How much does it cost to run a dishwasher?

The answer starts from the official energy figure on the energy rating label. This page uses the median of every dishwasher registered for sale in Australia in our dataset, then scales it to your usage and your electricity price. Change the assumptions to match your home.

Short answer. The median dishwasher registered for sale in Australia has 246 kWh a year on its label. At 7 cycles a week and 32c/kWh, that is about $89 a year including water. Half of the models on the market fall between $77 and $98 at the same usage.

Where to find the numbers

The annual kWh and litres per wash are on the energy rating label and the WELS water label. Your electricity price is the unit rate on your bill (c/kWh).

What the figure is based on

The label figure assumes 365 cycles a year on the programme used for the test. Other programmes and higher temperatures use more per cycle. Water is charged at your usage rate per kL.

What changes the cost

• Programme choice: the label uses the eco programme; auto, intensive and quick programmes at higher temperatures use noticeably more per cycle.
• Load size: half loads cost almost as much as full ones, so cycles a week is the lever.
• Hot or cold fill: heating water is most of the energy; a hot-fill connection shifts that cost to your water heater.
• Drying: heated drying uses more than fan or open-door drying; some models let you switch it off.
• Water price: metered water and sewerage add a second, smaller running cost.

Compare dishwashers by energy use and running cost to see every model behind this figure, or find the cheapest dishwasher to run for your size.

For a specific model or any other appliance, use the electricity cost calculator.