Dishwashers are a convenient appliance that can help save time spent washing dishes by hand. However, there are often questions around how much water dishwashers actually use compared to handwashing. In this article, we’ll look at how much water the average dishwasher uses per load.
Quick Answer
The average dishwasher uses between 6-16 gallons of water per load depending on the model and settings used. Newer, Energy Star certified dishwashers use around 4-7 gallons per load. Handwashing dishes can use up to 27 gallons per load.
How Dishwashers Use Water
Dishwashers use water during the wash and rinse cycles. The main wash cycle fills the dishwasher tub and circulates water to remove food residues. The rinse cycle rinses off any remaining debris and detergent. Most dishwashers also have a pre-rinse or pre-wash cycle that quickly rinses the dishes before the main wash.
The amount of water used during each cycle depends on the dishwasher settings, soil sensor, model, and brand. Many new dishwashers have soil sensors that detect how dirty the dishes are and adjust the water use accordingly. Some key factors that determine water usage include:
- Cycle setting – Heavy, normal, light
- Use of pre-wash or rinse cycles
- Number of wash cycles in the program
- Dishwasher tub size
- Water pressure
- Soil sensor technology
- Brand and model
Choosing lighter cycle settings without pre-wash options can reduce the amount of water used. The number of dishes loaded also impacts water use to some extent.
Average Water Use per Load
Most standard, non-Energy Star certified dishwashers use between 6-16 gallons of water per load depending on model and cycle settings. Here is a breakdown of average water usage:
- Standard dishwashers: 6-16 gallons
- Energy Star certified: 4-7 gallons
- Handwashing dishes: Up to 27 gallons
Standard dishwashers manufactured before 1994 used about 10-15 gallons per load. Advancements in technology have brought the average down to 6-12 gallons for newer standard models without Energy Star certification.
Energy Star rated dishwashers are certified to be at least 41% more water efficient than standard models. They have a 4.25 gallons per cycle limit and use around 4-7 gallons per load on average.
Handwashing dishes can use a surprisingly high amount of water. Filling sink basins, rinsing under running water, and pre-rinsing can use up to 27 gallons for just one load. Handwashing is also less efficient at removing grease and bacteria compared to dishwashers.
Water Usage by Dishwasher Brand
Water use can also vary between different dishwasher brands and models. Here is a comparison of average water usage per load by brand:
| Dishwasher Brand | Average Water Use Per Load |
|---|---|
| Bosch | 3.2-5 gallons |
| GE | 5-7 gallons |
| KitchenAid | 4.5-6.5 gallons |
| LG | 4-7 gallons |
| Maytag | 5.5-9 gallons |
| Samsung | 4-6 gallons |
| Whirlpool | 5-9 gallons |
Bosch, LG, and Samsung tend to use the least amount of water per load. Brands like Maytag and Whirlpool use more water on average. However, settings, cycle options, and models still make a big difference within brands.
Factors That Impact Water Usage
The main factors that determine how much water your dishwasher will use per load include:
1. Cycle Settings
The cycle settings selected have a major impact on water use. Normal or regular wash cycles use the most water. Light or eco cycles can reduce water usage by 2-4 gallons per load.
Skipping extra dry and heated dry options also decreases energy and water usage. Some dishwashers allow you to remove the pre-wash cycle which saves water as well.
2. Tub Size
Standard dishwashers hold between 10-16 place settings while compact models fit 4-6 place settings. The larger the capacity, the more water is generally needed to circulate and clean the dishes. Compact models usually require a fraction of the water used by standard tubs.
3. Water Pressure
Homes with higher water pressure will fill dishwasher tubs faster than those with lower pressure. Adjusting the water pressure going into the dishwasher can help control the fill rate and water usage.
4. Soil Sensors
Many modern dishwashers have optical sensors that check how dirty the wash water is during the cycle. The sensors adjust the cycle length and water usage based on soil levels. This prevents using more water than necessary on lighter loads.
5. Spray Arm Design
Better spray arm coverage allows water to reach all dish surfaces using less water. Dishwashers with targeted spray arms use water more efficiently than older designs.
6. Filtration System
The filtration system also impacts water efficiency. Some models filter and recirculate wash water instead of repeatedly draining and refilling. This saves water usage over time.
7. Leaks
Water leaks either in the tub, hoses, or other parts can waste a significant amount of water over time. Ensuring your dishwasher isn’t leaking is an easy way to conserve water.
8. Number of Wash Cycles
The number of fill-wash-drain cycles in a program also influences water efficiency. Cycles with fewer repeats use less water overall.
Tips to Reduce Dishwasher Water Use
Here are some tips to use less water when running your dishwasher:
- Use shorter wash cycles like light or eco whenever possible
- Air dry dishes instead of using heated dry
- Skip pre-wash or rinse cycles if not needed
- Wait until you have a full load to run the dishwasher
- Scrape food instead of pre-rinsing dishes
- Check for leaks around hoses, the door gasket, and tub
- Adjust inlet water pressure if too high
- Use dishwasher salt to soften hard water
- Clean spray arms and filter regularly
Adjusting your usage habits can help reduce the gallons used by your dishwasher over time. When buying new, look for ENERGY STAR models with improved technology to save even more water.
Water Efficiency of Newer Dishwasher Models
Thanks to technology improvements, recently released dishwasher models are much more water efficient:
- Bosch 800 Series 2020 models use as little as 2.9 gallons per load
- GE top control dishwasher with SmartDispense technology uses 5 gallons
- Whirlpool 2019 dishwashers with Load & Run use 4 gallons
- Maytag 2019 models with PowerBlast cycle use 4.3 gallons
- LG QuadWash models use as low as 3.4 gallons per load
Key innovations that improve efficiency include in-wash water filtration, precise spray arm targeting, intelligent sensors, and heat recovery technology.
Comparing Dishwasher vs Handwashing Water Use
Here is a direct comparison of how much water is used by handwashing dishes vs using a dishwasher:
| Dishwasher | Handwashing | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Used Per Load | 4-16 gallons | Up to 27 gallons |
| Average Water Used | 6-12 gallons | 15-27 gallons |
| Energy Star Water Use | 4-7 gallons | N/A |
Handwashing uses significantly more water overall, especially if pre-rinsing each dish under running water. Energy Star dishwashers are the most water efficient option.
Other Benefits of Dishwashers
In addition to using less water compared to handwashing, dishwashers also provide other benefits:
- Save time spent scrubbing dishes
- More effective at removing bacteria and grease
- Allow washing dishes only 1-2x per day
- Provide space savings instead of drying racks
- Opportunity to wash while away from home
- Prevent water waste from tap left running
- Added convenience at low cost
Conclusion
Modern dishwashers are an efficient option for reducing water usage compared to handwashing dishes. While standard models use 6-16 gallons per load, Energy Star certified dishwashers average just 4-7 gallons.
Technological improvements like soil sensors, targeted spray arms, and in-tub filtration allow dishwashers to use less water while still cleaning effectively. Handwashing can waste up to 27 gallons per load, making dishwashers the more water-wise choice for most households.
Choosing light cycles, skipping extra heat dry options, and only running full loads are easy ways to conserve water when using a dishwasher. With their convenience and efficiency benefits, dishwashers are here to stay as a water-saving appliance in most homes.
