Dishwasher Eco Mode vs. Quick – Which Is Better?

If you’re looking to save money when running your dishwasher, you’re likely looking at the eco-mode and quick-wash modes on the dial and wondering which you should choose.

It’s a difficult decision, isn’t it? On the one hand, the eco-mode is designed to save electricity, but the quick wash mode is super-fast, so surely that saves electricity too?

Well, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each, to help you choose which to use.

 

Which Saves the Most Energy?

The best programme for you to choose when washing your dishes is the one that’s going to make your life easier.

If you need your dishes in a hurry, the quick-wash mode is always going to win this argument. If you aren’t concerned about having your dishes cleaned straight away, then using the eco mode is going to save energy.

Weighing up, whether saving energy or having your dishes done quickly, is a daily argument you can enjoy having with yourself in your kitchen.

You may be thinking, “if the eco mode saves energy, then why does it take longer than the quick-wash mode?” This is a very good question. Eco modes on most appliances take longer to run, as they use colder water.

On an eco mode programme, your dishwasher runs for longer, pumps a lot of water around the dishwasher and basically soaks the food off of the plates.

A quicker cycle, like the quick-wash mode, heats the water to higher temperatures and uses the steam and water combination to get rid of the food.

Heating the water to such high temperatures is what uses lots of energy during a dishwasher cycle.

If you have a smart meter, this is easily tested by putting the dishwasher on both cycles and comparing how much energy it uses during each.

 

Which Should You Use?

If you are concerned with saving energy, the slower wash of an eco-mode is the best option to use. It really does save a lot of energy compared to a quick-wash mode.

If you are in a rush, the quick-wash mode is the better option.

If you don’t have either setting on your dishwasher, now might be a great time to start shopping for a new one! If that’s the case, check out our guide to the best dishwashers in the UK.

We also have loads of other dishwasher articles that can help you get the most from your dishwasher and to help you save energy and money.