Is it cheaper to wash dishes by hand or use the dishwasher?

Question

Which saves more energy? (Assuming the dishwasher is full)

Answer 1

Cheaper to use a dishwasher, by a lot.

"Scientists at the University of Bonn in Germany who studied the issue found that the dishwasher uses only half the energy, one-sixth of the water, and less soap than hand-washing an identical set of dirty dishes. Even the most sparing and careful washers could not beat the modern dishwasher. The study also found that dishwashers excelled in cleanliness over hand washing."

-- http://www.freshfromthefarm.us/earthtalk...

Answer 2

DISHWASER

Answer 3

bye hand , unfortunateley, dishwashers may vary but they are more wastefull in terms of heated water used, and the electricity they use to pump the water.

Answer 4

Dishwasher, but only newer, energy star approved models.

Answer 5

By hand with a three sink method works great and actually cleans ALL the dishes without the pre-washing you need for a dishwasher.

Answer 6

stop being lazy and wash by hand.

Answer 7

A full dishwasher uses less water and energy than handwashing.

Answer 8

By hand seems much cheaper, but one cam wash more dishes at a time in the dish washer. Dishes with protean (eggs etc) should be pre rinsed in cold water. Most DWs have a pre rinse cycle but in most cases the DW water supply is hooked up to the hot water.It has it's own heater and should be hooked up to the cold water supply.

Answer 9

if the dishwasher is full and you're using an energy star efficient machine then it is cheaper to use the dishwasher - using less water and energy......plus you aren't using any energy - you can just sit back and relax !

Answer 10

Dishwashing may be cheaper, but make sure your dishwasher is set on the right settings!  Avoid using the (longer) pots and pans setting, and opt for the regular load setting.  Also, don't use the heated drying option.  Hot dishes will dry within minutes when you open the dishwasher after the cycle!