Cost to run a dishwasher in Queensland (2026–27)
QLD reference tariff · 28.0c/kWh
Typical use (7 loads a week at 1.2 kWh per load) ≈ $122/year on the Energex rate.
Source: AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8), effective 1 July 2026
| Model band | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efficient (1,200 W) | $0.34 | $1.34 | $40.82 | $490 |
| Typical (1,800 W) | $0.50 | $2.01 | $61.23 | $735 |
| High (2,400 W) | $0.67 | $2.69 | $81.64 | $980 |
The headline annual figure uses this appliance's measured energy per use (1.2 kWh per cycle (normal program)) rather than a constant draw — the table shows constant-draw costs at your chosen hours.
Appliance running-cost calculator
QLDDishwasher: 1,200–2,400 W typical range.
The energy-label basis is 7 cycles/week; eco programs use 0.5–0.8 kWh, intensive 1.2–1.8 kWh.
- Per day (4 h)
- $2.01
- Per month
- $61.23
- Per year (365 days)
- $735.17
Tariff: 28.0c/kWh — AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) for the Energex network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: EcoFlow AU — dishwasher power consumption. Full dishwasher costs in QLD →
The same appliance in other states
Cutting the cost
Run it only when it's full, and use the eco or auto cycle, which washes longer at a lower temperature to save water and heat. Scrape the plates instead of pre-rinsing them under a hot tap. Skip the heated-dry option and crack the door open at the end to let everything air-dry. If your plan has cheaper off-peak hours, use the delay-start to land the cycle in that window.
Frequently asked questions
- What does a dishwasher cost per hour in QLD?
- $0.50 at the typical 1,800 W draw on QLD's reference rate of 28.0c/kWh (Energex network). Efficient models run $0.34, high-draw models $0.67.
- How is this calculated?
- Watts ÷ 1,000 × the tariff = cost per hour, then × hours × days for the period figures. Every figure on this page uses QLD's 2026–27 reference rate — change the assumptions in the calculator above.
- Is the tariff here what I actually pay?
- It's the AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) usage rate for the Energex network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See QLD rates by zone.
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- EcoFlow AU — dishwasher power consumption
- Australian Energy Regulator — DMO 2026–27 final determinationverified
The energy-label basis is 7 cycles/week; eco programs use 0.5–0.8 kWh, intensive 1.2–1.8 kWh.