Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by Shavy Jain
Time is money, and an investment in appliances that reduce manual labor is a fair bargain to make. Launched in 1850, North Americans were quick to adopt this time-saving home cleaning machine. But how well has that trade faired with the planet we inhibit? We’d see – not bad. Why?
Well, to your surprise, if used correctly and bought keeping in mind a few considerations, dishwashers were said to be more eco-friendly than hand-washing your utensils.Sounds too good to be true? But studies have concluded that dishwashers are better for the environment than hand-washing, resulting in lower carbon emissions.
If this compels you to make an investment into one of these appliances, then you might want to check out our list of six energy-efficient dishwashers.
Top 6 Eco-Friendly Dishwashers
Eco-friendly dishwashers are a great option for reducing water and energy consumption while still getting those dishes sparkling clean. Here are our top recommendations for eco-friendly dishwashers:
Price:
$1,249
Badges:
Sustainable Material, Energy Efficient, Quiet, Durable, Hygienic, Produced Locally
Certificates:
Energy Star certified, NSF Certified, UL Certified
Product features:
– Fan-Enabled ProDry System (combines a heating element and fan for optimal drying performance), – ProWash Cycle (sensors to measure soil levels)
– Flexi third rack, Extended dry option
– Express Wash Cycle
– Sani-Rinse Option (eliminates 99.999% of food soil bacteria)
– Leak Detection System
KitchenAid’s three-rack dishwasher has versatile loading possibilities and a complete wash cover. The FreeFlex™ Third Rack accommodates glasses, mugs, bowls, silverware, and cooking tools, freeing up space below for larger items like pots, plates, and mixing bowls. The Advanced Clean Water Wash System circulates clean water throughout all three racks, while the Fan-Enabled ProDry™ System ensures that dishes are thoroughly dried and ready to be enjoyed.
Price:
$963
Badges:
Sustainable Material, Energy Efficient, Quiet, Durable, Hygienic
Certificates:
Energy Star certified, NSF Certified, UL Certified, ANSI certified
Product features:
– EcoPower Technology saves power and water usage
– Additional insulation reduces thermal losses
– Visible Consumption (estimated water and electricity consumption values are displayed)
– Hygienically clean, insured against water damage
– AutoOpen drying (dishwasher door opens automatically at the end of a program cycle)
– Extra Comfort basket design
The consumer feedback for the Miele smart dishwasher reassures us that the expensive machine is worth spending. It is a versatile dishwasher with wash cycles for every type of dishware and a door-opening system for dry dishes. Additionally, the estimated water and energy usage appear on the screen when a program is selected. You can utilize the Miele app, accessible on iPhone and Android, to control the dishwasher.
Price:
$963
Badges:
Sustainable Material, Energy Efficient, Quiet, Hygienic
Certificates:
Energy Star certified, NSF Certified, UL Certified
Product features:
– Quick Wash function for smaller loads
– Pots & Pans setting for heavily soiled pans
– Adjustable smart fold shelf
– Automatic detergent detection for optimum performance, Self-cleaning program
Priced at a competitive $1150, the Summit dishwasher stands out not just for its advanced features but also for its commitment to sustainability and efficiency. As an Energy Star certified appliance, it promises to be energy efficient, reducing both your electricity bill and carbon footprint. Further certifications from NSF and UL underscore its quality and safety standards.
Price:
$1,499
Badges:
Sustainable Material, Energy Efficient, Quiet
Certificates:
Energy Star certified
Product features:
– 11 Wash function, Power Zone Cutlery™ (special nozzle spray zone)
– Powerful Super Cleaning System, Hygiene program
– Adjustable smart fold shelf,
This eco-friendly dishwasher features three basket levels for flexible loading, a Super Cleaning System+ that eliminates the need for pre-rinsing, and a Hygiene program for disinfecting baby bottles and other items. ASKO’s innovative products save water and energy while providing superior performance and design. All ASKO residential products come with a 2 Plus 1 Warranty – two years of coverage with an additional year upon product registration.
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Price:
$680
Badges:
Energy Efficient, Quiet, Hygienic
Certificates:
Energy Star certified, NSF Certified, UL Listed
Product features:
– OrbitClean® Wash System
– Four times more water coverage, with the same amount of water
– Dish sense (automatically adjusts the cycle time), Even Dry works without heat drying,
– Adjustable Rack
– Hild Lock
The Frigidaire dishwasher, priced at $579, boasts a range of premium features and certifications. It’s Energy Star certified, NSF Certified, and UL Listed, underscoring its energy efficiency, hygiene, and safety standards. Noteworthy badges include its energy efficiency, quiet operation, and hygienic design. Key product features encompass the innovative OrbitClean® Wash System, which provides four times more water coverage using the same amount of water.
Price:
$736.05
Badges:
Energy Efficient
Certificates:
ENERGY STAR® Certified
Product features:
– Microban® Antimicrobial Technology
– Dry Boost capabilities
– Autosense Cycle
– Built-In WiFi
How To Select The Best Eco-Friendly Dishwashers
What exactly makes your dishwasher eco-friendly, and on what criteria do we evaluate it? Let us find out. An eco-friendly choice or product should have minimum impact on the environment. These eco-friendly dishwashers are energy efficient, meaning they consume fewer units of electricity than their traditional counterparts.
Also, the new models consume less water. Most dishwashers made after 1994 use 7-8 gallons of water per cycle, compared to older dishwashers that use 8-15 gallons. Energy Star dishwashers in the USA either have an Energy Star rating or an Energy Guide Lable. Made using sustainable materials, these eco-friendly dishwashers have a long and durable life.
According to a study by scientists at the University of Bonn in Germany, using a dishwasher consumes only half as much energy, one-sixth as much water, and less soap than washing the same set of dirty dishes by hand. So you don’t have to worry about the environment while choosing a dishwasher. We have compiled the top 4 eco-friendly dishwashers based on these criteria and certifications.
How To Maintain Eco-Friendly Dishwashers
John Morril (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy) says that there are two criteria one should keep in mind while using a dishwasher: “Run the dishwasher only when it’s full, and don’t rinse your dishes putting them in.” Also, avoid using the dry cycle. Scrape the food off the utensils before putting them in the dishwasher.
Weekly maintenance includes:
- Removing the filter.
- Cleaning it.
- Unclogging and cleaning the drain.
- Wiping the door rim to prevent leaks and damage to the seal.
Remember to top up the dishwasher with salt and rinse aid monthly or as instructed. Dishwasher salt softens water, improving cleaning and preventing the glass from becoming cloudy and limescale from developing. Rinse aid reduces surface tension to help with drainage and evaporation.
Twice a year, remove and clean the dishwasher’s spray arms. Run the dishwasher on a hot empty cycle, especially in the eco setting, because cooler water can cause food residue build-up. If your dishes aren’t getting clean, it might be the detergent, not the dishwasher. Test a few detergents before replacing the machine.
Good for You, Good for the Planet!
Eco-friendly dishwashers save time. The advanced technologies minimizes water and energy consumption while maximizing cleaning efficiency. Consumers can actively contribute to reducing their environmental footprint by selecting an eco-friendly dishwasher without compromising convenience.
As society embraces more eco-conscious choices, these top-rated eco-friendly dishwashers are tangible solutions, proving that innovation can align with environmental responsibility!
Explore our expertly curated brands, handpicked by our research team to empower your sustainable living journey. Curious about our rating process? Click here to learn more!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do eco-friendly dishwashers help the environment?
Eco-friendly dishwashers use less water and energy compared to conventional models, reducing your carbon footprint. They often have energy-saving features and are designed to optimize water usage, contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
How much water and energy do eco-friendly dishwashers save?
The amount of water and energy saved by eco-friendly dishwashers varies depending on the model and usage patterns. However, on average, they can save significant amounts of both resources compared to traditional dishwashers, often up to 20-30% in water usage and even more in energy consumption.
How to pick an eco-friendly dishwasher?
When shopping for an eco-friendly dishwasher, consider factors such as Energy Star ratings, water usage per cycle, detergent compatibility, cleaning performance, durability, and warranty coverage. Researching specific models and reading customer reviews can help you make an informed decision.
