Dishwasher vs Washing Machine: Which Costs More to Run? (2026)
These are not alternatives but people often ask which costs more to run. Per cycle they are similar at 1 to 1.5 kWh for a normal program, because both spend most of their energy heating water. The washing machine has far more headroom for savings: a cold wash drops its energy by up to 90 percent, while a dishwasher must heat water to clean.
At the hours shown, Dishwasher costs about $98.55 per year and Washing Machine about $32.85 in United States (average).
| Appliance | Typical watts | Hours / day | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | 1,500 W | $0.27 | $8.10 | $98.55 | |
| Washing Machine | 500 W | $0.090 | $2.70 | $32.85 |
Edit the hours to match your own use. Costs use the typical wattage of each appliance.
When the dishwasher makes sense
- Run it full and on eco, then it costs about the same as a cold wash
- Skip heated drying to cut a third of the cycle energy
- Do not pre-rinse under hot water
When the washing machine makes sense
- Wash at 30 C or cold to make it the cheapest appliance in the house
- Spin faster to save on drying
- Always run full loads
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