Dishwasher vs Hand Wash Calculator
Dishwasher vs Hand Wash
Compare the water and energy cost of using a dishwasher versus washing dishes by hand
cents/kWh
per 1000 gal
Formula
Monthly Cost = (Water per Load x Loads x Water Rate) + (kWh per Load x Loads x Electric Rate)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dishwasher cheaper than hand washing?
Energy Star dishwashers use about 3.5 gallons per load versus 27 gallons for hand washing, making them significantly cheaper in most cases.
How much water does hand washing dishes use?
Hand washing a full load of dishes with running water uses about 27 gallons. Using a filled basin can reduce this to 8-10 gallons.