Dishwasher Energy Label: kWh per 100 Cycles Explained
Many modern UK dishwasher energy labels give electricity consumption in kWh per 100 eco cycles. Divide that number by 100 to estimate the electricity used for one labelled eco wash.
What does “kWh per 100 cycles” mean?
A label showing 70 kWh per 100 cycles indicates an average of 0.70 kWh per labelled eco cycle under the specified test conditions. It does not mean one wash costs 70 kWh. The figure is tied to the eco programme; intensive, quick and other settings may use different amounts.
The UK Government's energy-label specifications use the fields energy consumption per 100 cycles and water consumption per cycle for dishwashers. See the official dishwasher energy-label documentation.
Worked example: 70 kWh per 100 washes
Use an illustrative unit rate of 30p/kWh and five eco cycles each week:
- Energy per wash: 70 ÷ 100 = 0.70 kWh.
- Electricity cost per wash: 0.70 × £0.30 = £0.21.
- Five washes a week: £0.21 × 5 = £1.05.
- Across 52 weeks: £1.05 × 52 = £54.60 in electricity.
This calculation excludes water, sewerage, detergent, standing charges and repairs. If your household is metered for water, the label's litres-per-cycle figure can help you estimate that extra running cost separately.
Why the eco programme matters
The label's energy figure relates to its tested eco programme and load assumptions, not every programme on the machine. A lower temperature programme can run for longer while still using less electricity. Actual use depends on the selected setting, load, water heating and the condition of the appliance.
How to compare two dishwashers fairly
- Look for the same label metric: kWh per 100 eco cycles.
- Check capacity and whether the models fit your household.
- Compare water use per cycle as well as electricity.
- Enter your own tariff rather than assuming an advertised price cap is your rate.
If the label is missing, check the manufacturer's product documentation before estimating consumption from the appliance's wattage.
Try the numbers for your household
Use your own electricity tariff and appliance details to get a personalised estimate.