Dishwasher Cost Calculator UK

Calculator inputs

Choose your weekly dishwasher use, match your energy label if you know it, and adjust the electricity rate if your tariff is different.

Dishwasher runs per week

Or enter runs per week

runs

Use a whole number from 0 to 30.

Dishwasher energy use

Programme selector

This selector is guidance only. The estimate still uses the label-based energy value you selected above.

Programme

Programme, load size, temperature and model can change actual energy use. For the most accurate estimate, use the kWh per 100 cycles value from your dishwasher's energy label.

Electricity rate

The default comes from the shared Ofgem rate config, and you can still type your own tariff.

Electricity rate

p/kWh

Edit this if your own tariff uses a different unit rate.

Default rate based on Ofgem average electricity unit rate for 1 April to 30 June 2026. Your actual tariff may vary.

Standing charge is not included.

Water estimate

This stays separate from the electricity result so the water side of each dishwasher cycle is easy to scan.

Water used per dishwasher cycle

Add water and wastewater cost

Leave this off if you only want a water-usage estimate.

See saving from using the dishwasher less

Keep this simple with a quick estimate based on fewer dishwasher cycles each week.

Result Card

Estimated dishwasher electricity cost

Based on 0.75 kWh per cycle at 24.67 p/kWh and 5 runs per week.

Cost per cycle£0.19

0.75 kWh per cycle

Weekly cost£0.93

5 runs per week

Monthly cost£4.02

Weekly cost x 4.345

Yearly cost£48.11

Weekly cost x 52

kWh per cycle0.75 kWh

75 kWh per 100 cycles / 100

Estimated yearly kWh195 kWh

kWh per cycle x runs per week x 52

Water estimate

Water usage stays separate here so it does not crowd the main electricity result.

Litres per cycle

12 litres

Litres per week

60 litres

Litres per year

3,120 litres

Efficient dishwasher comparison

Compared with an efficient dishwasher, this could cost about £12.83 more per year in electricity.

How this estimate works

See the exact steps behind the estimate so the result stays easy to sense-check.

This calculator uses the dishwasher energy label method. It divides the kWh per 100 cycles value by 100 to estimate electricity use per cycle, then applies the current default UK electricity unit rate. It can also estimate water use from litres per cycle. Actual cost can vary by tariff, programme, load size and dishwasher model.

kWh per cycle = kWh per 100 cycles / 100
Cost per cycle = kWh per cycle x electricity price per kWh
Weekly electricity cost = cost per cycle x runs per week
Monthly electricity cost = weekly electricity cost x 4.345
Yearly electricity cost = weekly electricity cost x 52
Yearly kWh = kWh per cycle x runs per week x 52
Litres per week = litres per cycle x runs per week
Litres per year = litres per week x 52

Electricity rate source: Ofgem energy price cap unit rates.

Energy label method: dishwasher labels show energy use as kWh per 100 cycles and water use in litres per cycle.

Example calculation

A worked example helps the user compare the result with a familiar everyday scenario.

An average dishwasher using 75 kWh per 100 cycles works out to about 0.75 kWh per cycle.

At 24.67 p/kWh and 5 runs per week, that is about £0.19 per cycle, £4.02 per month, and £48.11 per year.

With 12 litres per cycle and a water rate of 0.30 p/litre, water would add about £9.36 per year, bringing the total to about £57.47.

Simple ways to reduce dishwasher costs

Small household changes can often reduce running costs without overcomplicating the decision.

Run full loads when possible.
Use the eco programme when suitable.
Avoid pre-rinsing under hot running water.
Clean the filter regularly.
Check your dishwasher's energy label for kWh per 100 cycles.
Use delay start only if it helps you use a cheaper tariff.

Calculator

Open Calculator

Dishwasher cost questions

Short answers to common dishwasher cost questions.

Why does this use kWh per 100 cycles instead of watts?

Dishwashers do not run at one fixed wattage during the whole programme. The energy label value gives a more realistic cycle-based estimate.

Does the programme selector change the calculation?

No. Programme choice is guidance only on this page. For the most accurate estimate, use the kWh per 100 cycles value from your dishwasher's energy label.

Does this include standing charge?

No. Standing charge is not included because this calculator estimates the cost of running one appliance.

When does water cost get added?

Water use is shown separately. Water cost is only added if you turn on the water-cost option and enter your own rate from your bill.

Estimate notice

This is an estimate. Your actual cost may vary depending on your tariff, programme, load size, temperature, water charges and dishwasher model.