KEY POINTS
- A dishwasher with a place setting capacity of six to nine costs between 17.3c/kWh and 12.3c/kWh to run, depending on its Energy Star Rating.
- The water usage cost of the same size dishwasher is approximately 2.7c/L.
- Factors that affect the running cost and energy efficiency of a dishwasher include the dishwasher’s size and efficiency, water heating features, preferred temperature and the length of the cycle.
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How much power does a dishwasher use?
According to the Commonwealth of Australia’s database, the average dishwasher in Australia uses approximately 727 watts per load and the average water usage per load is 11.5 litres.
The amount of electricity used will depend on the size of the dishwasher (measured in place settings), as well as the energy efficiency star rating.
How much does it cost to use a dishwasher?
As a general guide, we have listed the average annual electricity usage of dishwashers in Australia based on the litre capacity below.
Average electricity usage cost of a dishwasher
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| Place setting capacity | 1-3 star energy rating | 3.5-4.5 star energy rating |
|---|---|---|
| 6-9 | 17.3c | 12.3c |
| 10-12 | 24.0c | 17.3c |
| 13-16 | 27.7c | 22.1c |
Source: www.canstarblue.com.au – 12/08/2025. Average energy consumption figures based on dishwashers listed in the Commonwealth of Australia E3 Program’s Registration database, which assumes 7 uses per week at the “normal” setting. Electricity usage cost estimates based on the average electricity usage rate of 33.1 c/kWh. Average electricity usage rates are based on single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar’s database, available for an annual usage of 4,373 kWh. Water usage cost estimates based on the average water usage rate of $3.43/kL. Average water usage rate based on ABS Water Account statistics (2021-22).
What’s the cost of water used in a dishwasher cycle?
On average, households can expect to pay between 2.7c and 4.0c per load for water usage costs, according to Canstar Blue’s calculations.
The amount you actually pay for water usage, however, will depend on the size and efficiency of your dishwasher as well as the rates in your area. To find out how much water your appliance may be using per load, it may be helpful to check the water efficiency star rating label.
In the pictured example, a 3.5 star rating for a dishwasher uses 13.1 litres of water per load – relatively standard for a dishwasher.
Below, we’ve calculated the average water usage costs of a dishwasher by place setting capacity. These costs have been determined based on an average water usage rate of $3.43/kL.
Average water usage cost of a dishwasher
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| Place setting capacity | Water usage cost |
|---|---|
| 6-9 | 2.7c |
| 10-12 | 3.6c |
| 13-16 | 4.0c |
Source: www.canstarblue.com.au – 12/08/2025. Average energy consumption figures based on dishwashers listed in the Commonwealth of Australia E3 Program’s Registration database, which assumes 7 uses per week at the “normal” setting. Electricity usage cost estimates based on the average electricity usage rate of 33.1 c/kWh. Average electricity usage rates are based on single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar’s database, available for an annual usage of 4,373 kWh. Water usage cost estimates based on the average water usage rate of $3.43/kL. Average water usage rate based on ABS Water Account statistics (2021-22).
Which state or territory has the cheapest dishwasher running costs?
In addition to calculating the average dishwasher power consumption cost, Canstar Blue has calculated the average cost per load for households in each capital city across Australia.
Average dishwasher running costs (water and electricity) per load, by capital city (12 – 14 place settings)
Note: This is a general guide only.
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| Capital city | Electricity costs | Water costs | Total cost per load |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 26.1c | 3.1c | 29.2c |
| Melbourne | 19.2c | 4.8c | 24.0c |
| Brisbane | 23.9c | 1.1c | 25.0c |
| Adelaide | 31.7c | 3.9c | 35.6c |
| Perth | 22.8c | 3.1c | 25.9c |
| Hobart | 20.1c | 1.5c | 21.6c |
| Darwin | 21.1c | 2.6c | 23.7c |
| Canberra | 21.7c | 3.2c | 24.9c |
Source: www.canstarblue.com.au – 12/08/2025. Average energy consumption figures based on dishwashers listed in the Commonwealth of Australia E3 Program’s Registration database, which assumes 7 uses per week at the “normal” setting. Water usage cost estimates based rates obtained from service provider websites: 2.67$/kL in NSW per Sydney Water, 4.163$/kL in VIC per Green Water West, 0.981$/kL in QLD per Urban Utilities, 3.365$/kL in SA per SA Water, 2.734$/kL in WA per Water Corporation, 1.261$/kL in TAS per TAS Water, 2.265$/kL in NT per Power and Water, 2.78$/kL in ACT per Icon Water. Average water usage rate of 11.6L per load based on data from Canstar’s databases. Average electricity usage rates are based on single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar’s database, available for an annual usage of 4,373 kWh with the exception of Perth which is based on the Synergy Home Plan (A1) tariff and Darwin which is based on the government regulated rate. Electricity usage cost estimates based on average electricity usage rates: 36.1 c/kWh in Sydney, 26.6 c/kWh in Melbourne, 33.1 c/kWh in Brisbane, 43.9 c/kWh in Adelaide, 31.6 c/kWh in Perth, 27.9 c/kWh in Hobart, 29.2 c/kWh in Darwin, 30.1 c/kWh in Canberra.
Compare cheap electricity plans
Running your home dishwasher may not cost as much as you thought per load, but if you’re still on a less-than-ideal energy plan, you could be paying much more than you need to.
Below are some of the cheapest electricity plans in New South Wales, Victoria, South East Queensland and South Australia according to the Canstar Blue database.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
The bottom line on dishwasher consumption costs
There are various factors that influence dishwasher running costs, primarily: dishwasher efficiency and size, frequency of use, water heater type, preferred dishwashing temperature and more.
Many Australians believe that washing dishes by hand is cheaper.
However, washing dishes by hand can use considerably more water than most dishwashers, especially with modern models offering eco and energy/water efficient settings.
While the water itself isn’t overly expensive, the cost of heating the water adds up, especially if you constantly run water or refill your sink several times when doing the dishes.
According to Sustainability Victoria, every extra star on an energy efficient dishwasher can save an additional 30% on running costs. If your dishwasher is old, inefficient or unnecessarily large, then it may well work out that washing dishes by hand is the cheaper option.
Generally speaking, an energy-efficient dishwasher will be cheaper than washing dishes yourself.
If you’re in the market for a new dishwashing appliance, check out some of Canstar Blue’s best-rated dishwashers by clicking the button below.
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