Understanding dishwasher efficiency ratings

As an Australian consumer, you've probably noticed the star ratings on appliances when shopping online. These ratings are a measure of the appliance's energy efficiency and/or water efficiency, which can significantly impact your utility bills and carbon footprint. At Appliances Online, we believe in empowering our customers with the right information to make informed decisions. In this blog post, we take a look at dishwasher efficiency ratings, helping you understand what they mean and how to use them to your advantage.

Dishwasher Energy Star ratings are a government-regulated system designed to provide consumers with standardised information about the energy efficiency of different models. For dishwashers, these ratings range from one to six stars, with six being the most energy-efficient appliances.

The efficiency rating of your dishwasher can significantly impact your energy bills. A higher-rated dishwasher can save you hundreds of dollars over the appliance's lifetime. Additionally, choosing a more energy-efficient model contributes to reducing your household's environmental impact.

The star rating system is straightforward. The more stars a dishwasher has, the more energy-efficient it is. But, there's more to it. Each star rating corresponds to a specific amount of energy consumption, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. This information is usually displayed on the energy rating label.

Dishwashers don't only use electricity, of course, they are also dependent on water. Rest assured, when technology advances sufficiently to deliver hygienic water-free dishwashing, Appliances Online will have them in stock! Until then, look for models with higher Water Stars. The highest water rating for dishwashers is 6 stars. A machine with this water efficiency may use up to half the amount of water per cycle as a 3 or 4 Water Star rated machine with the same capacity place setting.

When shopping for a new dishwasher at Appliances Online, consider both the star rating and your household's specific needs. While a higher star rating means more energy efficiency, it may come with a higher upfront cost. However, the long-term savings on your energy bills often outweigh the initial investment.

Remember, the size and type of dishwasher also matter. A compact model may be more energy-efficient than a larger one. Similarly, a dishwasher with an eco-mode or energy-saving feature can help reduce water and electricity usage.

Understanding dishwasher efficiency ratings is crucial. It allows you to balance upfront costs with long-term savings and environmental impact. At Appliances Online, we're committed to providing you with a wide range of energy-efficient dishwashers, along with the information you need to choose the right one.

Appliances Online's legendary FREE delivery reaches 95% of Australia's population, and if it’s in stock you’ll usually receive your new dishwasher the day after ordering (Mon-Fri). We also offer paid Same Day Delivery in metro NSW, Qld and Vic on weekday orders placed by 12pm. We’ll even take your old dishwasher away to be recycled, at no charge (if it’s already disconnected). If you have any questions, call us 24/7 on 1300 000 500, or message us via the chat icon at the bottom right of your screen.