Does your current dishwasher leave you scrubbing dishes by hand after a cycle? You are not alone! Many people worry about high water and electricity bills from their appliances. Choosing a new dishwasher can feel overwhelming. You see the Energy Star label, but what does it really mean for your home and your wallet? It’s tough to know which models save the most energy without sacrificing cleaning power.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explain exactly why looking for that blue Energy Star label matters. You will learn how these efficient machines save you money month after month and help the planet too. We break down the features you need to look for so you can buy with confidence.
Keep reading to discover the best Energy Star dishwashers on the market. By the end of this post, you will have all the knowledge needed to select a quiet, powerful, and budget-friendly appliance that leaves your dishes sparkling clean.
Top Energy Star Dishwashers Recommendations
- 6 Place Setting- A perfect size (H17.2″×W21.6″×D19.7″) for 2-3 people, COMFEE’ compact dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs, and apartments. This countertop dishwasher can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware and has a plate size of up to 10 inches in diameter. Note: COMFEE dishwashers are tested at the factory before they are shipped. If your new dishwasher has some water inside, this is normal.
- Simple Installation- COMFEE' portable dishwasher can be connected to faucet directly (Suitable adaptor needed). Depending on your needs, it can be flexibly placed on the table or fitted in the cupboard.
- 8 Washing Cycles- Most of the cleaning cycles, including Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, and Speed, helped with extra-drying function, and deliver sparklingly cleaned and dried dishes. Three more cleaning options, including Speed, Mini-party, and Rinse, are designed for COMFEE' compact dishwasher, providing high flexibility for you to choose in different situations.
- Heavy Program- Heavily soiled dishes are cleaned evenly with 12 washing nozzles, accompanied with 360° spiral spray wash to ensure complete washing of all the dishes from all angles. Also, high water temperature, which is up to 154℉, together with high water pressure, offer you the best cleaning towards the most stubborn stains.
- Speed Program- Only takes you 45 minutes to get all dishes cleaned, perfect for hurry-up situations, like holding a multi-round party. Accompanied with Energy Star compliant, water consumption can be as low as 2.77 gallons of water, which greatly saves your costs.
- Slimline Design with Large Capacity : The Midea built-in dishwasher boasts a slim body that takes up minimal space and is easy to fit. It features a digital control panel with an LED display and has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height.
- 8 Place Settings Dishwasher : With dimensions of 22.6D x 17.6W x 32.4H with adjustable legs, this under sink dishwasher provides a spacious and flexible interior for maximum dishware loading.
- 6 programs+3 functions : The 18-inch dishwasher offers six programs, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse washing programs. It also features Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions that meet all your daily needs. Note: ONLY use detergent specially for dishwasher because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems.
- Heated Dry : Smart dishwasher ensures the best drying performance. The extra drying function offers a thorough drying performance (except for the Rapid and Self-clean cycle) with no additional towel drying required.
- HI TEMP : The HYGIENE wash cycle maintains the water temperature at 136°F (58°C) max , which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes. It is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children's dinner sets.
- 6 Place Setting- A perfect size (H17.2″×W21.6″×D19.7″) for 2-3 people, COMFEE’ compact dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs, and apartments. This countertop dishwasher can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware and has a plate size of up to 10 inches in diameter. Note: COMFEE dishwashers are tested at the factory before they are shipped. If your new dishwasher has some water inside, this is normal.
- Simple Installation- COMFEE' portable dishwasher can be connected to faucet directly (Suitable adaptor needed). Depending on your needs, it can be flexibly placed on the table or fitted in the cupboard.
- 8 Washing Cycles- Most of the cleaning cycles, including Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, and Speed, helped with extra-drying function, and deliver sparklingly cleaned and dried dishes. Three more cleaning options, including Speed, Mini-party, and Rinse, are designed for COMFEE' compact dishwasher, providing high flexibility for you to choose in different situations.
- Heavy Program- Heavily soiled dishes are cleaned evenly with 12 washing nozzles, accompanied with 360° spiral spray wash to ensure complete washing of all the dishes from all angles. Also, high water temperature, which is up to 68℃, together with high water pressure, offer you the best cleaning towards the most stubborn stains.
- Speed Program- Only takes you 45 minutes to get all dishes cleaned, perfect for hurry-up situations, like holding a multi-round party. Accompanied with compliant, water consumption can be as low as 2.77 gallons of water, which greatly saves your costs.
- Slimline Design with Large Capacity : The Midea built-in dishwasher boasts a slim body that takes up minimal space and is easy to fit. It features a digital control panel with an LED display and has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height.
- 8 Place Settings Dishwasher : With dimensions of 22.6D x 17.6W x 32.4H with adjustable legs, this under sink dishwasher provides a spacious and flexible interior for maximum dishware loading.
- 6 programs+3 functions : The 18-inch dishwasher offers six programs, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse washing programs. It also features Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions that meet all your daily needs. Note: ONLY use detergent specially for dishwasher because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems.
- Heated Dry : Smart dishwasher ensures the best drying performance. The extra drying function offers a thorough drying performance (except for the Rapid and Self-clean cycle) with no additional towel drying required.
- HI TEMP : The HYGIENE wash cycle maintains the water temperature at 136°F (58°C) max , which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes. It is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children's dinner sets.
- UltraWash: Uses 2 pressurized spray arms to blast off stuck-on foods so you don't have to soak, scrub or scrape. Dishes are cleaned via filtered clean water, with the 3-stage UltraWash Filter which captures particles as small as a grain of fine sand and drains them away - for a sparkling clean every time. The filter removes easily for monthly cleaning
- SmartWash Adjusts to the Mess: Sensor technology detects soil levels and automatically adjusts the water temperature, pressure, and cycle time. A dishwasher that gives the best clean for every load
- Spacious Interior with Flexible Rack Design: Easily fit up to 12 place settings with a roomy interior built for convenience. The MoreSpace Adjustable Upper Rack offers two height levels and can be lifted, lowered, or removed entirely to make room for large or awkwardly shaped items - giving you the flexibility to customize your wash space
- Sani Rinse and Heated Dry Options: This ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher has a UL-certified Sani Rinse option for seriously clean dishes. The Heated Dry Option provides quick water evaporation for sparkling dry dishes
- Conversation Level Quiet: With a 54 dBA sound level, this dishwasher will fade into the background so you can sing along to your favorite song without interruption
- A perfect size (H17.25″×W22″×D20″)- Holds up to 6 Place Settings perfect for 2-3 people. The Midea compact dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs, and apartments. This countertop dishwasher can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware and plates up to 10 inches in diameter.
- Simple Installation- Can be connected directly to a faucet (a suitable adaptor is needed) and placed on a countertop or in a cupboard.
- 6+2 Washing Cycles- Includes Auto, Heavy, Normal, Quick, Rinse and Delicate. Extended Dry and Power Wash functions help deliver sparkling clean and dried dishes. This countertop dishwasher also supports delay startup for 1-24 hours.
- Water Saving & Energy Star Certified- The tank design allows for easy addition of water, with a consumption of only 2.77 gallons.
- Power Wash Option & Low Noise- Heavily soiled dishes are cleaned evenly , accompanied by 360° spiral spray wash to ensure complete washing of all the dishes from all angles at a low noise level of 52 dB. (It cannot be used with Auto, Rapid, MachineCare+). Note: Midea dishwashers are tested at the factory before they are shipped. If your new dishwasher has some water inside, this is normal.
- UltraWash: Uses 2 pressurized spray arms to blast off stuck-on foods so you don't have to soak, scrub or scrape. Dishes are cleaned via filtered clean water, with the 3-stage UltraWash Filter which captures particles as small as a grain of fine sand and drains them away - for a sparkling clean every time. The filter removes easily for monthly cleaning
- SmartWash Adjusts to the Mess: Sensor technology detects soil levels and automatically adjusts the water temperature, pressure, and cycle time. A dishwasher that gives the best clean for every load
- Spacious Interior with Flexible Rack Design: Easily fit up to 12 place settings with a roomy interior built for convenience. The MoreSpace Adjustable Upper Rack offers two height levels and can be lifted, lowered, or removed entirely to make room for large or awkwardly shaped items - giving you the flexibility to customize your wash space
- Sani Rinse and Heated Dry Options: This ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher has a UL-certified Sani Rinse option for seriously clean dishes. The Heated Dry Option provides quick water evaporation for sparkling dry dishes
- Conversation Level Quiet: With a 54 dBA sound level, this dishwasher will fade into the background so you can sing along to your favorite song without interruption
- 14 PLACE SETTINGS: Racks are suitable to fit 14 place settings of dishes. There is a top cutlery rack and 2 other racks with a large removable cutlery basket.
- MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS: There are 6 washing programs to choose from- pots & pans, normal wash, china, quick wash, rinse only, and energy saver. Up to 24 hour delay start for you added convenience.
- DURABLE TUB: The tub is made of stainless steel for better efficiency performance.
- ENERGY STAR: Low energy consumption according to Energy Star standards.
- BUILT-IN STYLE: The dimensions of the unit are 22.6"D x 18"W x 32.4"H. This stainless steel built-in dishwasher is ADA-compliant
Choosing Your Energy Star Dishwasher: A Smart Buyer’s Guide
Buying a new dishwasher saves you time and effort. Choosing an Energy Star certified model saves you money on your electric and water bills! This guide helps you pick the perfect energy-efficient machine for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
Energy Star dishwashers meet strict standards for using less energy and water than regular models. Look for these important features:
- Energy Factor (EF): This number shows how much water the dishwasher uses per cycle. Higher EF numbers mean better water efficiency.
- Sensing Technology: Many good models have sensors. These sensors check how dirty your dishes are. They adjust the water level and cycle time automatically. This stops wasted water and energy.
- Soil Removal and Dryness Ratings: Energy Star models must clean well and dry dishes effectively. Check the rating label to ensure it cleans dishes thoroughly and leaves them dry.
- Cycle Options: Look for an “Eco” or “Energy Saver” cycle. These cycles use lower temperatures and less water for lightly soiled dishes.
Important Materials in Your Dishwasher
The materials inside the dishwasher greatly affect its lifespan and cleaning power.
Tub Material:
- Stainless Steel Tub: These tubs are usually better. They dry dishes faster because they hold heat well. They also resist staining and odors better than plastic tubs.
- Plastic Tub: These are often found in less expensive models. They usually cost less upfront but might not dry dishes as well.
Racks and Baskets:
Good racks should protect your dishes. Look for racks coated in durable vinyl or nylon. This coating prevents rust and stops sharp edges from scratching your glasses and plates.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one Energy Star dishwasher better than another? It comes down to performance and build quality.
Quality Boosters:
- Quiet Operation (Decibel Rating): A lower decibel (dB) rating means the dishwasher runs quieter. If your kitchen is near your living area, choose a model under 45 dB.
- Adjustable Racks: These let you customize space for tall pots or awkward items. This means you fit more dishes in each load, saving you extra cycles.
- Reliable Spray Arms: Look for dishwashers with multiple spray arms, sometimes including one at the very bottom. These arms shoot water into every corner, improving cleaning quality.
Quality Reducers:
- Poor Filtration System: If the filter is hard to clean or clogs easily, food particles remain in the machine. This can lead to dirty dishes coming out of the wash.
- Cheap Heating Elements: If the heating element is weak, dishes will not dry properly, even in an Energy Star unit.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you use your kitchen. This helps you choose the right size and features.
For Busy Families:
Families need large capacity and quick cycles. Look for models that hold 14 place settings or more. A “Quick Wash” feature comes in handy when you need glasses ready fast for dinner.
For Small Spaces or Couples:
If you don’t have many dishes, a standard 24-inch model works fine. If space is very tight, consider an 18-inch compact model. These still qualify for Energy Star ratings.
The Daily User:
If you run the dishwasher every day, noise level matters most. A quiet model will not interrupt conversations or watching TV. Always read user reviews about how well the machine handles tough, baked-on food.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Energy Star Dishwashers
Q: How much money does an Energy Star dishwasher save me?
A: Energy Star dishwashers use about 12% less energy and 13% less water than standard models. This saves the average household about $35 per year on utility bills.
Q: Does Energy Star mean the dishes get dry?
A: Yes. To earn the Energy Star label, the dishwasher must pass tests for both soil removal and dryness. They often use condensation drying, which saves energy compared to using a heated element.
Q: Are Energy Star dishwashers more expensive than regular ones?
A: They might cost a little more upfront. However, the savings on your water and electric bills usually make up the difference over the dishwasher’s lifespan.
Q: What is the required water usage for an Energy Star dishwasher?
A: They must use 3.5 gallons of water or less per cycle, depending on the model size and specific testing standards.
Q: Should I always use the “Eco” mode?
A: Use the Eco mode for lightly soiled dishes. If your dishes have heavy grease or baked-on food, use a normal or heavy-duty cycle for the best cleaning results.
Q: What is the minimum acceptable noise level?
A: While there is no strict minimum for the label, most high-quality Energy Star models operate between 42 and 48 decibels (dB).
Q: Do I need special soap for an Energy Star dishwasher?
A: No. You can use standard dishwasher detergents. However, using high-efficiency (HE) detergent is often recommended for all modern dishwashers.
Q: How long do Energy Star dishwashers usually last?
A: With proper maintenance, most quality dishwashers, including Energy Star models, last between 10 and 12 years.
Q: Can I fit large pots in these energy-efficient models?
A: Yes, especially if you select a model with adjustable or fold-down tines in the lower rack. Check the capacity rating before you buy.
Q: Where can I check if a specific model is Energy Star certified?
A: You can check the official Energy Star website database. Also, look for the blue Energy Star label prominently displayed on the appliance in the store.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!