Best 6 Energy-Efficient Dishwashers: Green Cleaning Saves The Budget

Looking for the best energy-efficient dishwasher?

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In this post, you can find out everything you need to know about the six best dishwashers on the market. Read all bout the beneficial features they have to offer and check out my advice on the features you need to pay attention to when choosing the perfect dishwasher.

The Rundown

What Is An Energy Efficient Dishwasher?

These models use advanced technology to clean the dishes while using less energy and water. They have soil sensors that detected the degree of dirt on the dishes during the wash cycle and then they adjust the cycle to achieve optimum cleaning with minimal water and energy use.

Do These Models Come With Some Kind Of Certificate?

Yes. They have an Energy Star certificate. That means that such dishwasher meets the highest criteria and standards of water and energy consumption which are based on environmental-friendly solutions.

Is Energy Star Model Worth It?

Yes. They bring you the best cleaning performance and results, while on average, they are 12% more energy-efficient and 30% more water-efficient than standard models without this certificate.

Are New Dishwashers More Energy Efficient?

They might be, but that’s just because these days, new models are immediately designed with the mentioned Energy Star certificate. As this is an increasing trend, more and more new models are designed in an eco-friendly way.

Consumption Details

To really understand the efficiency of consumption of these models, here are the exact numbers.

• Water Consumption. Dishwashers that come with the Energy Star label use about 3 gallons of water per load. Standard dishwashers without the certification use between 10 and 15 gallons of water per load.
• Energy Consumption. In the terms of energy, certificated dishwashers use 0.87 kWh per load, while standard models use 1.59 kWh.

Dishwasher Type

These models can be classic built-in ones, freestanding, portable, or countertop. Here are a few keynotes on each of the models.

• Built-in dishwashers are designed to fit the already existing kitchen cabinetry. Depending on the model you choose, it can have top control or front control panel. Built-in models are very versatile so you will easily find the right match for your needs and household.
• Freestanding dishwashers are finished on all sides so you can place them at any available space in the kitchen, as long as you have plumbings nearby.
• Portable dishwashers are actually known as models with wheels so you can place them and then store them whenever and however you want. They aren’t anything smaller than standard dishwashers, they just come with wheels.
• Countertop dishwashers are smaller in size and are designed to be placed on the countertop. They don’t need any plumbing installations, just one drain tub placed in the sink. As they are smaller in size, they can be used in apartments, RVs, boats, and limited kitchens.

Key Points About Energy Saving Dishwashers

Before we go to all the features, functions, and specifications, let’s see what are the few advantages of owning this dishwasher type.

Budget-Friendly Models

We already said that these models use less energy and water than standard models. And we all know what that means. Smaller bills at the end of the month! For example, hand washing the dishes will cost you about $1,300 more in energy and water than using a certificated dishwasher.

Better Cleaning Results

Certified dishwashers have features that ensure impeccable cleaning results. For example, they boost water temperatures to 140 Fahrenheit degrees, and that allows the improved disinfection of the dishes. Such models also include water filtration, more efficient jets, innovative dish rack design, and the already mentioned soil sensors.

Price Range Great For Every Pocket

Depending on the model you get, you can easily find the one that fits your budget. These models come with a price range between $500 and $1,000. Some models cost even more than that.

These Functions Come With The Most Efficient Dishwashers

Now it’s time to talk about all the specifications, features, and functions such a dishwasher model has.

Construction: Which To Choose?

Stainless steel made dishwashers are always the best idea. Not only do they provide durability, but they can also retain much more heat inside the tub. This meant that it won’t require additional electrical power to maintain the high water temperatures. Another good option to think about is a hybrid model. It is made from a combination of stainless steel and plastic.

Suitable Size Options

Every type of dishwasher, except countertop models, usually features an 18 or 24-inch unit. That is the standard size range suitable for any standard-sized kitchen. Portable dishwashers are a bit smaller and their size usually varies between 14 and 18 inches.

Variety Of Capacities

As portable dishwashers come with a compact unit, they can hold between 4 and 8 place settings at the same time, depending on the model you go for. On the other hand, all other types of dishwashers can hold between 10 and 16 place settings which make them perfect for large families and big households.

Multiple Cleaning Cycles

Usually, most models feature between 4 and 15 cleaning cycles and options. Among others, they have normal, quick, heavy, and light washes, as well as rinse only. Additional cycles depend on the model, but they can be delicate, china, glasses, and others.

Do These Models Have Drying Function?

Yes. But an eco-friendly version. That means that these dishwashers have an air-dry function that uses pumps to push room-temperature air through the machine to encourage even drying. So in the end, the function uses less energy. Standard models that don’t have Energy Star certificates usually have a heated drying cycle which speeds up the drying process but also uses a lot more energy to do so.

Best 6 Energy Saving Dishwashers

SPT SD-6502SS Dishwasher

Tall Tub Design
This dishwasher features a highly practical tall tub design that will provide you with additional interior space in height. It comes with three separate racks and a cutlery basket and accommodates up to fourteen place settings to ensure that you can enjoy its large capacity.

Built-In Unit
Like some of the other dishwashers in this post, this model is also designed for built-in installation. When buying a built-in appliance always make sure that you properly measure the free floor space inside your kitchen to avoid any trouble with the installation process.

Four Spray Arms
You can be sure that this dishwasher will provide your dishes with complete coverage. It comes with four spray arms that are designed to spray high-pressure jets of water all around the dishwasher’s tub and remove all the hard-baked food leftovers from your plates.

Active Heat Dry
The best thing about this Energy Star certified dishwasher is that it provides you with an active heat drying performance. That means that you will get perfectly clean and dry dishes that are ready to use straight out of the dishwasher.

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Thorkitchen HDW2401SS Dishwasher

Large Capacity
Because of its spacious interior, this dishwasher is the perfect choice for your home especially if you have a large family. It can accommodate up to fourteen standard place settings and it comes with three separate racks and a cutlery basket to ensure that all of your dishes get a thorough wash.

Powerful Performance
This is another dishwasher that ensures a powerful cleaning performance. Some of the options it provides, such as steam wash, are specially designed to eliminate the need for pre-rinsing or soaking the dishes. All of the debris will be removed by high temperatures and high-pressure jets of water during the cleaning cycle.

Sanitize Cycle
Another great thing about this dishwasher is that it provides you with a sanitize cleaning cycle that will remove almost all household bacteria from your dishes. You can be sure that you will get perfectly clean and sanitized dishes straight out of the dishwasher.

Low Energy Consumption
Just like other models, I reviewed in this post, this dishwasher with large interior uses around 3.1 gallons of clean water and its power consumption doesn’t exceed 249KWh on a yearly basis. You will be able to enjoy its professional performance without having high expenses.

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Bosch SHX3AR72UC Dishwasher

Adjustable Spray Pressure
This dishwasher comes with a user-friendly control panel that provides you with multiple cleaning cycles and options. It also provides variable spray pressure to ensure that you can adjust the pressure of the water according to the dishes you are washing.

EcoSense Technology
Another amazing thing about this fitted dishwasher is that it comes with specially designed EcoSense technology that reduces energy usage by up to 20%. Thanks to this feature you never have to worry that this dishwasher will make high expenses.

Overflow Leak Protection
Thanks to the 24/7 overflow leak protection your kitchen floors will be perfectly safe from any kind of water damages. If a leak occurs, the sensors will instantly detect it and stop the water flow inside the unit.

Energy Star Rated
The best thing about this Bosch dishwasher is that it comes with an Energy Star certificate. It consumes only 279 kWh of electrical power on a yearly basis and it exceeds Energy Star requirements on water consumption by up to 69%.

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Kucht K6502D Dishwasher

Stainless Steel Construction
This dishwasher is entirely made out of stainless steel material. This is a great thing because stainless steel is one of the most desirable materials on the market. It prevents rust and corrosion and it’s highly resistant to all sorts of damages.

Professional Performance
The best thing about this dishwasher is that it will provide you with professional cleaning performance. It comes with a fully integrated touch control panel that is located atop the dishwasher’s door and provides you with adjustable cleaning cycles and options.

Highly Efficient Cycles
Amongst the many benefits that this dishwasher provides you will also be able to enjoy its highly efficient cleaning performance. It uses less than 1.3 gallons of water without ever compromising the cleaning performance or results.

Low Operating Noise
Another great thing about this energy and the water-efficient dishwasher is that it creates very little noise during the cleaning cycles. To be more precise, it creates around 46dBAs which makes it a very quiet model. Thanks to that feature you will be able to run the dishwasher both during the day and night.

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Frigidaire FGID2468UD Dishwasher

Black Stainless Steel Design
This dishwasher is made out of black stainless steel material that is highly durable and resistant to all kinds of stains and scratches. It will also provide you with a spacious interior and give your kitchen a more sophisticated and modern look.

Adjustable Water Pressure
The fully integrated control panel that comes with this dishwasher is located atop the dishwasher’s door. It provides you with multiple cycles and cleaning options, one of which is the water pressure control. You can choose from scour, surge, and spray.

Dual OrbitClean
Another great feature that this dishwasher provides is the dual OrbitClean wash. Thanks to that feature you can be sure that this dishwasher will provide the dishes inside the unit with complete coverage. Also, the racks inside the dishwasher are height adjustable to ensure that even larger pieces fit perfectly.

DishSense Technology
The DishSense technology that comes with this Energy Star certified dishwasher is designed to detect the soil level during the cleaning cycle. It will automatically adjust the duration of the set cleaning cycle and water consumption accordingly.

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STBD Countertop Dishwasher Dishwasher

Space-Saving Design
Unlike the full-size dishwashers, that are listed above, this dishwasher features a space-saving, small, countertop design. It is the perfect choice for everyone who lives alone or simply doesn’t have enough room for another larger kitchen appliance.

High Temp Cleaning
The best thing about this dishwasher with small unit is that it provides you with high-temperature cleaning cycles. It uses temperatures around 80 degrees Celsius to ensure that all the debris detaches from the dishes and that your dishes get perfectly sanitized.

Double Spray Arms
You won’t have any trouble with using this dishwasher. Everything you need to do is load it up, add the cleaning agents, set the desired operating mode, and turn it on. The double spray arms that relocated on the bottom of the unit will take care of the rest.

Completely Portable
Because of its small size, this energy and water-efficient dishwasher is very easy to move around. If you don’t have enough room for it, you can simply store it inside your cabinets while it’s not in use. It is also very easy to transport which means that you can take it anywhere you go.

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Eco-Friendly Detergents For Energy Star Dishwasher

Do you use this dishwasher model any differently than a classic one? No. You use it exactly the same as it is already designed to save you time, effort, energy, and water. However, if you want to use your dishwasher in an even more “green” way, here are a few tips on efficient detergent options.

• Use detergents that are free of chemicals such as parabens.
• Use detergents that have biodegradable ingredients.
• No artificial scent or colorants are welcomed as they are toxic.
• Powder formulas are more friendly to the environment and they have better cleaning results for the dishes.
• Rinse aid such as actives is good for hard water stains.
• Enzyme stabilizers such as glycerin are great eco-friendly ingredients.