How many watts does a dishwasher use?
Most dishwashers use 1,200–2,400 watts while running (typically about 1,500 W). At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $3.62 a month ($43.40 a year).
Cost to run a dishwasher: calculator
Real data from 752 ENERGY STAR models
Median rated annual energy use under the DOE test procedure: 239 kWh/yr (most models 220–240 kWh/yr). The federal maximum allowed for these models is around 307 kWh/yr (median), so older or non-certified units can use noticeably more.
| Median | Cost at 18.16¢ | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 240 kWh/yr | $43.58/yr |
| Compact | 155 kWh/yr | $28.15/yr |
Running vs starting watts
Running watts are what it draws while operating; they drive your electricity bill. It has no significant start-up surge, so size a generator or power station on running watts alone.
| Source | Running | Starting |
|---|---|---|
| Champion Power Equipment generator wattage chart | 1,200–2,400 W | — |
| Honda generator wattage chart (PDF) | 1,450 W | — |
| EcoFlow appliance wattage chart | 1,200–2,400 W | — |
| U.S. DOE Energy Saver, typical appliance wattages (archived) | 1,200–2,400 W | — |
Will a power station run it?
A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical dishwasher for about 0.6 hours (assuming 85% conversion efficiency). Look for at least 2,400 W continuous output. Check your power station or generator →
Cost by state
Based on the median ENERGY STAR model (239 kWh/yr rated).
Cost to run a dishwasher in every state
| State | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 16.33¢ | $3.25 | $39.03 |
| Alaska | 29.41¢ | $5.86 | $70.29 |
| Arizona | 15.05¢ | $3.00 | $35.97 |
| Arkansas | 14.37¢ | $2.86 | $34.34 |
| California | 29.75¢ | $5.93 | $71.10 |
| Colorado | 17.17¢ | $3.42 | $41.04 |
| Connecticut | 24.51¢ | $4.88 | $58.58 |
| Delaware | 18.70¢ | $3.72 | $44.69 |
| District of Columbia | 25.98¢ | $5.17 | $62.09 |
| Florida | 14.99¢ | $2.99 | $35.83 |
| Georgia | 15.90¢ | $3.17 | $38.00 |
| Hawaii | 47.18¢ | $9.40 | $113 |
| Idaho | 13.37¢ | $2.66 | $31.95 |
| Illinois | 19.32¢ | $3.85 | $46.17 |
| Indiana | 17.02¢ | $3.39 | $40.68 |
| Iowa | 17.06¢ | $3.40 | $40.77 |
| Kansas | 15.47¢ | $3.08 | $36.97 |
| Kentucky | 13.80¢ | $2.75 | $32.98 |
| Louisiana | 12.87¢ | $2.56 | $30.76 |
| Maine | 32.11¢ | $6.40 | $76.74 |
| Maryland | 21.40¢ | $4.26 | $51.15 |
| Massachusetts | 30.48¢ | $6.07 | $72.85 |
| Michigan | 22.99¢ | $4.58 | $54.95 |
| Minnesota | 17.20¢ | $3.43 | $41.11 |
| Mississippi | 14.43¢ | $2.87 | $34.49 |
| Missouri | 16.02¢ | $3.19 | $38.29 |
| Montana | 15.57¢ | $3.10 | $37.21 |
| Nebraska | 13.54¢ | $2.70 | $32.36 |
| Nevada | 12.72¢ | $2.53 | $30.40 |
| New Hampshire | 27.64¢ | $5.50 | $66.06 |
| New Jersey | 24.61¢ | $4.90 | $58.82 |
| New Mexico | 16.51¢ | $3.29 | $39.46 |
| New York | 28.65¢ | $5.71 | $68.47 |
| North Carolina | 14.95¢ | $2.98 | $35.73 |
| North Dakota | 13.31¢ | $2.65 | $31.81 |
| Ohio | 19.38¢ | $3.86 | $46.32 |
| Oklahoma | 14.82¢ | $2.95 | $35.42 |
| Oregon | 15.92¢ | $3.17 | $38.05 |
| Pennsylvania | 21.77¢ | $4.34 | $52.03 |
| Rhode Island | 28.18¢ | $5.61 | $67.35 |
| South Carolina | 15.76¢ | $3.14 | $37.67 |
| South Dakota | 15.15¢ | $3.02 | $36.21 |
| Tennessee | 13.42¢ | $2.67 | $32.07 |
| Texas | 15.91¢ | $3.17 | $38.02 |
| Utah | 13.31¢ | $2.65 | $31.81 |
| Vermont | 23.84¢ | $4.75 | $56.98 |
| Virginia | 17.64¢ | $3.51 | $42.16 |
| Washington | 14.63¢ | $2.91 | $34.97 |
| West Virginia | 16.31¢ | $3.25 | $38.98 |
| Wisconsin | 19.41¢ | $3.87 | $46.39 |
| Wyoming | 14.43¢ | $2.87 | $34.49 |
FAQ
How many watts does a dishwasher use?
Most dishwashers use 1,200–2,400 watts while running (typically about 1,500 W). At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $3.62 a month ($43.40 a year).
How much does it cost to run a dishwasher?
About $3.62 a month at the U.S. average rate (18.16¢/kWh, August 2026), based on the median ENERGY STAR model (239 kWh/yr rated). In the cheapest state it's about $2.53 a month; in the most expensive, $9.40.
How many kWh does a dishwasher use?
About 239 kWh a year (20 kWh a month), based on the median ENERGY STAR model (239 kWh/yr rated).
Can a power station or generator run a dishwasher?
A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical dishwasher for about 0.6 hours. Look for at least 2,400 W continuous output.