Everyday Money
Cost Per Dishwasher Cycle Calculator
Enter dishwasher power, cycle time and tariffs for a per-cycle cost.
Dishwasher cycle cost
Dishwasher running cost is energy (kW × hours) × electricity rate, plus the detergent tablet or powder you dose each cycle. Enter rated watts, programme minutes, tariff, tab cost and cycles per week to see per-cycle, weekly and yearly totals. Eco programmes often use less power but run for three hours or more — enter the cycle you actually use, including heated-dry options that draw more. Hot-fill machines and water volumetric charges are outside the simple electricity-plus-tab model unless you fold them into the tab field. Compare laundry loads with cost per wash and dryer loads with cost per dryer cycle.
Worked example
1,800 W for 200 minutes = 6.0 kWh. At £0.28/kWh energy = £1.68; plus £0.15 tab ≈ £1.83 per cycle. Five cycles/week ≈ £9.15 (~£476/year).
Limits and assumptions
Steady power assumed across the programme. Water heating quirks, rinse aid and standing charges are not fully modelled unless included in inputs.
Frequently asked questions
Where is dishwasher wattage listed?
On the appliance rating plate or in the manual — use rated input power in watts.
Do air-dry and heated-dry cost the same?
Heated programmes usually use more energy — enter that programme’s minutes and power profile as best you can.
Is hand-washing cheaper?
Only a fair fight if you include the energy used to heat sink water. Electricity-only dishwasher figures omit that.
We run two cycles most days — what should I enter?
Raise cycles per week to match (for example 14 for two per day).