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How Many Watts Does a Dishwasher Use? Watts, Amps, and kWh
A dishwasher is rated at about 936 to 1,440 watts, or about 7 to 12 amps at 120 volts, for the models we checked. GE rates its GDT650SYVFS at 936 watts and 6.6 amps, and Bosch's installation instructions list 1,440 watts maximum and 12 amps. Over a year, a typical ENERGY STAR dishwasher uses only about 240 kWh, roughly $41 at 17 cents per kWh.
Dishwasher watts and amps by model
| Model | Watts | Amps at 120V | Circuit | kWh per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE GDT650SYVFS | 936 W (heater 800/500 W) | 6.6 A | 120V | 240 |
| Frigidaire FDPH4316A | 1,200 W connected load | 10 A | 120V | 240 |
| Bosch (per installation instructions) | 1,440 W max | 12 A | Dedicated 15 A circuit | Varies by model |
Sources: GE Appliances product page; Frigidaire spec sheet (Canadian version) and U.S. product page; Bosch dishwasher installation instructions. Whirlpool's service manual for its 18 and 24 inch dishwashers calls for a separate 15 or 20 amp circuit.
Find your own number: check the rating label or the installation guide for amps or watts. Watts = amps x 120.
How much electricity does a dishwasher use?
| Standard dishwashers | Value |
|---|---|
| ENERGY STAR certified models | 721 |
| Median yearly energy use | 240 kWh |
| Federal maximum | 307 kWh |
| Median water use | 3.2 gallons per cycle |
| Yearly cost at 17 cents per kWh | About $41 |
Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Residential Dishwashers data set, standard size, pulled November 3, 2026. Cost is our calculation. Compact certified models have a median of 155 kWh a year.
Can a generator run a dishwasher?
Yes. A dishwasher's heater is a resistive load, and Champion's generator chart lists dishwashers at 1,200 to 2,400 running watts with no extra starting watts. Whirlpool's generator guide estimates 1,400 running watts. Plan for the label number plus whatever else is running. A dishwasher on its own dedicated circuit needs a transfer switch or interlock kit to run from a generator, or a cord if it plugs in under the sink.
- DuroMax XP5500HX: 5,500 starting / 4,500 running watts. Runs a dishwasher, refrigerator, and lights together. $629
- DuroStar DS8000iX: 8,000 starting / 6,500 running watts, inverter. $999
Hookup options: How to Hook Up a Generator to Your House.
Can a power station run a dishwasher?
Only one with enough continuous output. A 1,500 W station like the Explorer 1000 v2 is too close to a 1,440 W dishwasher's maximum, so choose more output.
| Power station | Output / capacity | Runs a 936 to 1,440 W dishwasher? | Hours at 1,440 W | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nature's Generator Lithium 1800 | 1,800 W / 1,440 Wh | Yes | About 0.9 hours | $599.99 |
| Jackery HomePower 3000 | 3,600 W / 3,072 Wh | Yes, with room for a fridge | About 1.9 hours | From $1,499 |
| Nature's Generator Lithium 3600 | 3,600 W / 3,072 Wh | Yes, with room for a fridge | About 1.9 hours | $1,199.99 |
Hours = capacity x 0.9 / 1,440 W at the full rated draw, a worst case. Capacity and output are from each product page. To save battery in an outage, skip heated dry: Honda's generator guide lists a dishwasher on cool dry at just 216 running watts.
Planning the whole kitchen? See microwave, electric stove, and refrigerator wattage, or the full Generator Wattage Chart.
Need help sizing? Call 1-888-855-7286. Send us the amps or watts from your dishwasher's label and what else you want running.
Dishwasher wattage FAQ
How many watts does a dishwasher use? About 936 to 1,440 W with the heater on for the GE and Bosch models above.
How many amps does a dishwasher use? About 6.6 to 12 amps at 120V. Bosch calls for a dedicated 15 amp circuit, and Whirlpool for 15 or 20 amps.
How much electricity does a dishwasher use per year? About 240 kWh for a typical ENERGY STAR standard dishwasher, roughly $41 a year at 17 cents per kWh.
Can I run a dishwasher on a generator? Yes. Champion lists 1,200 to 2,400 running watts with no extra starting watts.
Can a power station run a dishwasher? Yes, if its continuous output is above the dishwasher's watts, such as the 1,800 W Lithium 1800 or 3,600 W HomePower 3000.