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How much does it cost to run a dishwasher?
A dishwasher costs about 21p per cycle.
Work out your cost
The energy label or manual gives kWh per cycle, or kWh per 100 cycles (divide by 100).
Low, typical and high running costs
Using 5 cycles a week.
| Rating | Unit cost | Per week | Per year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 0.54 kWh a cycle | 14p / cycle | 71p | £37.05 |
| Typical | 0.8 kWh a cycle | 21p / cycle | £1.05 | £54.90 |
| High | 1.4 kWh a cycle | 37p / cycle | £1.84 | £96.07 |
How it compares
| Appliance | Typical use | Per day | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slow cooker | 8 hours a day | 34p | £10.25 |
| Electric oven | 1 hour a day | 33p | £10.09 |
| Dishwasher | 5 cycles a week | 15p | £4.57 |
| Electric hob (one ring) | 30 minutes a day | 14p | £4.32 |
| Induction hob (one zone) | 30 minutes a day | 12p | £3.60 |
| Air fryer | 20 minutes a day | 10p | £2.97 |
| Microwave | 10 minutes a day | 4p | £1.36 |
How we work it out
Cost per cycle = kWh per cycle × price per kWh. 0.8 kWh × 26.32p = 21p.
The low, typical and high figures are for models sold in the UK, taken from the sources below. Your own appliance may differ, so check its rating plate or energy label for the most accurate figure.
Sources
- Ofgem: changes to the energy price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026
- European Commission: energy efficient products, dishwashers
- Fuse Energy: does a dishwasher use a lot of electricity?
Questions
How much electricity does a dishwasher use per cycle?
Usually 0.54 to 1.4 kWh, depending on the model, load and programme.
How much does a dishwasher cost per week?
At 5 cycles a week it costs about £1.05.
Where does the electricity price come from?
We use the Ofgem price cap average for Great Britain, paying by Direct Debit: 26.32p per kWh for 1 Oct 2026 to 31 Dec 2026. Electricity rate includes 0% VAT, which applies from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. Storage heater and EV pages use an off-peak rate instead. Your own tariff may be higher or lower, so check your bill and enter your rate in the calculator.