How Much Does It Cost to Run a Dishwasher in the UK?
Last updated 5 October 2026 · Prices based on the Ofgem price cap (October 2026 – December 2026)
A modern dishwasher on its eco programme uses around 0.8–1.2kWh per cycle — often less energy and water than washing the same load by hand under a running hot tap.
Appliance running cost calculator
A 1,800W dishwasher running 1.5 hours a day costs about £0.36 per day (£92 a year) at 26.32p/kWh.
- Per hour
- £0.24
- Per day
- £0.36
- Per week
- £1.78
- Per month
- £7.70
- Per year
- £92
- kWh per year
- 351
Based on 1800W ÷ 1,000 × 1.5h × 50% average power draw × 26.32p/kWh. Standing charge not included.
- Electric heater£958
- Immersion heater£575
- Oil-filled radiator£503
- Fan heater£383
- Electric shower£155
- Dehumidifier£153
- Tumble dryer£137
- Fridge freezer£114
- Electric oven£99
- Dishwasher£92
- Heated airer£74
- Kettle£57
- Washing machine£55
- Air fryer£51
- Slow cooker£44
- Electric blanket£10
Dishwasher running cost by wattage and time (at 26.32p/kWh)
| Wattage | 1 hr | 1.5 hrs | 2 hrs | 3 hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,200W | £0.16 | £0.24 | £0.32 | £0.47 |
| 1,500W | £0.20 | £0.30 | £0.39 | £0.59 |
| 1,800W | £0.24 | £0.36 | £0.47 | £0.71 |
| 2,200W | £0.29 | £0.43 | £0.58 | £0.87 |
Typical dishwasher cost per day, month and year
| Period | Energy used | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Per hour | 0.90 kWh | £0.24 |
| Per day | 1.35 kWh | £0.36 |
| Per month | 29.3 kWh | £7.70 |
| Per year | 351 kWh | £92 |
What affects the cost
Programme
Intensive cycles use up to twice the energy.
Drying
Heated drying adds energy.
Load
Half loads cost the same as full ones.
Energy rating
Newer machines are more efficient.
Cheaper alternatives to a dishwasher
• Eco programme • Full loads only • Skip pre-rinsing • Air dry instead of heated dry
How to reduce the cost
- Always use eco mode
- Run only when full
- Scrape, don't rinse
- Open the door to air-dry
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dishwasher cost per hour in the UK?
About £0.24 per hour for a 1,800W model at 26.32p/kWh, allowing for the appliance drawing full power about 50% of the time.
How do I work out what my dishwasher costs to run?
Divide the wattage by 1,000 to get kW, multiply by the hours used, then multiply by your unit rate in pence. Our calculator above does this for you.
How much does a dishwasher cost per cycle?
Around £0.26 for a 1kWh eco cycle at 26.32p/kWh.
Is a dishwasher cheaper than washing by hand?
Usually, if you run full loads on eco and your hot water comes from a gas boiler or the dishwasher heats its own.
Does the standing charge affect appliance running costs?
No. The electricity standing charge is a fixed daily fee you pay whether or not the appliance is on, so it is excluded from these figures.
Sources and methodology
Energy prices come from the Ofgem price cap for Direct Debit customers (GB average). Installation costs are typical UK ranges from installer quotes and industry guidance, rounded. Savings use today's rates and do not predict future prices.