Dishwasher Electricity Cost Calculator
Work out what each dishwasher cycle costs in electricity, and what it adds to your bill over a month.
Quick answer
A typical 1,800 W dishwasher running a one-hour cycle averages about 1.1 kWh — around 18¢ per wash at $0.17/kWh. Most of that heats water; skipping the heated dry saves more. Compare the water heater.
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- Energy
- Updated October 2026
Cost per month (30 days)
$5.51
- Cost per day
- $0.18
- Cost per year
- $67.01
- Cost per hour of use
- $0.18
- Energy per day
- 1.08 kWh
- Energy per month
- 32.4 kWh
Show the working
- 1,800 W × 1 h × 60% × 1 ÷ 1000 = 1.08 kWh/day
- 1.08 kWh × $0.17 = $0.18 per day
About the Dishwasher Electricity Cost calculator
The EPA lists typical dishwashers at 1,200–2,400 W. Most of that power heats water and, if you use it, the heated dry. The heater only runs during parts of the cycle, so a typical wash averages far below the peak — often around 1–1.5 kWh.
The defaults are an 1,800 W machine running a one-hour cycle at about 60% average load, roughly 1.1 kWh per wash. Eco programmes run longer but at lower temperatures, and usually use less energy overall.
How to use it
- Enter the wattage from the rating label (usually on the edge of the door).
- Enter cycle length in hours (1 cycle a day = the cycle length).
- Use about 60% average load for a normal cycle, lower for eco.
- Enter your price per kWh.
The formula
Cost per cycle = Watts × Cycle hours × Load ÷ 1000 × Price
- If your energy label gives kWh per cycle, multiply that directly by your price per kWh.
Worked example
An 1,800 W dishwasher, one cycle a day
- 1,800 W × 1 h × 60% = 1.08 kWh per cycle.
- At $0.17/kWh: about 18¢ per cycle.
- About $5.51 over 30 cycles.
Frequently asked questions
Is a dishwasher cheaper than washing by hand?
Usually, for full loads. A modern dishwasher uses a few gallons of water per cycle, while washing the same load under a running hot tap uses far more hot water — and heating water is the main cost.
Does the heated dry use a lot of electricity?
It adds noticeably to each cycle. Turning it off and letting dishes air-dry with the door cracked open saves energy.
Are eco programmes really cheaper?
Yes. They take longer but heat water to a lower temperature, which typically lowers energy use per cycle.
Results are estimates for planning — check critical figures with a professional or the official source.
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