Which dishwasher cycles use less water and electricity?
Start with the exact model and cycle. A quick program is not automatically the lowest-water or lowest-energy choice.
Published Normal-cycle water use
These are ranges or values from the linked model manuals, sorted by the lower end of each published range. They are not a controlled test of the models under identical conditions, and a sensor cycle can use different amounts on different loads.
| Model | Normal cycle water | Published time |
|---|---|---|
| Bosch SGE53B56UC | 2.3–5.6 gal | 130–135 minutes |
| Bosch SHP65CM5N | 2.3–5.5 gal | 130–135 minutes |
| Bosch SHP65CM2N | 2.3–5.5 gal | 130–135 minutes |
| Bosch SHP65CM6N | 2.3–5.5 gal | 130–135 minutes |
| Bosch SHP78CF5N | 2.3–5.5 gal | 130–135 minutes |
| Bosch SHP78CM5N | 2.3–5.5 gal | 130–135 minutes |
| Bosch SHP78CM2N | 2.3–5.5 gal | 130–135 minutes |
| Bosch SHP78CM6N | 2.3–5.5 gal | 130–135 minutes |
| Bosch SHP78CM4N | 2.3–5.5 gal | 130–135 minutes |
| Bosch SHX9PCL5N | 2.4–6.4 gal | 130–155 minutes |
| LG LDF5545ST | 2.4–5.2 gal | 98–190 minutes |
| Bosch SHP65DM2N | 2.4–5.9 gal | 130–135 minutes |
| Bosch SHP65DM5N | 2.4–5.9 gal | 130–135 minutes |
| Bosch SHP65DM6N | 2.4–5.9 gal | 130–135 minutes |
| Bosch SGX78B55UC | 2.6–5.6 gal | 130–135 minutes |
| Haier HDW2401ST | 2.85–6.1 gal | 105–135 minutes |
| Frigidaire FDPH4316AS | 2.9–6.7 gal | 120–165 minutes |
| Frigidaire FDPH4316AB | 2.9–6.7 gal | 120–165 minutes |
| Frigidaire FDPH4316AW | 2.9–6.7 gal | 120–165 minutes |
| Frigidaire FDPH4316AD | 2.9–6.7 gal | 120–165 minutes |
| Maytag MDB4949SKZ | 3.0 gal | 124 minutes |
| Maytag MDB4949SKB | 3.0 gal | 124 minutes |
| Maytag MDB4949SKW | 3.0 gal | 124 minutes |
| Bosch SHP95CM5N | 3.5 gal | Variable |
| Frigidaire FDPC4221AS | 4.5 gal | 151 minutes |
| Frigidaire FDPC4221AB | 4.5 gal | 151 minutes |
| Frigidaire FDPC4221AW | 4.5 gal | 151 minutes |
| GE GSD4500 | 9.9 gal | 58 minutes |
| GE GSD4800 | 9.9 gal | 58 minutes |
What about electricity?
Cycle charts do not consistently report comparable electricity use for every model, and a longer cycle does not prove higher electricity consumption. Each cycle page now provides a transparent estimated range and local-cost calculator; use the official EnergyGuide label for standardized purchase comparisons.
Estimate cycle energy cost using your ZIP or bill rate →
ENERGY STAR explains annual kWh and gallons-per-cycle measures ↗
Choose a cycle for your own appliance
- Find the exact model number on its rating label.
- Open its cycle table and compare the water figures for cycles suitable for your load.
- Check your manual and EnergyGuide label for energy figures. Heated drying, sanitation, and high-temperature options can change electricity use and run time.
A rinse-only cycle uses little water in one run, but you may still need a full wash afterward. Compare the complete cleaning job.