PRACTICAL PLANNING

Dishwasher running-cost calculator

Estimate a year of electricity and water use with your own utility rates. The starting figures below are editable examples.

Measuring tape and notebook beside a dishwasher

What the estimate includes

Annual electricity cost = kWh per cycle × electricity rate × cycles per week × 52. Annual water cost = gallons per cycle × water/sewer rate per 1,000 gallons ÷ 1,000 × cycles per week × 52.

The example inputs give $52.00 in electricity and $9.98 in water/sewer, or $61.98 per year. They are not specifications for a recommended model. Enter values from the relevant cycle documentation or your own measurements.

The result excludes detergent, fixed utility fees, repairs and external water-heating energy. Annual EnergyGuide figures use standard assumptions; do not mix an annual figure into the per-cycle field.

Dishwasher water and electricity use How much does a dishwasher cost?

NEXT, COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS

From planning to a practical shortlist.

Use the tool to inform your questions. These product choices are not a guarantee of fit, pressure compatibility or running cost.

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01Our pick for most households

Built-in44 dBA

Built-in

Bosch SHP65DM5N

Our research-based starting point for a standard kitchen: AutoAir drying, a third rack and a focused Zone Wash area.

For a conventional 24-inch opening, the current Zone Wash 500 Series is our research-based starting recommendation. It combines an adjustable upper rack, a utensil tray and automatic door-opening drying.

AutoAir releases the door during drying. That makes its installation position worth considering in a narrow walkway or a home where a partly open door would be inconvenient.

Why consider it

Automatic drying-door release
Adjustable upper rack and separate utensil tray
Zone Wash focus area and Deep Clean cycle

Consider before buying

Some extra options require Home Connect
No integrated water softener
Door opens during AutoAir drying

Specifications, contents & buying checks

Width: 23 9/16 in
Height: 33 7/8 in minimum
Depth: 23 3/4 in
Noise: 44 dBA
Capacity: 16 place settings
Drying: AutoAir
Electrical: 120 V / 60 Hz; 12 A appliance rating
Third rack: Standard third rack

Contents & use

Power cord, pre-connected drain hose and toe-kick; cabinet protective guard shown in specification.
Water supply kit and hardwire junction box are optional extras.

Before you buy

Allow room for the automatic door opening.
Check cabinet moisture protection and the installation manual.
Compare the installed quote with the 800 Series before buying.

Buy on Amazon ↗Read the full assessment →

02Our no-frills choice

Built-in50 dBA

Built-in

Maytag MDB4949SKZ

A conventional two-rack machine for shoppers who put basic washing and heated drying ahead of extra loading features.

The appeal here is simplicity. If you rarely use a top utensil tray or connected features, a two-rack layout may be an entirely sensible trade.

Reviewed’s exact-model coverage reports effective everyday cleaning and heated drying, with less customization than premium alternatives. We use that as independent context rather than our own test result.