Are dishwashers more efficient? (with examples)

There has been ongoing a long argument whether dishwasher or hand-washing is more efficient in terms of water and energy.

Whereas some people consider that dishwasher is more efficient than hand-washing, some also think, at the same time, that hand-washing is more efficient.

Whatever the discussion goes on, it is actually a matter of water and energy consumption, the use of time, the number and sizes of dishes, etc. Based on these matters, the efficiency of the dishwasher or hand-washing matters. 

Hence, analyzing some fundamental aspects of dishwashers and hand-washing, I’m going to find out the best and most efficient method of cleaning dirty dishes. So, here you are. 

Are dishwashers really efficient (energy & water)?

Apart from every debate, there is no denying that using dishwashers than washing by hand is more energy and water-efficient.

Dishwashers are manufactured with the advantages of not only reducing your labor and saving time but also saving water as well as energy. Every brand has intended to ensure this facility.

Whether your dishwasher is energy and water-efficient or not depends on the method and frequency of your uses. As dishwashers are equipped with multiple wash cycles and options, you can select anyone according to your preference.

As a result, some choose to pre or post-rinse dishes and some leave the tap running continuously. That is why it may consume a lot of water and energy as well. 

Nevertheless, most of the new dishwashers can consume 11-15 liters of water per cycle which is nine times less than washing by hand.

Clearly speaking, while hand-washing may take up to 27 gallons of water, a dishwasher consumes, at the same time, up to 3 gallons per cycle. Research shows that an Energy Star certified dishwasher saves more than 5000 gallons of water per year. 

And in terms of hot water cost, whereas every wash cycle can cost up to $0.30, the annual cost of almost 200 wash cycles may reach $60 on average.

It proves that dishwashers are really water-efficient in terms of saving a huge amount of water annually. 

Afterward, dishwashers are also energy efficient since they have got Energy Star Certification. A dishwasher runs on from 1.5 to 1.8 kWh of electricity that may cost around $0.20 per load.

So, if you run your dishwasher 5 times a week and 250 per year, the energy will cost more than $50 yearly. On the other hand, the cost of hot water when you apply hand-washing will cost you around $100 per year.

That is why it is easy to realize that dishwashers are more energy-efficient. 

Is it cheaper to wash dishes by hand or use a dishwasher?

Because of excellent competence and different benefits, washing dishes by a dishwasher is cheaper than washing by hand. A number of remarkable facts show that a dishwasher can save a lot of money lessening the cost of water and energy. 

As I’m going on to say, a dishwasher depletes around 3-4 gallons of water per cycle which is really different from hand-washing which consumes almost 27 gallons.

Just think what a big amount of water a dishwasher can save per load. By doing so, it can minimize your water cost significantly. 

Moreover, it also can save your energy cost since it is energy efficient consuming less energy. When you run the dishwasher after full load, it will reduce your cost more noticeably.

Therefore, it is quite evident that washing by a dishwasher is cheaper and more reasonable than washing by hand. 

Do dishwashers use a lot of electricity and increase electric bills?

Since dishwashers run on electricity, people think that they may devour a lot of energy and increase the cost awfully. But this long-term misconception has now been clarified that they do not use a lot of electricity and increase the bills. 

A dishwasher runs on 1200 to 2400 watts on average. Typically, it proceeds on using 1500 and 1800 Wh. In this case, it costs between $0.13 and $0.20 per load.

So, if you run your dishwasher 5 times a week and 250 times in a year, the annual cost may exceed $50 on average. 

Hence, regarding the cost of hand washing, it is not an extravagant figure of money. 

How much does it cost to run a dishwasher every day?

As I’ve hinted before, washing dishes in a dishwasher saves cost by consuming less energy. Since running a dishwasher per load can cost between $0.13 and $0.20, the annual cost can range up to $50 only. 

However, the cost can vary according to the rate of electricity, the duration of load, and the workload. To capture the estimation of the cost, there is a table showing the matters more clearly and precisely.

As an illustration, if you run 1600kWh of electricity that costs $0.08, it can cost $0.128 per hour. So, if you run your dishwasher for 2.5 hours per day, the cost will be $0.320 per day. Therefore, the yearly cost will be more than $116. 

Now, see the chart to know the cost more exactly.

Note: All of the cost is included for 1600 watts dishwasher. The price will vary for different watts (more or less).

4 energy-efficient and budget-friendly you should have

1. hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher

The first one is the hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher that is manufactured with outstanding features. It is a portable dishwasher having a great number of configurations.

It includes 6 place settings and 6 wash cycles. Apart from these, it has a drain hose, inlet hose, detergent dispenser, faucet adapter, cutlery basket, silverware basket, spray arms, rinse aid, and so on.

Due to the involvement of these brilliant features, it costs up to $400.

2. Farberware Professional FCD06ABBWHA Compact Portable Countertop Dishwasher

This magnificent dishwasher of Farberware is affluent with numerous components. Being small but compact and excellent, this portable dishwasher is embellished with 6 particular place settings and 7 efficient wash programs.

Entrusted with one-touch digital controls, it is comparatively effortless to install the dishwasher. Aside from these different specifications, it also has some other functions and features including Silverware Basket, LED Display, Extra-drying function, Self-cleaning option, child lock, etc.

Overall, it is an outstanding dishwasher suitable for any kitchen. The price is also reasonable which is another convenience. 

3. Danby DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher

The third one on the list is the Danby DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher is adorned with 6 basic place settings and wash cycles. It is a water and energy-efficient dishwasher saving a great amount of water and reducing energy costs.

This family-size dishwasher is perfectly ideal for a small kitchen providing user-friendly facilities. It has an ultra-quiet operation making less noise.

Having a quick connect feature, it is easy to install, use, and control. It has Energy Star Certification that establishes its integrity.  

4. EdgeStar BIDW1802SS 18 Inch Wide Built-In Dishwasher

The final budget-friendly dishwasher is the EdgeStar BIDW1802SS 18 Inch Wide Built-In Dishwasher, one of the most popular appliances also. It has been entrusted with a good number of brilliant features that make it ideally authentic for any kitchen.

It is efficiently powerful in cleaning the dishes, removing tough stains from the deep surface. In terms of specifications, it features 8 place settings, 6 wash cycles, and 3 options.

It also has a leakage sensor, dish racks, a silverware basket, cup tray, rinses aid compartment, etc. Due to its tremendous and user-friendly aspects, it costs between $460 and $500. 

Is it cheaper to run a dishwasher at night?

Yes, it is surprisingly cheaper to run a dishwasher at night. The reason behind this may be various. Most significantly, during the day, the electricity demand is much more because of the busiest hours.

At this time, electricity is extensively consumed in every sector including homes, offices, mills, and factories. But when it is night, especially midnight, everything remains to rest.

During this time, you can run your dishwasher due to amazing benefits such as energy savings and noise reduction. That is why specialists recommend that night is the best time to run the dishwasher. 

Dishwasher vs hand-washing: what uses more water?

As I touched on before, dishwashers obviously consume less water than hand-washing. That is why a dishwasher is more water-efficient than hand-washing. 

The report reveals that a single wash cycle in a dishwasher uses only 3 gallons of water while hand-washing uses from 27 to 30 gallons of water which is nine or ten times more.

It exploits the idea that hand-washing consumes much more water. 

For this reason, a dishwasher is a better option for any kitchen that makes it easier to clean the dishes deeply. 

Dishwasher vs hand-washing: which is better?

Without any doubt, washing the dishes in a dishwasher is far better than hand-washing. The reasons are already characterized above.

Speaking elaborately, one of the most crucial reasons for which a dishwasher is far better than hand-washing is its water efficiency. By washing the dishes in a dishwasher, one can save almost 5000 gallons of water per year. 

Then, another great reason is the energy efficiency of the dishwashers. It can lessen your monthly cost by saving energy.

Moreover, cleaning by hand is somewhat annoying and troublesome. People want to do the cleaning job easily. That is why it is convenient in favor of having a dishwasher because it reduces labor.

One more advantage of dishwashers is the time-saving benefit. Since a dishwasher takes around 40 minutes to 1 hour to complete the wash cycle, it helps you save time.

If you wash the dishes by hand, it may consume more time in contrast to necessity.

Upon discussion, it is easy to catch the benefits of having a dishwasher. It is really better than hand-washing. 

Tips to minimize energy & water usage?

If you have a dishwasher, you had better know the strategies of minimizing your cost. Thus, there are some tips for you so that you can operate your device effortlessly by saving energy and water. 

1. If you want to save water, you should operate a wash cycle when it is fully loaded. So, do not run the machine frequently or be half-loaded. It will save you water, energy as well as time significantly.
2. Now, modern dishwashers are adorned with an energy-efficient option that can save a good amount of energy using less power to heat the water. 
3. Some people pre-wash the dishwasher. But it inflates the cost and wastes water. You had better avoid it because it is not fundamental.
4. There are so many editions of dishwashers in the world market. Therefore, you have to choose the right one that is energy and water-efficient.
5. You can operate your dishwasher late at night because at that time the machine consumes less energy. 
6. Maintain the right temperature and control the machine with a competent hand. 
7. You can save energy by avoiding the use of fan-assisted drying. If you keep the door slightly opened, the air will go inside and make the dishes dry. 

Final thoughts

Well, now it is realized that dishwashers are amazingly efficient in comparison to hand-washing. These machines devour less water and energy per wash cycle which is really praiseworthy and outstanding.

That is why it is another facility for you because you can save a lot of water and a good amount of money. Meanwhile, the dishwasher is cheaper than hand-washing.

For this reason, you can choose a wonderful and right dishwasher from the list that is budget-friendly and overall superb. 

Thamberul Islam

Thamberul Islam is a born and raised Chittagonian who loves the outdoors and everything it has to offer. He has been an avid hunter and fisher his entire life, and takes great pride in providing for himself and his family. While he enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, Thamberul Islam also has a passion for fashion and loves to stay up-to-date on the latest trends. In his free time, Thamberul enjoys spending time with his wife and one young daughter. He is always looking to learn more and better himself, both as a writer and as a person.