Dishwasher Buying Guide
A quick guide to strategic product selection

 

Background

It's commonly assumed that a "green" dishwasher is a human dishwasher; that washing dishes by hand saves water. However, washing dishes by hand several times a day can be more consuming of water and expensive than operating an energy-efficient dishwasher. You can consume less water with an energy-efficient dishwasher when properly used and when only operating it with full loads than by laboring away at the sink.

Today's efficient dishwasher models actually do not use that much water when compared to how much water is used in the rest of the house, particularly the bathroom. For example, if you have a standard (not low-flow) showerhead that consumes 2.5 gallons per minute, and you reduce your shower by 2 minutes, you will save enough water to run 1 load in the dishwasher (assuming your dishwasher consumes 5 gallons of water per cycle or less).

If you already have a dishwasher but it is 10 years old or older, it likely uses between 8 and 15 gallons of water per cycle. A new, efficient dishwasher can save you 13% on energy and as much as 1,200 gallons of water each year (see below on how you can properly dispose of your old dishwasher).

What to look for

Low GPC rating

Water efficiency in dishwashers is measured using gallons per cycle (gpc). The lower the number, the less water your dishwasher uses each time you run one load.

► Dishwashers featured on Eco-rate include GPC information (located under the "Specifications" tab of each product). Our Consumption Rating for dishwashers factors-in GPC ratings; the higher the Consumption Rating, the lower the GPC rating and the more water-efficient the dishwasher.

High Energy Factor (EF)

Energy efficiency in dishwashers is measured using Energy Factor (EF). The equation for Energy Factor in dishwashers is estimated using average loads per year (215) divided by the annual energy usage (kilowatt hours per year). The higher the Energy Factor, the more energy-efficient the dishwasher.

► Dishwashers featured on Eco-rate include Energy Factor information (located under the "Specifications" tab of each product). Our Consumption Rating for dishwashers factors-in Energy Factor; the higher the Consumption Rating, the higher the Energy Factor and the more energy-efficient the dishwasher.

ENERGY STAR Label

ENERGY STAR dishwashers:

• Use at least 41% less energy than the federal minimum standard for energy consumption
• Use much less water than conventional models
• Use less hot water compared to new conventional models

► All dishwashers featured on Eco-rate are ENERGY STAR qualified.

Standard size

Dishwashers fall into one of two categories: compact capacity and standard capacity. Although compact-capacity dishwashers may appear to be more energy-efficient on the EnergyGuide Label, they hold fewer dishes, which may force you to run loads more often. In this case, your energy and water use and costs could be higher than with a standard-capacity dishwasher.

Various cycle selections

The availability of various cycle selections reduces hot water use. Shorter cycles, for example, require less water, thereby reducing energy and water use and costs.

Local manufacturer

To reduce carbon emissions associated with product transportation and to support your local economy, we encourage you to buy your dishwasher from a local manufacturer.

► Eco-rate features where a dishwasher is made and the number of miles the product must travel from its manufacturer to you.

How to maximize your dishwasher's performance

• Run your dishwasher with a full load. Most of the energy used by a dishwasher goes to heat water. Since you cannot decrease the amount of water used per cycle, fill your dishwasher up to get the most from the energy and water used to run it.
• Avoid using the heat-dry, rinse-hold and pre-rinse features. Instead, use your dishwasher’s air-dry option.

How to dispose of your old dishwasher

Recycle it! Dishwashers are primarily made of highly recyclable materials - steel and plastic. In fact, the Appliance Recycling Consortium estimates that 90% of all steel from appliances is recycled. To find out where to recycle your dishwasher, search for a dishwasher product on Eco-rate and under the product's "Recycle" tab, use Earth 911's search widget. Click here to view an example.

How are dishwashers rated on Eco-rate?

Please click here to discover our dishwasher rating system.

Questions? Feedback?

Visit our Forum to ask questions and share your thoughts about water- and energy-efficient dishwashing products.

This product is eligible for 0.5 points under the LEED for Homes EA 9.1: Appliances, High-Efficiency Appliances.