Dishwasher vs Hand Washing: How Do They Stack Up?
Everybody owns at least a few kitchen appliances. While most kitchen appliances are designed to save time, many appliances also offer cost savings and better energy efficiency. However, it can be difficult to estimate the energy cost and water usage of certain kitchen appliances, such as dishwashers.
The average lifespan of a dishwasher is estimated to be 10 years. For those of us who own a dishwasher because of time-saving benefits, it’s a long-term investment we’re happy to make. However, for those who enjoy hand-washing, there’s a good chance you’re only on this page because you want to see if a dishwasher can save you money in the long run.
As the head of purchasing at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, I always get asked by customers whether a dishwasher really offers cost savings in the long run. And no doubt you have the same question. So today, I will answer popular question this once and for all. Continue reading to find out whether a dishwasher is more cost-effective than hand washing.
Costs of using a dishwasher
Before you can compare a dishwasher to hand washing, you need to understand the costs of using a dishwasher. This is difficult to determine as there are several factors in play. Factors like the size and efficiency of a dishwasher, the water temperature and how often dishes are done all play a role in determining costs. So let’s break things down.
First, of course, is the cost of buying a new dishwasher. Typically, a quality dishwasher will cost you anything between $650-$1,500 depending on capacity and features.
Next, we need to consider the cost of every load. This depends on the capacity as well as the star rating of a dishwasher. Canstar Blue estimates that the cost of electricity per a load of a dishwasher ranges between $0.12-$0.40. These estimates are based only on cold wash and normal settings. As such, your costs per load can be higher in case you use higher settings or hot water.
Finally, there’s the cost of water charges per dishwasher load. Now, the typical dishwasher uses up about 13L of water for each load. Comparing this to the standard rate of water in Perth, which is $2.2/KL, the cost comes out to be only $0.28 per load.
These estimates should give you a rough idea of the total cost of your dishwasher. Do note, however, that newer dishwashers, like those sold here at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, have better efficiency ratings than older models. If you’re looking to get an energy efficient dishwasher in Perth, our 60cm Freestanding Dishwasher and our 60cm Integrated Dishwasher are excellent choices.
Now we look at the question, is a dishwasher more cost-effective than hand washing?
Dishwasher Vs Hand Washing
At first glance, dishwashers may seem more costly than hand washing, and many Australians still believe that washing dishes by hand is more economical. After all, manual effort doesn’t have a price tag. However, studies have shown that most people tend to use significantly more water when washing dishes by hand compared to a dishwasher.
While individual water costs may seem minor, the expense of heating that water quickly adds up, making hand washing less efficient in terms of energy usage. In fact, experts agree that using an energy-efficient dishwasher is more cost-effective over time. Plus, if you’re aiming to optimise water and energy use, knowing how to load a dishwasher for maximum efficiency can make a considerable difference.
Comparing costs between a dishwasher and hand washing is nuanced. Dishwashers do incur additional expenses, including the upfront cost, electricity, and water per load. But, unlike hand washing, dishwashers use significantly less water overall. For those using hot water while washing by hand, the costs can rise even further, tipping the scales in favour of energy-efficient dishwashers for long-term savings.
If you’re convinced that a new, energy-efficient dishwasher is the right choice, look no further than Ross’s Discount Home Centre. We offer a full range of fully integrated and semi-integrated dishwashers, designed to reduce energy and water costs.
To explore our selection and purchase your new dishwasher in Perth, visit our showroom at 57 James Street in Guildford or shop online today!