Buying and Operating Tips: Dishwashers
- Buying tips
- A higher standard: ENERGY STAR®
- List of models: Dishwashers
- Categories of dishwashers
- Dishwasher distributors by brand name
- Operating tips to save energy and money
Today's dishwashers are about 66 percent more energy efficient than they were in the 1990s, and ENERGY STAR® qualified models are even better.
| Dishwashers |
1990 (average annual energy consumption in kWh/year) |
2008 (average annual energy consumption in kWh/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1026 | 343 |
| ENERGY STAR qualified | - | 339 |
Most new dishwashers have many energy-saving features that reduce energy and water waste, such as:
- short, light or economy cycles, which clean dishes in one detergent wash, followed by two or three rinses
- a choice between heat and no-heat drying
- a sensor that measures the amount of food on dishes and determines just how much water is needed to wash them efficiently
All these features reduce energy and water waste.
Buying Tips
- Look for the ENERGY STAR symbol
- Look for the lowest EnerGuide rating
A Higher Standard: ENERGY STAR®
ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers are the best performers. Standard dishwashers that display the ENERGY STAR symbol achieve energy efficiency levels at least 9 percent higher than the minimum regulated standard in Canada. Compact dishwashers must be at least 10 percent more efficient.
ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers save energy by using improved technology and less hot water. These appliances feature sensors that calculate the required length of wash cycles and the appropriate water temperatures needed to clean each load. Some models feature built-in heating elements that save water-heating costs.
Compare current dishwasher models by visiting our searchable product listings, which show ENERGY STAR qualified models and standard models.
Categories of Dishwashers
Dishwashers are available in various sizes, which affects energy consumption. The EnerGuide label classifies dishwashers as
- Built-in compact
- Built-in standard
- Portable compact
- Portable standard
Built-In Dishwashers
This category includes all standard-size dishwashers that are permanently connected to household water and electrical supplies. Only standard-size dishwashers can qualify for the ENERGY STAR symbol.
Portable Dishwashers
This category includes all standard-size dishwashers that are not permanently connected to household water and electrical supplies. Remember that only standard-size dishwashers can qualify for the ENERGY STAR symbol.
Compact Dishwashers
Compact dishwashers include all models with capacities of less than eight place settings and six serving pieces. They are available as built-in and portable models.
Dishwasher Distributors by Brand Name
| Brand Name | Distributor |
|---|---|
| AEG-Electrolux | Bonferraro |
| AGA | AGA Heartland Appliances |
| Amana | Maytag Co. |
| Ariston | Indesit Company SPA |
| Asko | Asko Cylinda |
| Blomberg | Arcelik |
| Bosch | BSH Home Appliances |
| Crosley | Crosley Appliances Ltd. |
| Danby | Danby Products Ltd. |
| Danby Design | Danby Products Ltd. |
| Danby Silhouette | Danby Products Ltd. |
| Electrolux | Electrolux Home Products |
| Electrolux Icon | Electrolux Home Products |
| Estate | Whirlpool Corporation |
| EuroDesign | Arcelik |
| Fagor | Fagor Electro. |
| Fisher & Paykel | Innovative Appliances Distribution |
| Frigidaire | Electrolux Home Products |
| Fulgor | Qingdao Haier Dishwasher Co. Ltd. |
| Gaggeneau | BSH Home Appliances |
| General Electric (GE) | Camco Inc. / GE Appliances |
| GE Monogram | GE Appliances |
| GE Profile | GE Appliances |
| Haier | Haier America Trading Corp. |
| Heartland | Fagor Electro. |
| Hotpoint | Camco Inc. / GE Appliances |
| Ikea | Whirlpool Corporation |
| Inglis | Whirlpool Corporation |
| Jenn-Air | Maytag Co. |
| Kenmor | Sears Canada Inc. |
| KitchenAid | Whirlpool Corporation |
| Kueppersbusch | BSH Home Appliances |
| LG | LG Electronics Inc. |
| Magic Chef | Maytag Co. |
| Maytag | Maytag Co. |
| Midea | Midea Dishwashers Mfg. Co. Ltd. |
| Miele | Miele Canada Ltd. |
| Moffat | Camco Inc. |
| Porter & Charles | Arcelik |
| Samsung | Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. |
| Smeg | Bonferraro |
| Summit Pro. | Arcelik |
| Thermador | BSH Home Appliances |
| Viking | Asko Cylinda |
| Vintage | Arcelik |
| Whirlpool | Whirlpool Corporation |
Operating Tips to Save Energy and Money
- Read your owner's manual - it's full of hints to help you operate your dishwasher at optimum efficiency.
- Clean the filter regularly.
- Run your dishwasher only when it's full and use the setting that offers the best wash in the least amount of time. Check your dishwasher's manual for the settings that work best for you.
- Select the no-heat drying cycle (also called "air drying").
- Do not rinse dishes before putting them into the dishwasher! Rinsing, especially in hot water, wastes energy. Just scrape off the excess food and let the dishwasher do the job you bought it to do.