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 2024, DOE finalized amended standards for dishwashers based on a joint recommendation from manufacturers and efficiency advocates. The new standards for dishwashers will cost-effectively reduce energy consumption by 15% relative to the current standards while also cutting water waste.

In May 2025, DOE proposed to rescind the water efficiency requirements set by rulemaking for dishwashers, reverting to older standards established by Congress.

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.