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How Much Water Does a Dishwasher Use?

You’ve probably heard that dishwashers use less water than washing by hand. But is that really true? And if so, how much water does a dishwasher actually use?

With rising water costs and increasing concerns about sustainability, it’s worth knowing whether your trusty machine is a water-saving hero or a secret guzzler.

Let’s break it down and settle the debate once and for all.

How Much Water Does a Dishwasher Use?

Dishwashers use, on average, between 7 - 15 litres of water per wash. However, the actual water consumption of a dishwasher varies and depends on:

●     The brand

●     The model

●     The efficiency rating

●     The cycle selected

High-efficiency dishwashers, especially those with ENERGY STAR certification, can use as little as 7 litres per cycle.

Older models can use up to 20 litres per cycle, though this number fluctuates based on specific settings and load size. Compared to these older models, today’s dishwashers are designed to clean effectively while using significantly less water, good news on both fronts.

Defy Dishwasher Water Usage

By way of example, here’s what you can expect from your Defy dishwasher.

Is It Cheaper to Run the Dishwasher or Wash by Hand?

If you think you’re saving money by scrubbing dishes yourself, you might want to rethink. Dishwashers use far less water than handwashing, and if you have an energy-efficient model, the electricity cost per cycle is minimal.

Washing by hand also means running hot water continuously, which can significantly increase your water heating bill. What Is the Most Cost-Effective Approach?

In the past, the most cost-effective way to use a dishwasher was to wait until it was fully loaded before running a cycle. However, modern dishwashers now offer smarter water-saving solutions.

Our current models include a smart Eco “Half Load” feature, designed for smaller loads. This setting uses approximately half the water of a standard cycle, allowing you to run the dishwasher without needing to wait until it’s completely full.

This means you can still reduce water consumption compared to handwashing, while enjoying the convenience of washing fewer dishes when needed. For households with lighter daily use, the Half Load Eco option provides a flexible and water-efficient alternative.
 

How Much Water Does a 1-Hour Dishwasher Cycle Use?

There’s no single answer to this question, unfortunately. A standard 1-hour dishwasher cycle typically uses 9 to 12 litres of water, but this varies by brand, model, and cycle.

Many people assume that shorter cycles mean less water, but that’s not always the case. For example, some quick-wash settings often use more water at higher pressure to get dishes clean faster, whereas an eco-cycle takes longer but sips water more efficiently.

Do You Really Save Water by Using a Dishwasher?

Yes—if you use it correctly. A dishwasher can use up to five times less water than washing by hand, but only if you resist the urge to pre-rinse. Modern dishwashers are designed to handle a bit of mess, and pre-rinsing just wastes water. Scrape off excess food and let the machine do its job. If your dishwasher has a full-load indicator, use it to make sure you're running it efficiently.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Use a Dishwasher?

If you want to cut down on costs, follow these simple tricks:

●     Use the eco-setting – It takes longer but uses less water and electricity.

●     Skip the heated dry – On models like the DDW366, this process is made even more effective with automatic door opening. Once the wash cycle is                        complete, the door opens automatically, allowing built-up heat to escape and fresh air to circulate, helping dishes dry naturally 

●     Load it properly – Overloading can mean some dishes don’t get clean, leading to extra washes.

●     Check for leaks – A faulty dishwasher can waste litres of water without you even noticing.

The Smart Way to Clean Your Dishes

Using a dishwasher isn’t just about convenience—it’s a smart way to save water, reduce costs, and get spotless dishes with minimal effort. If your current model isn’t cutting it in terms of efficiency, it might be time for an upgrade.

Defy’s dishwashers are designed with water-saving technology, helping you cut down on usage without sacrificing performance.

Ready to clean smarter? Check out Defy’s range of dishwashers and start saving today.