Dishwashers

Choose a dishwasher that is energy- and water-efficient

The average dishwasher on a full cycle uses about 13 litres of water — much less than handwashing. And there’s usually no need to pre-rinse.

How much you can save

Using a 14-place setting dishwasher with 4.5 stars on the label,
compared to one with 3 stars.

$36
per year
$360
over 10 years 
43 %
CO₂ emissions

Assumes the dishwasher is used once a day and an electricity price of 0.25 $/kWh. Source: EECA, 2024 

Why consider efficiency 

Immediate running cost savings — Your monthly energy bills will drop if you make the switch to a more energy-efficient dishwasher.
Long-term cost savings — The long-term cost savings over the life of a dishwasher often balance out the in-store savings of buying a cheaper, less efficient model. 
Better electricity grid stability — A more efficient dishwasher requires less power to operate. This helps lower electricity demand and places less strain on the electricity system at peak times. 
Lower your emissions footprint — Switching to a more energy-efficient dishwasher cuts your electricity-related emissions and helps New Zealand reduce its reliance on fossil fuels to support long-term environmental benefits.

Since 2002, around $2.6 billion of national benefit and 3.95 million tonnes of CO2 have been avoided by selling more efficient products and appliances in New Zealand and using regulations to remove the worst ones from the market.

Source: EECA, 2024

Choosing a dishwasher

Dishwashers come in many sizes and styles. Choose one that fits your space, needs and washing requirements.

Look for more stars. The Energy Rating Label shows which dishwashers use less energy and cost less to run.
Get the right size for your household. When shopping, bring a large plate, deep bowl and long-stemmed glass to ensure the dishwasher you choose meets your needs. If you have a small household, slimline or single-drawer dishwashers are great option.
Different settings offer flexibility. Use half-load to save detergent, power and water. Fast wash is good for pre-rinsed items.

Using a dishwasher with 4.5 stars on the Energy Rating Label generates 43% less emissions than a similar dishwasher with only 3 stars.

Source: EECA, 2024

Understanding the labels

Energy Rating Labels help you compare the efficiency and running costs of similar appliances.   
   
The star rating of an Energy Rating Label won’t tell you how much an appliance will cost to run — just that it will be cheaper than similar sized models with fewer stars. 

The trick is to look at this along with the annual energy consumption on the label, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The lower this number, the less it will cost you to run — regardless of machine size. 

Energy Rating Labels

Find the right dishwasher

The best dishwasher on the market will look different for individual households.  

Consider the right size configuration to suit your household’s needs.

The Gen Less efficient appliance calculator can help you easily compare fridges and freezers in New Zealand. 

Efficient appliance calculator

Common questions

Electricity in New Zealand is largely generated by renewable sources like hydro or wind — in an average year, around 80%. However, the remaining 20% is still powered using fossil fuels like coal, diesel, and natural gas. 

Better, more efficient appliances are becoming more available in New Zealand. These better-rated products use less electricity to get those jobs done — costing you less in energy bills.  

On a national scale, they also help to smooth out electricity peaks that make us more likely to tap into fossil fuels to meet electricity demand. By buying a more efficient version of an appliance, you can save money and help reduce New Zealand’s overall emissions too.
Dishwashers become inefficient over time, using more electricity and costing you more in running costs. Consider a replacement when your appliance:
- is more than 10–15 years old
- uses too much energy or water
- is noisy or leaks
- doesn’t clean well or frequently breaks down.
You can use some simple tricks to get the most out of your dishwasher — and save on your energy bills.
- Fill it up before you run it. If you need to run the dishwasher half full, use the half-load setting.
- Clean the filter regularly. Use a brush and hot soapy water. Check the spray-arm holes aren’t clogged.
- Match the setting to the load. If you have an eco-setting, try using it for less-dirty dishes. Save the default setting for heavier loads.
Dishwashers are measured in place settings — the kitchenware one person uses (plates, glasses and cutlery).

Most models hold 7–16 place settings, with 12–16 place setting models fitting standard under-bench spaces (82–85 cm high, 60 cm wide, and 55–65 cm deep).*

Slimline or single-drawer dishwashers are ideal for small households.

 *Consumer NZ, 2024
In New Zealand, dishwashers are one of many energy-using products that are regulated through labelling and energy efficiency performance requirements.  

These regulations mean Kiwi have access to better products on the market — helping them save on energy bills.  

By regulating a range of products for energy efficiency, New Zealanders have saved around $37 million in collective energy costs in the year leading up to 31 March 2024. That’s the equivalent to the annual energy use of 36,600 Kiwi homes!

Choose a dishwasher that is energy- and water-efficient

How much you can save

Why consider efficiency

Choosing a dishwasher

Understanding the labels

Find the right dishwasher

Common questions

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