How much does a dishwasher cost to run?
This worked example uses 1,000 W, 1 hours on each use day and 260 use days per year. Change any of these inputs in the calculator.
260 kWh/year · 1.00 kWh per use day
Electricity-price sensitivity
| Electricity price | Energy/use day | Annual energy | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15p/kWh | 1.00 kWh/day when used | 260 kWh/year | £39/yr |
| 25p/kWh | 1.00 kWh/day when used | 260 kWh/year | £65/yr |
| 35p/kWh | 1.00 kWh/day when used | 260 kWh/year | £91/yr |
Important assumption
Dishwashers heat water intermittently rather than drawing rated power continuously. A measured kWh-per-cycle figure is preferable.
What changes dishwasher electricity use?
Dishwasher electricity use is concentrated in water heating and drying rather than a constant draw for the whole programme. Eco cycles often run longer while using less energy because they heat water more gradually. Load size and programme choice therefore matter more than duration alone.
Make this estimate more realistic
The best input is the manufacturer kWh-per-cycle figure for the programme you actually use, or a safe measured cycle. Multiply that by weekly cycles and your tariff. If you are comparing a new dishwasher, compare like-for-like programmes rather than headline wattage.
Electricity prices change, so the 15p, 25p and 35p/kWh rows are sensitivity examples rather than a current-tariff claim. Use the linked calculator with the unit rate shown on your own bill before relying on the annual cost.