How much does it cost to run a dishwasher?
A dishwasher typically draws about 1,800 W. At the current Ofgem price-cap electricity rate of 26.11p/kWh (1 July to 30 September 2026), a typical 2-hour use costs about 94.0p, and one hour costs roughly 47.0p.
Dishwasher running cost: ~1.80 kWh per hour β 47.0p/hour. A typical 2-hour use β 94.0p at 26.11p/kWh.
Dishwasher running-cost calculator
A dishwasher draws about 1,800 W. Set how long you run it and we apply the current Ofgem electricity unit rate of 26.11p/kWh.
Cost to run for 2 hours
94.0p
Uses 3.60 kWh at 26.11p/kWh.
- Per day
- 94.0p
- Per week
- Β£6.58
- Per year
- Β£343.09
Per-day/week/year figures assume one 2-hour run each day. Wattage is typical/indicative β your model may differ.
How the cost is worked out
- Wattage: a dishwasher draws about 1,800 W.
- Convert to kW: 1,800 Γ· 1,000 = 1.80 kW.
- Multiply by hours: 1.80 kW Γ 2 h = 3.60 kWh.
- Multiply by the unit rate: 3.60 kWh Γ 26.11p β 94.0p.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a dishwasher?
A dishwasher draws about 1,800 W. At the Ofgem cap rate of 26.11p/kWh (1 July to 30 September 2026), a typical 2-hour use costs roughly 94.0p, and one hour costs about 47.0p.
How much electricity does a dishwasher use per hour?
At 1,800 W, a dishwasher uses about 1.80 kWh per hour, which is roughly 47.0p at the current cap rate.
Running costs for other appliances
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Wattage (1,800 W) is typical/indicative β your model may differ. Source: Energy Saving Trust / common UK indicative rating. Electricity unit rate from Ofgem β Energy price cap unit rates and standing charges (cap period 1 July to 30 September 2026, fetched 2026-06-18). Ofgem figures Β© Ofgem, Open Government Licence v3.0. Appliance wattages are typical/indicative, not measured. Ofgem.