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Step 1
Limit your search to Energy Star appliances. The Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy test appliances each year and identify which models exceed minimum federal requirements for energy consumption. Those models that qualify usually display an Energy Star label.
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Step 2
Compare dishwasher models using government energy guides. You can find these guides online or in most major appliance retailers. The guides will provide the kilowatt-hours used by each model and the estimated associated energy costs per year.
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Step 3
Buy a model with a booster heater. Internal dishwasher heaters will heat incoming water to sufficient temperatures, allowing you to turn down your water heater. Most energy efficient dishwashers have this feature.
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Step 4
Eliminate models that lack a switch to turn off electric drying. Although air drying dishes takes longer than letting your dishwasher do the work, it is far more energy efficient and works just as well to let your dishes dry while sitting in a dishwasher that you've turned off.
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Step 5
Purchase a model with an efficient motor and strong washing action. If your dishwasher does not clean your dishes in one cycle, you may have to run it again which increases energy consumption.
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Step 6
Choose a dishwasher with sensors that adjust water and heat output according to the level of soil on your dishes. Soil sensors save water and time by virtually eliminating the need for pre-rinsing by hand before loading the dishwasher.
