The energy comparison
A dishwasher heats a small amount of water and reuses it. Hand washing can use a little or a lot, depending on whether you fill a sink or rinse under a running tap. The table compares a dishwasher cycle with hand washing using different amounts of electrically heated water.
| Method | Energy | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher, efficient eco program | 0.6 kWh | 20c |
| Dishwasher, average program | 1.0 kWh | 33c |
| By hand, 10 litres of hot water | 0.52 kWh | 17c |
| By hand, 20 litres of hot water | 1.05 kWh | 35c |
| By hand, 40 litres of hot water | 2.09 kWh | 69c |
A single sink of hot water can match an efficient dishwasher. Rinsing under a running hot tap, or washing small loads several times a day, usually costs more.
Getting the most from either method
Dishwasher
- Run it full
- Use the eco program
- Scrape, do not pre-rinse
- Skip heated drying
- Half loads waste energy
- Intensive programs use the most
Hand washing
- Fill one sink, not a running tap
- Rinse in cold water
- Wash in one session a day
- A running hot tap uses a lot of hot water
Timing the dishwasher
On a time-of-use or free midday plan, run the dishwasher outside the evening peak with the delay start. See the best time to run appliances and our dishwasher running costs.
Questions about dishwashers and hand washing
A full, efficient dishwasher on an eco program usually costs less than hand washing under a running hot tap. Washing in a single sink of hot water can cost about the same.
About 20c to 50c on the Ausgrid reference rate, depending on the model and program.
On electric hot water, about 2c a litre on the Ausgrid reference rate. A 20 litre sink costs about 35c.
If you rinse under hot water, yes. Scraping food into the bin is enough for most modern dishwashers. If you must rinse, use cold water.
Then hand washing uses less electricity, but you still pay for the gas or the solar system's boost. A full, efficient dishwasher is still a good choice for large loads.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.