Best 5 Eco-Friendly Dishwashers: Efficient Washing Good For Environment

Are you an environment enthusiast who wants to incorporate a green lifestyle into all phases of life? Well, you don’t need to look on the other side where the grass is greener, you can add the greenery by getting an efficient and eco-friendly dishwasher.

The eco-friendly label doesn’t affect the efficiency of the appliance, it just saves water and power, as well as your money. We gathered all the information you need to know to find the best green solution for washing the dishes.

The Rundown

What Is An Eco-Friendly Dishwasher?

By the definition, an eco-friendly dishwasher is a model that uses less than 270 kWh per year and less than 3.5 gallons of water per cycle. Such a dishwasher is rated with the Energy Star and it has the lowest possible impact on the environment.

Is It “Greener” To Hand Wash Or Use A Dishwasher?

In terms of water, dishwashers are much more efficient. For example, if it is used to wash a full 12 place setting, the dishwasher uses three or four times less water than washing the same amount of dishes by hand.

Why Are Dishwashers Bad For The Environment?

Classic dishwashers contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, they consume plenty of energy, natural gas, and water. However, such models and hand-washing, in the end, have the same environmental impact.

Energy Star Certificate: Definition

The Energy Star program is run by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy. The program establishes water and energy-saving requirements in order to reduce the carbon footprint. If a dishwasher has this label, it successfully meets these requirements.

ECO Mode On Standard Dishwashers

Modern models come with an ECO mode. This washing program uses lower wash and rinse temperatures. That way less energy is required for heating and thus minimizes the amount of required water.

Eco-Friendly Models: Why To Buy

Besides the fact that these models are good for the environment, they also have a few advantages regarding their simple use, lifespan, and expenses.

Simple-User Friendly Control Panel

Most of the dishwashers that come with an Energy Star rating feature a simple design with a user-friendly control panel. This feature lets you easily choose the washing program you need.

Good Lifespan

Dishwashers can last anywhere between 8 and 15 years. Usually, the number goes around 10 years. This applies to most dishwasher types, not only those that are eco-friendly.

Cutting Expenses & Costs

Does ECO dishwasher save money? Yes. Energy Star certificated dishwashers can cut utility bills by more than $110 per year, per household. For comparison, hand washing your dishes can cost up to $1300 more in water and energy use over the lifespan of a dishwasher.

Eco Functions & Specifications: Factors You Need To Consider Before Buying

As with any other dishwasher type, an eco model too comes with specific functions which make it efficient and energy-friendly. Here is what you should know and consider.

Sturdy Metal Construction

Eco-friendly dishwashers are usually made from strong and durable metal materials such as stainless steel. This material of the making is sturdy and it guarantees amazing durability.

Freestanding Or Built-In

Eco models can come in 2 different designs. Freestanding dishwasher is finished on all sides and on the top, so you can place it anywhere in the kitchen. This model can be portable too. Built-in or integrated model is designed to match the rest of your kitchen cabinetry and it is permanently installed into your dishwasher cavity.

Ideal Palette Of Sizes

This type of dishwasher comes in many sizes. It can feature a small unit which is practical if you live alone or you need a model you can easily transport, or it can have a large unit ideal for any home. The size goes from 17 inches to 26 inches.

Stainless Steel Interior

Dishwashers with a stainless steel interior are always recommended because of the quality and durability such material provides. Stainless steel also reflects the heat during the drying cycle making it much more efficient.

Interior Size

An average built-in dishwasher can hold about 12 place settings, but larger capacity models can even hold 14 or more place settings. This mostly depends on the size of the unit.

Are Eco Dishwashers Powerful?

Most of these models actually come with a power range between 500 watts and 900 watts. Standard dishwashers usually have between 1200 and 2400 watts.

Different Temperature Options

Dishwashers with different temperature options allow you to disable the high heat settings and save energy. The temperature range between 120 and 140 Fahrenheit degrees is ideal.

Multiple Cycles? Yes!

Dishwashers with several wash cycle options offer you different levels of energy-saving cycles, usage of less water, and different periods of washing time.

Noise Range Production

Eco-friendly dishwashers, along with standard models, do tend to make a bit of noise. We’re talking about a noise range from 40 to 60 decibels. Dishwashers with 50 decibels or less are considered to be a bit quieter than other models.

Soil Sensors

Sensor technology adjusts the cycle time and water use to the level of dirt on the dishes. Of course, this will help with efficiency if you scrape your dishes thoroughly. This is a great feature as it ensures the highest possible efficiency of your dishwasher.

Why Does Eco Dishwasher Take So Long To Wash?

Since it uses less water and energy, it needs to run longer to get the same level of performance, as well as to allow sensors to assess whether your dishes are being properly cleaned or not.

Price Range: How Much Do Eco Models Cost?

Eco-friendly dishwashers are usually priced from $300 and up.

Best 5 Eco-Friendly Dishwashers

Each of the listed model you’re about to see come with great efficiency and value. The first dishwasher comes with 7 washing programs and smaller wattage power. On the other hand, the third model has great power and is suitable for washing 8 place settings at once. Keep on reading to learn more.

Farberware FCD06ABBWHA Dishwasher

This eco-friendly dishwasher features a user-friendly control panel with LED digital controls that are located at the top of the dishwasher’s door. Even though this dishwasher comes in a somewhat smaller, countertop size, it will still provide you with a spacious interior and additional cutlery basket, and foldable racks.

The dishwasher has 7 washing programs. That includes heavy, normal, baby care, light, glass, speed 45 min, and self-clean. It even has an extra-drying function which adds extra heat to the final rinse in order to enhance drying results.

SPT SD-6501SS Dishwasher

This eco-friendly dishwasher features three separate racks and a cutlery basket that provide enough interior space to accommodate the needs of a larger family. Thanks to the multiple cleaning cycles and options that this dishwasher provides you with, you won’t have any trouble setting up the perfect operating mode.

Another amazing thing about this unit is that it comes with a time delay option. That means that you will be able to set the exact time when you want your dishwasher to start the cleaning process. You will finally be able to program a dishwasher according to your schedule.

EdgeStar BIDW1802SS Dishwasher

This eco dishwasher features different cleaning cycles as it includes heavy, normal, Eco, glass, rapid, and rinse. That means that you will be able to easily set the perfect cleaning cycle depending on what kind of dishes you are washing. The model has multiple cleaning options too.

Another great thing about this environmentally friendly dishwasher is that it comes with a built-in sound buzzer. When the dishwasher finishes with the set cleaning cycle the buzzer will sound of and let you know that the dishwasher is finished.

Bosch SPE68U55UC Dishwasher

This eco dishwasher features a bit slimmer 18-inch design. It is designed to provide you with up to ten standard place settings and it comes with a user-friendly control console that features a small LED display and provides you with multiple cleaning cycles.

The dishwasher produces only 44 decibels during the cleaning cycles. The feature that stands out the most is the specially designed water softener that makes this model the perfect choice for households. Thanks to this addition you will never have to worry about the foggy water spots on your glassware.

DWLXSH Portable Dishwasher

This eco dishwasher is the smallest unit of all the listed models. Because of its size, it will easily fit on all countertops no matter how small they are. The dishwasher features a specially designed 360-degree water flow injection system that is made to spray water in all directions and angles and provide you with complete coverage.

The amazing feature that separates this dishwasher from other models in this post is the built-in five-liter water tank. It doesn’t require any additional water hookups.

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Standard Safety Features Of Environment-Friendly Models

This kitchen appliance is designed to meet the highest safety standards. Here are a couple of features that guarantee the safety of your new eco dishwasher.

Leak Protection

This feature detects when the leak is inside the dishwasher and the sensor automatically stops the water flow. That action protects your home from any leak damages.

Buzzer Alarm

This is a built-in feature that warns you once the dishwasher finishes the cleaning cycle.

Overheating Protection

Dishwashers can overheat too. In order to prevent that, eco-friendly dishwashers have a cut-off feature that immediately shuts off the power.

Placement Of The Dishwasher

Do not place your new dishwasher right next to the fridge. The fridge will have to work harder when the dishwasher is running because of the heat it emanates.

Ecological Dishwashers: How-To Clean & Maintain

Every type of dishwasher is relatively easy to clean. Follow these simple steps to clean it:

1. Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with one cup of white vinegar.
2. Place the bowl on the bottom of the empty dishwasher.
3. Set the appliance to run on a hot water cycle.
4. Vinegar will break down all the remaining bits of food and grease.

Self-Cleaning Filtration System

Eco models with self-cleaning filters rely on an integrated grinder. This feature pulverizes food such as garbage disposal which is washed away through the drain. Filters are named “self-cleaning” because there is no routine buildup the owner needs to manage.

Best Practises To Improve Reduce Dishwasher Footprint

Besides having an eco-friendly dishwasher, here are a couple of tips you can additionally add to your routine for more efficient and friendly washing operations. The following tips can be used for standard dishwashers too.

Run Full Loads

Dishwashers use the same amount of energy and water, regardless of how full they are. Due to that, try to wash full loads as that will help reduce the number of times you are running the dishwasher.

Air Dry If Possible

Despite the fact that a lot of dishwashers have an automatic drying system, whenever it is possible, skip that step, open the door of your dishwasher, and let the dishes air dry. This will reduce the energy costs too.

Don’t Pre-Rinse Your Dishes

There is no need to pre-rinse the dishes. Just scrape them off and place them into the dishwasher for cleaning. Energy Star dishwashers are designed to do the cleaning for you.

Eco Setting Or Adjustable Temperature

If you have a standard dishwasher, you can use the eco washing mode if you have it. If not, set the washing temperature to the lower levels of the heat.

Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergent

When you ran out of options on how to use your dishwasher in more conscious ways, a “green” detergent is always a good idea. Here are a couple of key factors of such detergents you should know about before buying and using.

• Look for detergents that belong to one of the three following families: detergents/surfactants, bleaches, or enzymes such as protease and amylase.
• Powder formulas are not only eco-friendly detergents but they can have better results for your dishes too.
• If you live in a hard water area, look for a detergent that has citric acid high up on its ingredient list. This ingredient is a water softener.



• Rinse aid-like activities will help stop hard water stains.
• If you go for a gel dishwashing detergent, make sure it comes with enzyme stabilizers such as glycerin.
• Fragrance and colorants? You really don’t need them as they can be troublesome for both your family and environment.