The cost of electricity continues to rise each day, and one of the heavy users at home is the dishwasher. Therefore, you must be wary of your consumption, which elicits this question: how many watts does a dishwasher use?
A typical dishwasher uses 1200-2400 watts per wash cycle, depending on the dishwasher size, energy and water efficiency, cycle setting and duration, maintenance, load size, water temperature, drying method, and dishwasher age.
So, there’s a lot to dictate your dishwasher’s energy consumption, which you must take into account, and I’ll explain them in detail to help you understand their implication better.
I’ll also share tips on how to save on dishwasher energy consumption. At least, that’ll enable you to lower your electricity bill at the end of the month since you’ll most likely use the dishwasher daily.
So, let’s dive in!
How Many Watts Does a Dishwasher Use?
As I hinted earlier, a standard dishwasher uses 1200-2400 watts per wash cycle, but it all depends on these factors:
1. Dishwasher Size
Larger dishwashers carry many dishes, meaning they need more power to run. That’s unlike smaller dishwashers, which only require less energy to run. For example, most small and medium-sized dishwashers average 1200-1500 watts per cycle, but larger options average 2,000-2,400 watts per cycle.
2. Energy and Water Efficiency
Energy-star-qualified dishwashers are more energy-efficient than regular dishwashers. For that reason, they promise to save on power usage. You can identify such dishwashers by looking for the Energy Star label.
Also, an energy-efficient dishwasher is often water-efficient. That means if the dishwasher saves on water usage, it most likely saves on energy usage.
3. Cycle Setting
Some cycles save more energy than others. For example, some dishwashers have Eco Mode, allowing them to use only small amounts of electricity. Others, like heavy-duty cycles, force the dishwasher to use much power to clean heavily soiled dishes.
We also have the Delay Start function, which you can use to schedule the wash cycle at an off-peak hour when the power consumption rate and cost are much lower.
Also note that some dishwashers have the Standby Mode, also known as vampire or Phantom mode, in which a dishwasher continues to use power even when not in use.
4. Cycle Duration
As far as the cycle duration goes, the longer the wash cycle, the more energy is required. Cycles that take the shortest time save energy and water and are thus more efficient.
However, you can use shorter cycles on all dishes. If the dishes are heavily soiled, you’ll need a heavy-duty cycle, which takes longer and uses more power.
5. Maintenance
A well-maintained dishwasher is more efficient. It cleans much faster and more effectively, which means a faster cycle. As you know, a quicker cycle means less power consumption. That’s unlike a poorly maintained dishwasher, which takes much longer to clean and uses more energy.
6. Load Size
While most people think they get to save on energy by partially loading the dishwasher instead of filling it up full, they don’t. By loading the dishwasher halfway, you’ll have to run several cycles, which means a greater energy requirement. However, you get to save both time and power by running a complete cycle.
7. Water Temperature
Dishwashers use more power when they have to heat the cleaning water. So, instead of using hot water, consider using cold water to clean the dishes, which will mean less power usage.
8. Drying Method
Dishwashers use different drying methods, depending on the model. For example, the heated-dry method uses more energy than air-dry. And so if you want to save on energy, you may opt for air-dry, even though such a cycle takes longer.
9. Dishwasher Age
Newer dishwasher models come with more advanced technologies, often forcing them to use much power. That’s unlike older models, which have fewer features and don’t demand much electricity.
How Many Watts Does a Dishwasher Use Per Hour?
To calculate the watts a dishwasher uses per hour, you need to know its watts per cycle and duration (how long it takes to complete a cycle).
That brings us to this formula:
Watts Per Hour = Watts Per Cycle ÷ Duration (Hours)
Let’s take an example of a standard dishwasher, which I mentioned earlier, uses 1200-2400 watts per wash cycle, which averages 1.5 hours per cycle. If so, here’s a table that puts the above formula in mind when calculating a dishwasher’s wattage per hour:
| Wattage Per Cycle | Cycle Duration | Watts Per Hour |
| 1200 watts | 1.5 hours | 800 watts |
| 1300 watts | 1.5 hours | 866.7 watts |
| 1400 watts | 1.5 hours | 933.3 watts |
| 1500 watts | 1.5 hours | 1000 watts |
| 1600 watts | 1.5 hours | 1066.7 watts |
| 1700 watts | 1.5 hours | 1133.3 watts |
| 1800 watts | 1.5 hours | 1200 watts |
| 1900 watts | 1.5 hours | 1266.7 watts |
| 2000 watts | 1.5 hours | 1333.3 watts |
| 2100 watts | 1.5 hours | 1400 watts |
| 2200 watts | 1.5 hours | 1466.7 watts |
| 23000 watts | 1.5 hours | 1533.3 watts |
| 2400 watts | 1.5 hours | 1600 watts |
The figures above assume the dishwasher’s power usage rate is constant throughout the wash cycle. However, the rate could vary depending on the dishwasher’s efficiency.
Alternative Method
You can also calculate the hourly wattage of a dishwasher by multiplying the watts per cycle by the number of cycles per hour.
That brings us to the formula:
Watts Per Hour = Watts Per Cycle X No. Of Cycles Per Hour
Let’s assume it takes a standard dishwasher with a wattage rating of 1200-2400 watts one hour to complete a cycle. If so, here’s a table showing the expected hourly wattage requirements.
| Wattage Per Cycle | No. of Cycles Per Hour | Watts Per Hour |
| 1200 watts | 1 | 1200 watts |
| 1300 watts | 1 | 1300 watts |
| 1400 watts | 1 | 1400 watts |
| 1500 watts | 1 | 1500 watts |
| 1600 watts | 1 | 1600 watts |
| 1700 watts | 1 | 1700 watts |
| 1800 watts | 1 | 1800 watts |
| 1900 watts | 1 | 1900 watts |
| 2000 watts | 1 | 2000 watts |
| 2100 watts | 1 | 2100 watts |
| 2200 watts | 1 | 2200 watts |
| 23000 watts | 1 | 23000 watts |
| 2400 watts | 1 | 2400 watts |
How Many Watts Does a Dishwasher Use Per Day?
To calculate the daily wattage, you must know the watts per cycle (1200-24000 watts for a standard dishwasher) and the time to complete a cycle.
That brings us to this formula:
Energy Use Per Day (Watts Per Day) = Watts Per Cycle ÷ Time Taken to Complete a Cycle
For example, if a standard dishwasher with a 1200 watts rating (watts per cycle) runs for 90 minutes, then the watts usage per day will be 1200 divided by 90, giving us 13.33 watts per minute.
How Many Amps Does a Dishwasher Use?
To calculate a dishwasher’s amperage (Amps) usage, you must know its wattage and voltage requirements. Generally, here’s the formula for calculating amperage:
Amperage = Wattage (Watts) ÷ Voltage (Volts)
Here’s an example;
Suppose the dishwasher uses 1200 watts per cycle and requires 120 volts (which is the typical voltage for dishwashers); then its amperage will be as follows:
1200 ÷ 120 = 10 amps
With that in mind, here’s a table showing the various amp usages by a typical dishwasher with a voltage requirement of 120V.
| Dishwasher’s Wattage Per Cycle | Voltage Supply | Amperage |
| 1200 watts | 120 volts | 10.0 amps |
| 1300 watts | 120 volts | 10.8 amps |
| 1400 wats | 120 volts | 11.7 amps |
| 1500 watts | 120 volts | 12.5 amps |
| 1600 watts | 120 volts | 13.3 amps |
| 1700 watts | 120 volts | 14.2 amps |
| 1800 watts | 120 volts | 15 amps |
| 1900 watts | 120 volts | 15.8 amps |
| 2000 watts | 120 volts | 16.7 amps |
| 2100 watts | 120 volts | 17.5 amps |
| 2200 watts | 120 volts | 18.3 amps |
| 2300 watts | 120 volts | 19.2 amps |
| 2400 watts | 120 volts | 20.0 amps |
Note that the above values are only estimates and may vary slightly depending on the dishwasher’s energy efficiency and usage.
Do Dishwashers Take a Lot of Power?
The amount of power that a dishwasher takes depends on the factors shared earlier. That includes dishwasher size, energy efficiency, cycle setting and duration, water efficiency, maintenance, load size, drying method, water temperature, and dishwasher age.
While typical dishwashers use 1200-2400 watts per wash cycle, you can expect the energy-efficient dishwashers, especially those with the Energy Star label, to use the least power.
Let’s talk about the energy-saving tips you can use next.
Tips for Saving on a Dishwasher Energy Consumption
Ideally, getting an Energy Star-certified dishwasher (View on Amazon) is the best way to save on energy usage when using a dishwasher. However, there are a few tips you can apply even without an Energy Star-qualified dishwasher to save on power, and they include the following:
- Use energy-saving mode – Take advantage of Eco Mode and other energy start modes and settings on your dishwasher to save on power consumption.
- Run full-load – Instead of loading the dishwasher halfway and having to run multiple cycles, pack it full and run one cycle. That saves energy and time.
- Opt for shorter cycles – Shorter cycles are quicker and use less energy. You can always opt for shorter cycles as long as the dishes aren’t heavily soiled.
- Scrape off instead of pre-rinsing – Instead of putting dishes with many residues into the dishwasher, which will force you to run the pre-rinse cycle, scrape off the food residues before loading the dishwasher. You save on energy since you won’t have to run the pre-rinse cycle.
- Efficient loading – Don’t overcrowd the dishwasher. There should be enough space for the water to reach every dishwasher to ensure a quicker, more energy-efficient cycle.
- Air dry instead of heated dry – If your dishwasher offers you the air dry drying method, opt for it over the heated dry drying method. That’s because air dry uses a minimal amount of power.
- Use cold water – instead of heating the washer in the dishwasher to clean the dishes, use cold water. That’ll bypass the water heating phase and save you energy.
- Regular maintenance – Frequently clean your dishwasher to keep it in good working condition. That’ll make it more efficient and save on energy.
- Use Delay Wash/Start – Some dishwashers have the Delay wash or Delay Start function that allows you to schedule the dryer to run off-peak hours when the power usage rate is lower.
But Can A Dishwasher Be On A 15 Amp Circuit?
A standard dishwasher can run on a 15 amp, even though it’s uncommon. Most dishwashers draw 7-12 amps. So, if it is on a 15 am circuit, you must ensure the circuit can handle the load.
In summary, how many watts does a dishwasher use?
As shared, you can expect a standard dishwasher to use 1200-2400 watts per cycle. An energy-efficient option, however, uses less energy. You can use several tips to lower your electricity consumption, which I’ve shared in the above guide.
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