Are dishwashers more efficient than handwashing?
Unfortunately, there's no definitive answer to this. A modern dishwasher will usually be more efficient than hand-washing, both in terms of the amount of electricity and water it uses. That’s because the water heats up more quickly. But if you have an older dishwasher, or you wash half-loads rather than full loads, hand-washing may be more energy-efficient.
There's plenty you can do to make sure you're using less energy whichever way you do the dishes. Read on for tips to help you save energy whether you wash your dishes by hand or use a machine.
How much does it cost to run a dishwasher?
It's important to work out how much it's costing you to run your dishwasher so you can make as informed a choice as possible about which way to wash your dishes.
The average dishwasher costs about 19p per cycle to use, which works out nearly £36 per year. The amount it costs for you to run the tap depends on your water company and how long you're running the tap for, but it's a fairly safe bet that you'd spend more than the dishwasher would cost over the year.
Tips for energy-efficient dishwasher usage
When you run your dishwasher, there are a few simple things you can do to make sure it uses less water and power.
- Use the economy or eco programme. Every modern dishwasher has an energy-efficient setting that uses less power to heat the water by heating it more slowly over a longer cycle
- Wait until your dishwasher is full before putting it on. Washing a half-load of dishes simply wastes half the energy produced by your dishwasher
- Don't pre-wash. It isn't necessary and wastes water. Just scrape food into the bin.
Tips for energy-efficient washing up by hand
If you don't have a dishwasher, or just prefer hand-washing, here are some tips to make sure you are as energy-efficient as possible:
- Always pre-soak heavily soiled dishes in a bowl. Don't worry about rinsing them under the tap before you start your washing up
- Always wash your dishes in a bowl of warm water rather than under a running tap. That way, you won’t need to constantly waste hot water
- Use a second bowl for rinsing. Again, don't rinse dishes under a running tap. This is another easy way to save both water and energy for heating.
Should I replace my existing dishwasher?
Like most household appliances, there's a huge difference between older and new models, both in terms of their energy efficiency and how much water they use.
Modern dishwashers, like modern washing machines, are cold-fill only. This makes them far more energy-efficient than older models.
If you have an older machine that takes in hot water, it may well be time to update it. Prices of new dishwashers in the UK typically range from around £200 to £1,800. While there’s an upfront cost, swapping to an energy-efficient model is likely to save you a lot more money on heating in the long run.
How to choose an energy-efficient dishwasher
The more energy-efficient a dishwasher, the more expensive it tends to be due to the extra features. But the upfront cost can be offset over time by the savings you make in running the machine, so check the energy-efficiency label before you buy for:
- The energy rating - an A-rated machine will be the most energy-efficient and the cheapest to run
- Energy use - this is measured in kWh. The lower the number, the less energy it will use and the less money you'll spend running it
- Water consumption - this will show you how much water you can expect to use each time you run the dishwasher.
Also consider its size. Dishwashers come in many sizes, so it makes sense to choose the one that best suits your needs. Full-sized dishwashers are the most energy- and water-efficient, and this will be reflected in their energy rating. But this efficiency is based on filling the machine.
For a single person, this may not be practical and a compact or slimline dishwasher may be a better choice. Your choice will also depend, of course, on the size of your kitchen and the space you have available.
What are some other ways to save on washing?
It's not just washing dishes that takes up energy. There are other appliances in the kitchen and utility room that also add to your household costs. In fact, washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers make up 14% of a typical energy bill, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
- Running a washing machine can make up a big portion of your energy bill. Replacing an older model with an energy-efficient washing machine will be cheaper in the long run, despite the upfront cost
- Always wash clothes on the shortest cycle necessary. The ‘quick wash’ setting, for example, can wash light loads in under 30 minute
- Don't heat the water unnecessarily. A lower 30-degree temperature setting should be high enough, except for particularly dirty clothes, underwear and bedsheets
- Make sure your washing machine is full before you start washing to make the most out of the water you're heating
- Always opt for air-drying clothes over using a dryer when you can. Dryers use a huge amount of energy so air drying will save you money and energy
- If you don't have much time, you can always part air-dry and finish off in the dryer to save on dryer use.
