Have you been considering adding a countertop dishwasher to your home but aren't sure how much more they will drive up your electricity cost or water usage? Well, you've come to the right place. We've put together this informative article to help you find out just how much it would cost to add a small dishwasher to your home.
Countertop dishwashers use about 1800 watts of electricity and around two gallons of water per cycle.
You may be wondering how this compares to handwashing dishes or using a larger dishwasher. And how much do 1800 extra watts of electricity cost? Keep reading to learn all about countertop dishwashers.
Do Countertop Dishwashers Use a Lot of Water and Electricity?
Most countertop dishwashers use about two gallons of water and 1800 watts of electricity per cycle, which isn't much. Handwashing can use slightly less electricity and water when done with energy conservation in mind.
When considering the costs of owning a dishwasher, you will also need to factor in the difference in detergent costs and the costs to handwash larger dishes separately that countertop models can't accommodate.
How Much Does it Cost to Run a Dishwasher Per Load?
Running your dishwasher five times a week will only add $1.17 per week to your energy bill. Costs will vary depending on the energy charges in your area. To figure out exactly how much it will cost, look at your energy bill and determine the kWh costs. Multiply this cost by 1.8 to see how much it will cost to run your dishwasher per load.
How Much Does it Cost to Hand-Wash a Load of Dishes?
Doing your dishes by hand will cost about $0.63 less per week than using a dishwasher. You will need to weigh the extra costs accrued against the time you spend washing dishes to determine whether or not the savings are worth the time spent. Use a timer to see how much time it takes you to do your daily dishes and after a week, adds the time up.
How Much Does Dishwasher Soap Cost?
Regular liquid dish soap can be found for as little as a dollar per bottle, and it will usually be enough to do many loads of dishes. Dishwasher detergent tends to be much more costly in comparison, but prices vary widely by brand and type.
Next time you go to the store, look at the dishwasher detergent pricing and see if it fits into your budget.
Is it Cheaper to Hand Wash Dishes or Use a Dishwasher?
Hand washing your dishes can result in lower costs than running your dishwasher. When done with energy efficiency in mind, hand washing is the better option. If your goal is to save time, a countertop dishwasher would be recommended.
There isn't a huge difference in savings between the two methods, so it will ultimately depend on whether your time is worth the savings or not.
Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher
This countertop dishwasher can accommodate four place settings at once, making it ideal for couples and small families. It can fit four place settings at a time, and it has a dryer.
Click here to see this dishwasher on Amazon.
What is the Most Energy-Efficient Way to Hand Wash?
The most efficient way to hand wash your dishes is using a double bowl sink. Fill one side with hot, soapy water and the other side with plain hor water. Wash the dishes on the side with soap and then rinse them on the side with plain water. Use a dishtowel to dry them, or let them air dry.
Will Dishes Get Cleaner in Dishwasher or with Hand Washing?
When you hand wash your dishes, you can only make the water so hot before it starts to hurt or even burn your hands. Dishwashers are cold, unfeeling machines that can use incredibly hot water to wash and sanitize your dishes.
The high temperatures that dishwashers can use make them far better at cleaning and sanitizing dishes than hand washing.
Is it Bad to Run the Dishwasher Every Day?
There is nothing wrong with running your dishwasher every day, but if you want to save energy to become more eco-friendly, you should try to wait until the dishwasher is full before running it.
Dishwashers are made to wash dishes, and as long as you are using it properly, with the right soap, it should last a long time, even with daily use. If you only have a few dishes at the end of the day, it may be best to hand wash them.
Are Dishwashers Worth Having?
Yes, dishwashers are a great addition to any home, making cleanup quick and easy. They sanitize dishes better than hand-washing, and they don't add much to the cost of running your household. If you don't have a lot of daily dishes, a dishwasher may be overkill in your home, but for families or large gatherings, they can be very convenient.
Are Countertop Dishwashers Easy To Install?
Yes, countertop dishwashers are one of the easiest kinds of dishwashers to install. Just set the machine on the counter next to your sink and place the drain hose in your sink. Attach the inlet hose to your sink's faucet and plug the device into the nearest outlet, then turn the hot water faucet on.
You may want to weigh the drain hose down to prevent it from popping out of the sink when the dishwasher drains.
Can a Countertop Dishwasher be Built-In?
No, it is not recommended to try and permanently install a compact dishwasher into a cabinet space.
The machine isn't built for that kind of small space, and the humidity that escapes the machine could severely damage the surrounding cabinets. If you want a machine that can be integrated into your cabinet system, look at models made for built-in applications.
Do All Countertop Dishwashers Need to be Hooked to the Faucet?
No, some countertop models don't need to be attached to the faucet. They have a water holding tank in the rear of the machine that you can pour water into.
These models may not sanitize as well as machines that hook to the faucet because the hot water will lose heat when it is poured into the machine and as it sits in the tank. They are a great alternative if you don't have an outlet or counter space near your sink.
HAVA Countertop Dishwasher
This countertop dishwasher has a water holding tank and the ability to attach to the sink with a hose. It still needs to drain, but use a bucket if there's no room near the sink.
Click here to see this dishwasher on Amazon.
Do Countertop Dishwashers Work as Well as Larger Machines?
Yes, compact dishwashers clean just as well as larger machines, but they use less energy and water. Small families, couples, and people with small homes or apartments will benefit from the smaller version that can sit on the counter.
Portable machines can also be found on the smaller side, but they are usually tall enough to accommodate larger dishes and more place settings.
Energy Star Portable Dishwasher
This portable dishwasher has wheels to make it easy to move out of the way. It's only 18-inches wide, and it can accommodate up to eight place settings at once. These larger models are great for families that go through a lot of dishes daily but don't have space for a full-sized model.
Click here to see this machine on Amazon.
Are Compact Dishwashers More Eco-Friendly Than Larger Machines?
Yes, countertop dishwashers tend to be more energy-efficient than portable or full-size dishwashers. They use much less water and slightly less energy than larger versions. Most compact models lack dryers, which is another energy-conserving feature.
Compact models are more eco-friendly, but they may not be practical for larger families that go through a lot of dishes daily.
Wash Your Worries Away
Now that you know all the costs associated with owning a countertop dishwasher, you're ready to determine whether or not this is a good investment for your home.
Weigh the costs against the time-saving benefits and make the decision that suits you best. Don't forget to plan for the placement of your countertop dishwasher, and have fun shopping!
If you want to learn more about the capabilities dishwashers, offer, read our article "Do Dishwashers Have Garbage Disposals?"
To learn more about the different available sizes and styles of dishwashers, read our article "Are All Dishwashers A Standard Size?"
