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.

ModelNormal cycle waterPublished time
Bosch SGE53B56UC2.3–5.6 gal130–135 minutes
Bosch SHP65CM5N2.3–5.5 gal130–135 minutes
Bosch SHP65CM2N2.3–5.5 gal130–135 minutes
Bosch SHP65CM6N2.3–5.5 gal130–135 minutes
Bosch SHP78CF5N2.3–5.5 gal130–135 minutes
Bosch SHP78CM5N2.3–5.5 gal130–135 minutes
Bosch SHP78CM2N2.3–5.5 gal130–135 minutes
Bosch SHP78CM6N2.3–5.5 gal130–135 minutes
Bosch SHP78CM4N2.3–5.5 gal130–135 minutes
Bosch SHX9PCL5N2.4–6.4 gal130–155 minutes
LG LDF5545ST2.4–5.2 gal98–190 minutes
Bosch SHP65DM2N2.4–5.9 gal130–135 minutes
Bosch SHP65DM5N2.4–5.9 gal130–135 minutes
Bosch SHP65DM6N2.4–5.9 gal130–135 minutes
Bosch SGX78B55UC2.6–5.6 gal130–135 minutes
Haier HDW2401ST2.85–6.1 gal105–135 minutes
Frigidaire FDPH4316AS2.9–6.7 gal120–165 minutes
Frigidaire FDPH4316AB2.9–6.7 gal120–165 minutes
Frigidaire FDPH4316AW2.9–6.7 gal120–165 minutes
Frigidaire FDPH4316AD2.9–6.7 gal120–165 minutes
Maytag MDB4949SKZ3.0 gal124 minutes
Maytag MDB4949SKB3.0 gal124 minutes
Maytag MDB4949SKW3.0 gal124 minutes
Bosch SHP95CM5N3.5 galVariable
Frigidaire FDPC4221AS4.5 gal151 minutes
Frigidaire FDPC4221AB4.5 gal151 minutes
Frigidaire FDPC4221AW4.5 gal151 minutes
GE GSD45009.9 gal58 minutes
GE GSD48009.9 gal58 minutes

Each model page links to its manufacturer manual. Published water amounts may be based on different test methods and years.

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

  1. Find the exact model number on its rating label.
  2. Open its cycle table and compare the water figures for cycles suitable for your load.
  3. 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.