Save money

How much does a dishwasher cost to run?

Written by James Whitfield · Updated 28 October 2026 · 6 min read · Checked against 2026/27 DWP & HMRC rates
Contents (3 sections)
  1. Quick answer: dishwasher running costs
  2. A year's cost
  3. Who these figures cover
Quick answer: dishwasher running costs
  • Bosch's class A SMS6TCI01G uses 54 kWh per 100 cycles on Eco: 14.2p a cycle.1
  • Its class D SMS2HVW67G uses 85 kWh per 100 cycles: 22.4p a cycle. Both are 14-place models, now discontinued.2
  • The government's Home Energy Model assumes 280 uses a year.3
  • Last checked: 28 October 2026.

Worried about bills this winter? See the help and savings you may be missing, free. Check my bills

A year's cost

At 280 cycles a year (the government model's figure) on the Eco programme.3

14-place dishwashers, Eco programme, 26.32p per kWh
Model (energy class)A cycleA year
Bosch SMS6TCI01G (A)14.2p£39.80
Bosch SMS2HVW67G (D)22.4p£62.64

Models are named only as examples of published label figures, not recommendations. Your energy label shows kWh per 100 cycles: divide by 100 for one cycle.

Who these figures cover

Costs use the Ofgem price cap average for England, Scotland and Wales, 26.32p per kWh by Direct Debit, 1 October to 31 December 2026. Your region and tariff change it.4

HMRC: “The temporary zero rate applies from 1 October 2026 to 30 June 2027.” The Budget on 28 October 2026 extended it from 31 March (announced; the legislation is due in early 2027). Gas stays at 5% VAT.5 In Northern Ireland, use the unit rate on your bill.

Frequently asked questions

How much does one dishwasher cycle cost?
14.2p to 22.4p on Eco for the two 14-place examples, at 26.32p per kWh.
Where is my dishwasher's energy use?
On the energy label, in kWh per 100 cycles on the Eco programme.

Try the calculators

Check your own figures: no login, no sign-up, instant results.

Sources & references

The figures and rules in this guide are drawn from the official UK government sources below. Rates are the confirmed 2026/27 amounts. Each link opens the relevant official page in a new tab.

  1. Bosch: SMS6TCI01G dishwasher (discontinued) www.bosch-home.co.uk/en/product/dishwashers/freestanding-dishwashers/freestanding-dishwashers-with-60cm-width/SMS6TCI01G
  2. Bosch: SMS2HVW67G dishwasher (discontinued) www.bosch-home.co.uk/en/product/dishwashers/freestanding-dishwashers/freestanding-dishwashers-with-60cm-width/SMS2HVW67G
  3. DESNZ: Home Energy Model, appliance assumptions (HEMFHS-TP-05, v2.0, March 2026), Table 2 assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69c29b88b920af63be1c7771/hemfhs-tp-05-fhs-appliances-assumptions.pdf
  4. Ofgem: Energy price cap unit rates and standing charges, 1 October to 31 December 2026 www.ofgem.gov.uk/your-energy-supply/your-energy-bill/energy-price-cap-unit-rates-and-standing-charges
  5. HMRC: VAT on fuel and power (Notice 701/19), updated 28 October 2026 www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-on-fuel-and-power-notice-70119
Verified against published UK government guidance.
Independent guide only. Written using published 2026/27 DWP and HMRC figures. Not an official government service. For case-specific guidance, contact Citizens Advice or a welfare-rights adviser. Methodology · Editorial standards

Written and reviewed by James Whitfield and the editorial team.

Every figure is checked against current GOV.UK guidance and reviewed for the 2026/27 tax year. We explain the numbers in plain English with worked examples. Editorial standards · About us