capable of dealing with small food particles.

Instead of a full pre-rinse, just scrape any large food scraps into the bin. This one simple change can save you dozens of litres of water with every cycle. For those interested in cutting down waste even further, adopting a few zero waste kitchen tips can help minimise what you use across the whole kitchen.

Master Your Loading Technique

How you load your dishwasher has a direct impact on how well it cleans – and therefore, how much it costs you. A badly loaded machine often means the spray arms get blocked, leaving you with dirty dishes that need to go through a second wash. That doubles the expense for that load.

Stick to these simple loading rules for a perfect clean every time:

• Bottom Rack: This is for your larger, heavier items like pots and plates. Make sure they face the centre spray arm.
• Top Rack: Reserve this space for smaller things like glasses, cups, and bowls, placing them upside down.
• Cutlery Basket: Mix up your spoons, forks, and knives. This stops them from ‘nesting’ together and blocking the water flow.

A correctly loaded dishwasher ensures that water and detergent can reach every surface, guaranteeing a brilliant clean on the first try. This simple skill completely eliminates the need for costly and wasteful re-washes.

Perform Simple But Crucial Maintenance

A well-maintained machine is an efficient one. Over time, bits of food and mineral deposits from hard water can clog up the filter and spray arms, forcing your dishwasher to work much harder and use more energy and water to get the job done. A little regular cleaning is essential for keeping your running costs down.

A clean filter means water can drain away properly, and clear jets in the spray arms ensure maximum water pressure. For a detailed walkthrough, check out our guide on the easy steps to cleaning your dishwasher. Following this simple routine will keep your appliance running at peak efficiency.

If you’ve tried all these tips and your dishwasher still seems sluggish, noisy, or just isn't cleaning like it used to, it could be a sign of a deeper issue. An underperforming appliance almost always uses more energy and water. Don't let a minor fault inflate your bills; contact us for expert dishwasher repair services to get it back to its best.

Your Questions About Dishwasher Costs Answered

Even after breaking down all the numbers, it’s completely normal to still have a few questions buzzing around. Getting to grips with exactly what your appliances cost to run is the best way to feel in control of your household budget.

To make sure you've got all the information you need, we’ve put together some straightforward answers to the questions we hear most often from our customers. Let’s tackle them one by one.

Is It Cheaper to Wash Dishes by Hand or Use a Dishwasher?

Believe it or not, using a modern dishwasher is almost always the cheaper option, especially when you wait for a full load. While washing up at the sink doesn't use electricity for the machine itself, it can guzzle an incredible amount of hot water – and you pay to heat every drop.

A new, efficient dishwasher, on the other hand, sips both water and energy. This makes it a winner for your wallet and a much more environmentally friendly choice. If you want to dig into the details, we have a great article on the top reasons you should be using your dishwasher.

Does Running My Dishwasher at Night Save Money?

This is a common piece of advice, but it only works if you're on a specific ‘time-of-use’ electricity tariff, like Economy 7. These plans offer cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours, which are typically overnight.

If you’re on a standard fixed-rate tariff, the cost is exactly the same no matter when you press the start button. The best way to know for sure is to check your latest utility bill or give your provider a quick call.

The bottom line is that for most UK households, the time of day you run your dishwasher doesn't affect the cost. Real savings come from efficiency, not timing.

How Much Can a New Energy-Efficient Dishwasher Really Save Me?

The savings you can make by upgrading are genuinely significant and shouldn't be underestimated. Swapping an old, power-hungry G-rated model for a new A-rated machine can easily save you over £50 a year in electricity costs alone.

When you factor in the massive water savings too, a new appliance can often pay for itself over its lifetime. It’s a smart investment that helps cut down your household expenses in the long run.

Why Does the Eco-Cycle on My Dishwasher Take So Long?

It definitely seems counterintuitive that the 'eco' setting takes the longest, doesn't it? But that longer cycle is precisely what makes it so efficient. The part of any wash cycle that uses the most energy is rapidly heating the water to a high temperature.

Eco-cycles are much cleverer:

• They use a lower water temperature to save energy.
• The water is heated up much more slowly, which draws less power.
• To make up for the lower heat, the cycle runs longer. This gives the detergent more time to work its magic and dissolve all the grime, ensuring your dishes still come out sparkling.

This smart process drastically reduces the cost per cycle, making it the best setting for your everyday loads.

If your dishwasher is getting on a bit, making funny noises, or your bills seem a bit high, it could be a sign that it needs a professional eye. A faulty appliance is an inefficient one. At Go Assist, our expert engineers can quickly find and fix any issue, getting your machine back to peak performance and keeping your running costs right down. Should any other home appliances give you trouble, from a faulty washing machine to a broken boiler, we offer a wide range of repair services to keep your household running smoothly.