Most Efficient Dishwashers

Take the guesswork out of washing with an Auto program. Many dishwashers from brands like Bosch and Fisher & Paykel use advanced sensors to detect how dirty your dishes are. The machine then automatically adjusts the water level, temperature, and cycle time to use only what's necessary for a perfect clean, preventing wasted resources on lightly soiled loads.

The 'Eco' cycle is your best friend for saving energy and water. While these cycles often take longer to run, they do so at a lower temperature, which significantly cuts down on electricity consumption. It's the perfect setting for overnight washes, so you can wake up to clean dishes and a lower power bill.

Getting dishes cupboard-dry can use a lot of energy, but the best brands have found clever ways around it. Bosch's Series 8 dishwashers feature PerfectDry with Zeolith, a natural mineral that absorbs moisture and releases heat, drying even plastics perfectly with minimal energy. Meanwhile, brands like Miele, ASKO, Haier, and Fisher & Paykel use AutoOpen or Door Pop-Out functions, where the door automatically opens slightly at the end of the cycle to let steam escape for natural, energy-free air drying.

Don't want to wait for a full load? You don't have to waste water or energy. Many models include half-load or zone-wash options. This allows you to wash just the top or bottom basket, using a fraction of the resources. It’s ideal for smaller households or for when you just need to clean a few items quickly.

Renowned for their quality and longevity, Miele dishwashers frequently achieve incredible 6-star WELS ratings. Many Miele models, such as those in the G 5000 and G 7000 series, use as little as 9.2 litres of water per cycle. Features like their EcoPower Technology and AutoOpen Drying ensure top-tier efficiency, earning them fantastic customer feedback, with many models rated 4.6 stars or higher from dozens of verified buyers.

With a focus on durable, Scandinavian design, ASKO also excels in efficiency. Their dishwashers often boast 6-star water ratings and are built with more steel components than plastic for a longer lifespan. Their Turbo Combi Drying™ system with the automatic door pop-out is a customer favourite for getting everything, including plastics, perfectly dry. It's no surprise that ASKO dishwashers are highly regarded, with some models receiving an average of 4.5 stars from over 300 happy customers.

A household name for a reason, Bosch delivers German-engineered efficiency you can rely on. Their groundbreaking PerfectDry with Zeolith technology sets them apart, offering exceptional drying results while saving energy. Combined with their ultra-quiet EcoSilence Drive motor and smart Home Connect features, Bosch dishwashers are a popular choice, with slimline and standard models alike receiving high praise, like the Series 6 Slimline with a 4.9-star rating from over 100 reviews.

Offering stylish design and smart features, both Fisher & Paykel and Haier produce highly efficient dishwashers. Many models come with 5.5-star water ratings and 4-star energy ratings. Features like Auto Door Open Dry, flexible loading, and sanitise options make them a practical choice for modern families. Plus, with Wi-Fi connectivity through the SmartHQ app, you can control your wash from anywhere.

Using a modern, efficient dishwasher is almost always more water-efficient. A full dishwasher load can use as little as 9 litres of water, while handwashing the same amount of dishes can use over 100 litres of running water from the tap.

Look for the highest star rating you can find within your budget. For water, a 5 or 6-star WELS rating is excellent and will deliver significant savings. For electricity, a 4-star or higher Energy Star rating signifies great energy efficiency.

Always try to run a full load to maximise water and energy use. Select the 'Eco' cycle whenever possible, especially for overnight washes, and remember to scrape food scraps off plates instead of pre-rinsing them under the tap. Cleaning your dishwasher’s filter regularly also helps it run at its best.

Absolutely. Top brands like Miele, Bosch, and ASKO use smart technology, including powerful planetary wash arms, soil sensors, and high-pressure spray zones to ensure a brilliant clean while using the minimum amount of water and energy needed for the job.

The WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) rating tells you exactly how much water a dishwasher uses per wash cycle. The rating is shown in stars-more stars mean less water consumption, which is better for the environment and your water bills.