More than 80 million households across the U.S. have a dishwasher, yet different types of dishwashers use vastly different amounts of water. Knowing which ones are water efficient can help you save on your water and electricity bills as well as help out our environment by reducing consumption.
Many dishwashers have new technology and use far less water than older models, and yet are still able to clean your items with powerful jets. They even allow you to choose between more or less water depending on how dirty the dishes are and therefore will save both money and energy in your home.
We have compiled information about some of the most popular dishwashers on the market today. This article will compare dishwashers according to how much water they use and their overall efficiency. Our goal is simple: to help you find the best machine for your needs while saving as much water as possible.
Types of Dishwashers
Generally, dishwashers fall under three types when categorized according to how they are placed or installed in your home kitchen.
- Integrated
- Portable
- Countertop.
First, we will take a look at the differences between these types of dishwashers, before getting into what sets each one apart.
1. Integrated (built-in) Dishwashers
Integrated dishwashers are fully integrated into a kitchen or countertop. Usually, it comes pre-installed in a new house and is generally left behind when moving places as it is fixed to a specific spot in the kitchen, complete with dedicated plumbing.
This type has an exposed door and its bottom rack is fixed to one side of the machine, with no wheels for mobility. Usually, it is made to blend seamlessly with kitchen counters to give the area a clean and uniform look.
Integrated washers offer many different features that include stainless steel panels on their doors, full-cycle options (both manual and automatic), icemaker/water dispenser combos, as well as double utensils racks, and third drawers.
These machines can also be installed in place of some models’ cooktops if you’re looking for something more than just a simple appliance to clean your dishes!
2. Portable Dishwashers
Portable dishwashers (sometimes called freestanding dishwashers or standalone dishwashers) are movable and have no permanent installation. This type is perfect for small and tight spaces or as a second dishwasher to use in the summer when you don’t need it all year round.
These models often come with wheels on the bottom rack so that they can be easily moved from place to place without much fuss!
A lot of these machines also offer different options like adjustable racks, extra height cycles, some now even include ice makers/water dispensers (great if there’s already an ice machine in your kitchen). Many people find portable dishwashers especially helpful when renting out their properties because they can pack them up during long absences before tenants move in.
Another perk for using this type of dishwasher is that they have fewer parts to deal with, and are much cheaper to purchase when compared to traditional dishwashers.
3. Countertop Dishwashers
Countertop dishwashers are designed to be installed on an existing countertop. They are usually smaller than that of a portable dishwasher.
These models are the perfect size for apartments or smaller kitchens, and many people find these machines help increase kitchen workflow by freeing up time for other chores like cooking. They are extremely easy to use and small enough to fit right on top of your kitchen counter.
These dishwashers often offer the same features as traditional models, minus any built-in icemaker/water dispenser combos because those would take up too much room in this type of machine.
The downside of having a countertop dishwasher over other types is that countertop dishwashers don’t have that much space for dishes inside as they’re meant to be used for small residences of one to three people. On the upside, countertop dishwashers naturally use less water because they are so small.
How Much Water Does a Dishwasher Use?
Different types and brands of dishwashers use different amounts of water depending on their size and dimensions.
According to Energy Star, a United States program that certifies energy efficiency in a wide range of appliances, a standard dishwasher can use as little as 5 gallons of water per cycle.
Energy Star certified dishwashers consume even less water per cycle at around 3-4 gallons.
The type of dishwasher usually does not affect the overall water consumption of the appliance. Size and age though on the other hand, directly affect just how much water your dishwasher pumps out.
Larger and bulkier dishwashers that have multiple racks inside of them use substantially more water per cycle than their smaller and more portable counterparts.
Water Usage Comparison by Brand and Cycle
Energy Star has a database that collects information about many aspects of different brands of dishwashers being sold in North American households. Individual manufacturers also have user manuals for their products that state the actual water consumption of their dishwashers across different cycle types that they offer.
Below is a list of seventeen different dishwashers from seventeen different brands:
Overall, the LG and Whirlpool standard/integrated dishwashers use the least amount of water (for the normal wash cycle). Black+Decker and Farberware are the most water efficient countertop dishwashers. However, while countertop dishwashers use less water than other types of dishwashers, the trade-off is reduced space for dishes.
The cycle types of each dishwasher, together with their water usage and duration in the following tables are all from standard-sized integrated/portable dishwashers as the difference in the water usage of different sized dishwashers is substantial enough to merit a different comparison altogether.
1. Bosch
One of the most successful models of dishwasher is the Bosch, which is rated highly by both critics and consumers.
| Type of Cycle | Water Usage | Duration |
| Heavy | 5 – 6.4 gallons | 2 hours |
| Auto | 3.4 – 6.4 gallons | 2 hours |
| Normal | 3.0 – 5.7 gallons | 2 hours |
| Speed60 | 3.8 gallons | 1 hour |
| Rinse | 1.1 gallons | 9 minutes |
2. Samsung
Samsung’s front control standard-sized dishwashers enable its user to choose between four different cycle types depending on the number of dishes to be washed and their relative level of soil on it.
| Type of Cycle | Water Usage | Duration |
| Auto | 3 – 6 gallons | 2 hours |
| Normal | 3 – 6 gallons | 2 hours |
| Heavy | 7.3 gallons | 2 ⅔ hours |
| Express | 4 gallons | 1 hour |
3. Frigidaire
Frigidaire uses four standard cycles that are present in almost all of the dishwashers that they manufacture.
| Type of Cycle | Water Usage | Duration |
| Heavy Wash | 7 – 9 gallons | 2 hours |
| Normal Wash | 4 – 7 gallons | 2 hours |
| Top Rack | 4 gallons | 1 ¼ hour |
| Rinse Only | 2 gallons | 15 minutes |
4. General Electric (GE)
An old favorite, General Electric’s highly-acclaimed dishwasher enables its users to choose between three cycle types for washing their dishes.
| Type of Cycle | Water Usage | Duration |
| AutoSense | 4 – 6 gallons | 1 ½ hour |
| Heavy | 6 – 8 gallons | 2 hours |
| Light | 3.6 gallons | 48 minutes |
5. LG
LG is known for its smart dishwashers with plenty of features. The Wi-Fi Enabled Dishwasher is one of their most purchased products.
| Type of Cycle | Water Usage | Duration |
| Auto | 3.4 – 5.3 gallons | 2 hours |
| Heavy | 7.1 gallons | 3 hours |
| Delicate | 5.2 gallons | 2 hours |
| Normal | 2.4 – 5.2 gallons | 2 ½ hours |
| Turbo | 7.3 gallons | 1 ¾ hour |
| Express | 5.4 gallons | 1 hour |
| Rinse | 1.8 gallons | 12 minutes |
| Machine Clean | 3.2 gallons | 1 hour |
6. BLACK + DECKER
BLACK+DECKER is a household name when it comes to home appliances. Their compact countertop dishwashers are one of the best out there in the market for their price.
| Type of Cycle | Water Usage | Duration |
| Heavy | 3.3 gallons | 1 ⅔ hour |
| Normal | 2.85 gallons | 1 ⅔ hour |
| BabyCare | 3.3 gallons | 1 ½ hour |
| ECO | 2.64 gallons | 1 hour |
| Glass | 2.24 gallons | 1 hour |
| Speed | 2.77 gallons | 45 minutes |
| Rinse | 1.14 gallons | 24 minutes |
7. Farberware
Farberware’s countertop dishwashers are capable of running using seven different wash cycles that are tailored towards different types and the number of dishes that need to be washed.
| Type of Cycle | Water Usage | Duration |
| Heavy | 3.30 gallons | 1 ⅔ hour |
| Normal | 2.85 gallons | 2 hours |
| Baby Care | 3.30 gallons | 1 ½ hour |
| Light | 2.64 gallons | 1 ¼ hour |
| Glass | 2.25 gallons | 1 hour |
| Speed 45 Min | 2.77 gallons | 45 minutes |
| Self Clean | 1.14 gallons | 24 minutes |
8. Edgestar
The 18-inch built-in standard-sized dishwashers from Edgestar make use of six wash cycle types. The following information is gathered from their consolidated user manual.
| Type of Cycle | Water Usage | Duration |
| Heavy | 4.6 gallons | 2 hours |
| Normal | 3.2 gallons | 1 ⅔ hour |
| Light | 3.7 gallons | 1 ½ hour |
| Glass | 2.75 gallons | 1 ¼ hour |
| Speed | 2.75 gallons | 1 hour |
| Rinse | 1.9 gallons | 25 minutes |
9. Maytag
Maytag’s MDB7959SKZ Dishwasher is hailed by some as the best budget dishwasher out in the market. For a price of less than $850, this dishwasher is complete with features and quality that will last you a very long time. Maytag’s user manual states the following information about their cycle types.
| Type of Cycle | Water Usage | Duration |
| Auto | 3.3 gallons | 2 hours |
| PowerBlast | 4.1 gallons | 2 ½ hours |
| Normal | 3 gallons | 2 hours |
| Quick | 6 gallons | 1 hour |
| Rinse | 1.7 gallons | 20 minutes |
10. Amana
Amana’s ADB1400AGS dishwasher with triple filter wash system is a highly-rated dishwasher on Amazon. The wash cycles for this specific type of dishwasher are listed on their user manual available on their website.
| Type of Cycle | Water Usage | Duration |
| Heavy | 7.5 gallons | 2 hours |
| Normal | 3 gallons | 1 ½ hours |
| 1 Hour | 5.8 gallons | 1 hour |
11. Electrolux
The Electrolux ESL line of built-in standard-sized dishwashers comes with five different cycle types for your dishwashing needs. Their consolidated user manual shows the following information for each type.
| Type of Cycle | Water Usage | Duration |
| Auto | 2.11 – 4.22 gallons | 1 ½ hour |
| Heavy | 3.17 gallons – 3.43 gallons | 2 hours |
| 30 Minute | 2.11 gallons | 30 minutes |
| Eco | 2.11 gallons | 3 hours |
| Light | 2.64 – 2.90 gallons | 1 ¼ hour |
12. Thermador
Thermador’s integrated standard-sized dishwashers are made of stainless steel which makes them last for an extremely long time. They come with 6 types of wash cycles that you can choose from depending on the number of dishes that need to be washed. Thermador’s consolidated user manual contains the following information regarding their wash cycles.
| Type of Cycle | Water Usage | Duration |
| Pots & Pans | 4.8 – 6.3 gallons | 2 hours |
| Auto | 3.5 – 6.6 gallons | 2 hours |
| Normal | 1.5 – 4.5 gallons | 2 hours |
| Quick | 3.7 gallons | 1 hour |
| Hand Wash | 3.4 gallons | 1 hour |
| Rinse | 1 gallon | 9 minutes |
13. Dacor
Dacor’s dishwashers are known for their sleek modernist design that is very appealing for many people looking for a quality dishwasher that looks nice in their kitchen area. The information about their different wash cycles can be found in their consolidated user manual.
| Type of Cycle | Water Usage | Duration |
| Auto | 4.8 – 6.0 gallons | 2 hours |
| Normal | 2.5 – 5.8 gallons | 2 hours |
| Heavy | 7.5 gallons | 2 hours |
| Delicate | 4.5 gallons | 1 ¾ hour |
| Express 60 | 2.9 gallons | 1 hour |
| Rinse Only | 1.1 gallons | 12 minutes |
14. Viking
Viking is a well-known American brand of appliances. Their dishwashers, specifically their 1 and 3 series of dishwashers, are integrated and standard-sized. They are able to wash dishes across nine different wash cycle types. Detailed information about these cycles can be found here.
| Type of Cycle | Water Usage | Duration |
| TubClean | 3.8 gallons | 1 ¼ hour |
| Pots & Pans+ | 5.34 gallons | 2 hours |
| Pots & Pans | 4.28 gallons | 1 ⅔ hour |
| Auto | 2.38 – 5.55 gallons | 2 hours |
| CombiClean | 5.02 gallons | 3 hours |
| Regular Wash | 2.38 – 5.55 gallons | 2 ½ hours |
| China/Crystal | 3.10 gallons | 1 hour |
| Quick Wash | 3.10 gallons | 35 minutes |
| Rinse & Hold | 1.20 gallons | 12 minutes |
15. IKEA
IKEA is a household name when it comes to appliances. The Swedish brand is well-known all over the world for its different appliances. Their series of integrated dishwashers are capable of washing dishes with their six different wash cycles. More detailed information about these wash cycles can be found on their consolidated user manual.
| Type of Cycle | Water Usage | Duration |
| Sensor | 3.78 – 7.4 gallons | 2 ½ hours |
| Normal | 2.72 – 7.4 gallons | 2 ½ hours |
| Heavy | 7.4 gallons | 3 hours |
| Eco | 2.7 gallons | 2 hours |
| 1 Hour | 7.87 gallons | 1 hour |
| Rinse Only | 2.0 gallons | 16 minutes |
16. Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s Whirlpool WDT710PAHZ is hailed by many as one of the best budget dishwashers currently in the market. Their user manual for this model shows detailed information regarding its different cycle types.
| Type of Cycle | Water Usage | Duration |
| Sensor | 3.38 – 7.4 gallons | 2 ½ hours |
| Heavy | 7.4 gallons | 3 ½ hours |
| Normal | 2.4 – 7.4 gallons | 2 ½ hours |
| 1-Hour Wash | 7.87 gallons | 1 hour |
| Soak & Clean | 7.4 gallons | 7 ½ hours |
17. KitchenAid
KitchenAid’s top control integrated dishwasher is one of KitchenAid’s most well-known products. KitchenAid’s user manual for this specific model of dishwasher contains detailed information about their product’s different cycle types.
| Type of Cycle | Water Usage | Duration |
| ProWash | 3.8 – 7.7 gallons | 3 hours |
| Tough | 8.4 gallons | 3 hours |
| Normal | 2.7 – 7.9 gallons | 2 ½ hours |
| Light | 2.7 – 7.9 gallons | 1 ¾ hour |
| Express Wash | 6.2 gallons | 1 hour |
| Rinse Only | 2.4 gallons | 15 minutes |
Summary
After this extensive comparison of 17 different brands of standard-sized dishwashers, Farberware and BLACK + DECKER turned out to be the countertop dishwashers that use the least amount of water for their normal type wash cycle. With water usage levels as low as 2.85 gallons per normal wash cycle, these two models of countertop dishwashers are sure to have a substantial impact on your water usage and water bill.
If the price of dishwashers is also taken into consideration, Farberware comes out on top over BLACK + DECKER with their $300 countertop dishwasher that is also extremely water and energy-efficient, being an Energy Star certified appliance.
Not only is this dishwasher the most efficient, but it is also the cheapest among the 17 selected models of dishwashers for this comparison.
A few honorable mentions to take note of are Bosch’s 300 series dishwashers that have constantly been rated as the best overall dishwasher by many different users and critics.
Another one that merits a mention is General Electric’s convertible/portable dishwasher that is widely recognized to be one of the best portable dishwashers currently in the market. LG comes in as an honorable mention as well with their smart dishwashers that are actually affordable for what they are capable of doing.
Does a Dishwasher Use Less Water than Hand Washing?
Although it might be difficult to wrap your head around the idea, using a dishwasher is actually much more water-efficient than conventional hand washing. They use less water and can come in contact with the dishes for a longer period.
A standard home dishwasher uses about 4-5 gallons of water per cycle. Energy Star certified dishwashers bring this number even lower to around 3-4 gallons of water per cycle, compared to hand washing which could go to upwards of 25 gallons or more depending on the person doing the handwashing itself and the number of dishes being cleaned at a time.
It can also be a good idea to make sure that you are using an Energy Star certified dishwasher, which currently has about 78% of the dishwasher market share. These dishwashers are generally more efficient and eco-friendlier compared to traditional and uncertified ones. They use substantially less water per cycle and consume less electricity annually. This market share is slowly increasing every year as more people become conscious of their environmental impact and switch over to greener appliances.
