Dishwashers

THE PRODUCT:

Most dishwashers are classified as “standard” size, which means that they can hold at least eight place settings. “Compact” dishwashers have capacities of less than eight place settings.

THE STANDARD:

The current standards for dishwashers took effect in 2013. The standards, which were based on a consensus agreement between manufacturers and efficiency advocates, specify minimum energy and water efficiency levels. The standards require that standard-size dishwashers use no more than 307 kWh per year and 5.0 gallons of water per cycle.

In 2023, DOE proposed amended standards for dishwashers that would reduce energy and water use by 15% and 34%, respectively, relative to the current standards. Dishwashers were also covered in a 2023 joint recommendation between efficiency advocates and AHAM. DOE is expected to finalize amended standards based on this joint recommendation. 

KEY FACTS:

Amended standards will be based on an updated test method, which requires the test cycle to meet a specific cleaning performance threshold. 

Standard-size dishwashers meeting the ENERGY STAR specification (Version 7.0) use no more than 240 kWh per year and 3.2 gallons per cycle.