6 Most Energy Efficient Dishwashers

Doing the dishes doesn’t have to be such a chore anymore thanks to the invention of the dishwasher. But aside from the convenience it brings, did you know that you can save up on your utility bills too?

Take a look at the 6 best energy efficient dishwashers and see how much you can save by doing less work!

6 Most Energy Efficient Dishwashers

Appliance shopping is always fun, but it can be overwhelming. Lucky for you, we’ve narrowed down your choices to the top 6 most energy efficient dishwashers in the market this year. We’ll break it down based on their aesthetic and practical features as well as their energy and water consumption.

The Miele G 7596 SCVi AutoDos is at the top of our list combining its super sleek design and high-end functions with low water consumption.

Aesthetically, having no handles sticking out and the control panel located at the top side means that this dishwasher blends seamlessly in your kitchen.

Functionally, there is a lot to notice about this energy efficient dishwasher. First of all, it has 11 wash cycles to choose from! That covers everything from a hard wash for pots and pans to the most delicate wash for your China set. 

Lastly, not only does this model have an EnergyStar rating, but it’s also level 3 certified to remove over 99.9% of viruses.

Is this right for you?

This top of the line dishwasher comes with a top-tier price tag, so unfortunately, it’s not made for everyone. But hey, if you’re willing to pay a lot for convenience, quality, and aesthetic, this dishwasher will be worth it.

The Samsung StormWash 24″ with AutoRelease features powerful rotating spray jets that can wash out tough residue from all nooks and crannies of your dishes. This comes in handy when you leave saucy dishes out too long after a fun dinner party- no need for extra soaking time.

However, even with all that spray jet action, you can expect this dishwasher to perform quietly.

Is this right for you?

This efficient and water-conserving dishwasher is on the price-range that suits everyone. That is, for those that don’t mind having to wipe dishes dry. Despite having an AutoRelease function that helps air circulate inside the dishwasher after a cycle, this model doesn’t dry dishes completely.

The best thing about the Bosch 500Series 24in with AutoAir is the flexibility of the racks. The upper basket and lower rack tines can be adjusted, allowing you to load dishes more efficiently. This means you can maximize the capacity based on the types of dishes you need to wash. Plus, the foldable cup shelves give space for more cups and utensils without having to mix them in with the bulky items.

Is this right for you?

The modular shelf design of this dishwasher is perfect for those that have a chef’s kitchen where you have lots of dishes and cooking gear with odd shapes and sizes. Plus, the InfoLight indicator is perfect for those that always like to check if things are working properly.

Unlike the 2 previous items on this list, the KitchenAid – 24″ with FreeFlex third rack has a Condenser Drying feature. This saves you time having to wipe your dishes before putting them away. Despite the water consumption data being unavailable for this unit, you can buy it assured that you will only be spending about 270 kilowatt hours of electricity per year- not bad considering it has a drying cycle.

Is this right for you?

This built-in dishwasher is perfect for anyone looking for a durable, fully integrated machine that won’t break the bank. Plus, if you’re into the whole black, industrial aesthetic, this unit also comes in black stainless steel.

The Amana 24 in. Tall Tub with Triple Filter Wash System is a good dishwasher that gets all the basic stuff done in an hour. The quick washing is made possible by the Triple Filter Wash System which skips the pre-rinse process.

Aside from the quick wash system in place, this very affordable all-in dishwasher also has a Heated Dry option, allowing you to skip the towel drying step.

Is this right for you?

This dishwasher, although tall, only has 2 racks, so it’s great for small families that just need a basic but fully functional unit. It is also aesthetic in that it has a stainless steel outer finish and a gray plastic tub. Yes, this is not a fully stainless steel unit, but it’s certainly a great option for its price range.

Last on our list may be the least but only in terms of size. The Frigidaire 18 in. Compact Dishwasher is a compact dishwasher that is big on washing features and extra sanitation measures.

It has 6 wash cycle modes, from delicate to heavy wash. It also has a quick wash option for lightly soiled dishes and heat dry option for convenience. However, its special dual spray feature that helps it clean so well is also the reason why it has a higher water consumption.

Is this right for you?

This compact dishwasher only has a place setting capacity of 8 with 2 racks. But as mentioned, it has a lot of washing cycles to choose from. Plus, it comes in a cool black stainless steel finish, perfect for solo living.

Energy Efficient Dishwasher Buying Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Now that we’ve narrowed down your options for the best energy efficient dishwashers on the market, it’s time to compare them with one another to see which is the best fit for your home.

Size and Dimensions

As you may have noticed almost all the dishwashers on the list are the same size: 24 inches. That’s because standard dishwashers come in one size category that is 24 inches, unlike refrigerators or ovens (1).

However, compact dishwashers like the Frigidaire 18 in. Compact Dishwasher, are also common for smaller homes or apartments.

Handle Type and Racks

These considerations for choosing a dishwasher are all about preference and lifestyle.

Handle Type

Choosing a handle type is a decision mostly based on aesthetic. If you want a seamless look, go for the  Miele G 7596 SCVi AutoDos which doesn’t have a handle. But if you’re more of a tactile person, the KitchenAid – 24″ with FreeFlex third rack may be a better choice with its bar handle.

The problem, however, with bar handles, is that you can hurt your leg as you pass them since the handle sticks out. Luckily, there is another option, the pocket handle as seen on the Amana 24 in. Tall Tub with Triple Filter Wash System and other units on the list.

Racks

When it comes to choosing how many rack layers you need, you need to consider the amount and types of dishes you wash most often.

If you have a collection of pots, pans and serving dishes, with lots of cutlery you may want to opt for a 3-layer dishwasher like the Bosch 500Series 24in with AutoAir that has 9 possible rack positions.

For a more minimal set of dishes, 2 rack dishwasher like the Frigidaire 18 in. Compact Dishwasher would be enough.

Water and Electricity Consumption

This section is where we discuss the more technical side of choosing an energy efficient dishwasher. All of the units mentioned have an EnergyStar certificate. This means that each dishwasher has been analyzed based on a certain criteria (2).

The ENERGY STAR dishwasher qualification criteria are based on specific energy consumption and water consumption levels. The maximum energy consumption is measured in kWh/year and the maximum water consumption is measured in gallons/cycle.

As per the guidelines, for a standard dishwasher to be considered energy efficient and have an EnergyStar certificate, it must only consume ≤ 270 kWh/year and ≤ 3.5 gallons/cycle.

In our list, the  Miele G 7596 SCVi AutoDos consumes the least amount of water and electricity. So you can consider the high price point as an investment, since you will eventually be paying a significantly lower utility bill moving forward.

Wash Cycle Programs

In terms of choosing an energy efficient dishwasher based on wash cycles, you have a lot of options from basic to smart dishwashers.

You can go for having all the bells and whistles with the Miele G 7596 SCVi AutoDos having 11 wash cycle options. Alternatively, you can just prioritize having a reasonably-priced but very well cleaning dishwasher like the Samsung StormWash 24″ with AutoRelease that has rotating jets.

Another thing to consider is drying. Some units like the Bosch 500Series 24in with AutoAir have no dryer option, but rather a feature that allows quick air-drying by automatically opening the door after a cycle. This releases moisture and allows fresh air to dry the dishes naturally.

Meanwhile, there are dishwashers that have a drying feature, like the  KitchenAid – 24″ with FreeFlex third rack. Condense drying is the safest and most energy efficient drying method for dishwashers (3).

Most dishwashers use the standard condenser drying technology. This is the most basic technique which you’ll find in more affordable models. During the drying process, the warm, moist air condenses on the cool walls of the dishwasher. The appliance then pumps out the water.

This method uses less electricity because it only uses a single heating element in heating water as opposed to having another heating element specifically for the drying process.

Also, in the video below, you can hear about different types of dishwashers, tips and see testing of several dishwashers at once:

Final Thoughts

Dishwashers have become more popular in households especially for busy homeowners. However, there is more to choosing a dishwasher than just convenience and aesthetic. Having a unit that helps you save time and money goes an even longer way. Luckily, there are so many options available now to suit your personality, lifestyle and budget.