Dishwasher Eco Mode vs Quick Wash

Running the dishwasher is something most people do at home. When you choose a cycle like eco mode or quick wash, it can change the amount of energy, the water you use, and the carbon footprint. It also affects your utility bills. In this guide, we talk about energy consumption, how much kWh your dishwasher uses each time, and how much water a dishwasher uses per cycle. There is a dishwasher cycle comparison chart included, along with tips to keep kitchen utility bills lower.

Use this information to set your dishwasher model better and compare energy prices before you pick your major appliances. This way, you get to save on both energy and water usage, and also make choices that are good for the environment.

What is eco mode and how does it reduce energy use?

Eco mode, sometimes called the eco program, runs with less energy and less water. It lowers the water temperature and makes the cycle time longer. Tests show that the eco cycle on popular brands uses about 0.73–0.80 kWh for each cycle. A normal cycle can use around 1.39 kWh. A big part of this less electricity usage comes from slower heating, less soaking time, and better spray patterns. The heating element is not at higher temperatures for as long. The rinse and drying process is also made to use less energy.

Manufacturers say that if the programme runs for a longer time, it uses less energy. Even though the cycle time is longer, the amount of energy needed to heat hot water is lower. This helps you get energy savings. You could see good results, especially if you run the machine during off-peak hours after you check energy prices with your supplier.

How much water does eco mode use compared with quick wash?

Testing on modern machines shows that eco mode uses less water in many cycles. Most new models use about 6.7–8.9 litres for eco mode, while normal or main cycles use near 9–11 litres. Quick wash cycles use roughly 10.5–12.4 litres. The quick wash needs extra water because the soak time is short, but eco mode cleans by running longer using less water, helping to offer optimal cleaning.

What is quick wash and when should you use it?

Quick wash, sometimes called express, rapid, or fast, is a dishwasher cycle that runs for a short time. It is made for dishes, glassware, and cutlery that are not very dirty. Most quick wash cycles take from 38 minutes to about one hour to finish.

This way of washing uses more energy at once and usually uses more water each minute, since the appliance has to heat the water and clean fast. Even though it does not take long, quick wash can use the same or more energy than the eco setting on some dishwashers. This happens because the machine has to work harder to get the right temp and finish washing and rinse quickly. The dishwasher cycle can also lead to more water consumption in the same time, compared to other settings.

Quick wash is good when you want a light cycle for new or not very dirty things. It will not get rid of hard food, sticky spots, or lots of grease. If you are not sure, use the normal cycle or a stronger wash. These will clean better.

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Dishwasher cycle comparison chart

The numbers you see here show what modern A-to-C rated dishwasher machines do, based on recent lab tests. Every dishwasher is a bit different. Make sure you read your user manual or look at the temperature and time for the eco program. You can find this on the front panel.

Notes

• The energy and water a dishwasher uses can change because of things like load size, soil level, inlet water temp, and if it has a heat pump or a regular heating element.
• Now, the average dishwasher uses its eco programme when doing tests for the official energy label. You can read more about dishwasher energy ratings in guides and labels.
• A dishwasher can dry dishes with air dry, or door-ajar method, which needs much less energy than when it uses heat dry. A heated drying uses more electricity and heating.

How to estimate the average cost to run a dishwasher

You can find the average cost by using a simple formula.

Cost for each cycle = unit rate (in pence per kWh) × kWh used for each cycle

Example estimations

• The eco mode uses 0.8 kWh, and with a unit rate of 25p per kWh, it will cost about 20p for every cycle.
• A normal cycle uses 1.4 kWh, so at 25p per kWh, it costs about 35p for each cycle.
• A quick wash uses 1.0 kWh and with the same 25p per kWh rate, it comes to about 25p for each cycle.

Cost to run dishwasher per month

• If you do 20 loads each month:
  • Eco mode: 0.8 kWh used for each load makes it 16 kWh in all. That costs about £4.00 if the price is 25p for each kWh.
  • Normal: 1.4 kWh each time adds up to 28 kWh. This is around £7.00.
  • Quick wash: 1.0 kWh per load gives 20 kWh in total. The cost is about £5.00.

If you want to know the total amount of kWh your dishwasher uses every year, there are online calculators you can use. These can be from appliance makers, energy companies, or sites that give advice to consumers. All you need to do is type in the kWh your appliance uses for each cycle, how many times you use it a week, and what your electricity rate is. The calculator will then show you your expected usage for the year and the cost. You can also use smart plugs or energy monitors to track the real kWh your dishwasher uses over time. This helps you get even better results for your appliance usage.

Your average cost can change depending on your plan. It’s a good idea to compare energy prices. You can also look at off-peak rates if your meter lets you do that. This may help you save money.

Why eco mode is often longer but cheaper

Heating water uses the most energy when you do dishwashing. When you use eco mode, the cycle time gets longer. This lets the machine reach and keep a lower water temperature for more time. The enzymes in your detergent can clean more in this mode. The heat pump or heating element uses fewer watts most of the time. It doesn’t stay at higher temperatures as long. With eco mode, the slower ramp helps lower limescale build-up and stress on the inside of your appliance. This is good for maintenance, and it may help your appliance last longer.

Quick wash puts the washing and rinse steps into a short time. The machine may use more wattage to heat the water fast. It may also need extra water to wash out the detergent and dirt. So, even though quick wash takes less time, the energy consumption can be higher than you might think.

Dishwasher energy rating explained

The UK and EU now use A to G energy labels for major appliances like dishwashers. A is the top rating for efficiency. Appliances are rated using the eco programme. This program checks several things, like energy consumption in kWh per cycle, water consumption in litres per cycle, cleaning and drying, and the cycle time. Because the eco programme is the focus, it is the best way to lower kWh and watts used by each cycle.

This helps people get a good idea for what is used by their major appliances in terms of energy consumption, water consumption, cycle time, and cleaning with the eco cycle.

You can find the kWh per cycle for your dishwasher on its energy label, in the manual, or from the manufacturer’s website. This number tells you how much electricity is used for each load, usually for the eco programme. For example, if the label shows 0.80 kWh, that means one full eco cycle will use 0.80 kilowatt-hours of electricity. To get your yearly usage, multiply this figure by how many times you use the dishwasher in a year. This will help you know how much electricity your dishwasher uses on eco cycles.

Best dishwasher settings to save energy

• Use eco mode most of the time for mixed laundry. The eco mode can take more time, but it is cheaper for new washers.
• Pick air dry instead of heat dry. If your dishwasher has an “extra dry” or heat-boost button, only use the setting when your plastics really need to be very dry.
• Plan washes for times when energy costs are low if you use a time-of-use tariff. Look at the prices so you know which time is best.
• Don’t use half load instead of full load often. A dishwasher that is packed the right way for a full run does better than doing two runs with less dishes inside.
• Set your water heater to the right temp. If your dishwasher uses hot water from a combi boiler or cylinder, turning up the hot water too much will use extra energy, not just for washing but for the whole home.

FAQs About Dishwasher Eco Mode vs Quick Wash