Updated August 24, 2026
Dishwasher Running Cost Calculator
Estimate dishwasher electricity cost per cycle, month, and year and compare normal and eco programs.
Live calculator
Calculate your actual running cost
Running this dishwasher for 1.5 hours a day, 5 days a week uses about 58.5 kWh each month.
Quick answer
How much does a dishwasher cost to run?
A 1,800 W dishwasher used for 1.5 hours a day, 5 days a week, consumes about 58.5 kWh per month. At £0.2611 per kWh (Ofgem GB illustration for Jul–Sep 2026), that is approximately £15.27 per month. Replace these example figures with the wattage and electricity rate from your appliance and bill.
What changes the real running cost?
Most dishwasher electricity is used to heat water. The rated wattage is not drawn for every minute of the cycle, so an energy-label kWh-per-cycle figure is often more precise.
To use a kWh-per-cycle label, divide kWh by cycle hours to estimate average watts, or compare the label directly with the calculator's daily kWh.
Assumptions used in this example
This page starts with 1,800 watts, 1.5 hours of use per day, and 5 days per week. Those defaults are only a practical starting point. Replace them with the number on your product label, energy label, smart plug, or electricity bill.
Example dishwasher costs
These examples use 1,800 W for 1.5 hours a day and 5 days per week.
| Electricity rate | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| £0.20 / kWh | £0.36 | £11.70 | £140.40 |
| £0.26 / kWh | £0.47 | £15.27 | £183.29 |
| £0.35 / kWh | £0.63 | £20.47 | £245.70 |
Ways to reduce the cost
Start with changes that reduce active runtime without compromising safety or the job the appliance needs to do.
- Run full loads.
- Use the eco program when time allows.
- Skip heated drying if air drying works for you.
Estimate only. Actual consumption varies by model, setting, condition, temperature, duty cycle, and tariff. Use a plug-in meter or energy-label figure when accuracy matters.
FAQ
Dishwasher running cost questions
How do I calculate dishwasher running cost?
Divide the watts by 1,000 to get kilowatts, multiply by the hours used, then multiply by your electricity price per kWh. This page pre-fills 1,800 W, 1.5 hours per day, and 5 days per week as a starting example.
How much does a dishwasher cost per hour?
At 1,800 W and £0.2611 per kWh (an Ofgem GB cap illustration), the example cost is about £0.47 per hour while it is actively using that power. Change the rate field to match your own bill.
Why might my real dishwasher cost be different?
To use a kWh-per-cycle label, divide kWh by cycle hours to estimate average watts, or compare the label directly with the calculator's daily kWh.
Should I use rated watts or measured watts?
Rated watts are useful for a quick estimate, but measured wall power or an energy-label kWh figure is usually more accurate because many appliances cycle on and off or change power during use.
Does the calculator include standing charges, taxes, or demand charges?
No. The calculator estimates usage cost from kWh only. If your bill includes standing charges, taxes, delivery fees, or demand charges, add those separately.
Can I share my result?
Yes. Use the share or copy button after entering your wattage, hours, days, rate, and currency. The page stores those inputs in the URL so you can revisit the same estimate.