If you want to reduce dishwasher energy use, Eco mode is generally the best setting for everyday loads. It is designed to use less water and less energy, even though the cycle itself may take longer.
The exact amount of electricity used depends on the dishwasher model, the cycle selected, the water temperature, and whether heated drying is turned on. For most Canadian households, the best routine is to use Eco mode for normal loads, run full loads, skip pre-rinsing, and use air dry when possible.
Which Dishwasher Cycle Uses the Least Energy?
Eco mode is usually the most energy-efficient everyday setting.
It works by using lower temperatures, less water, or more efficient wash patterns. Because heating water is one of the biggest energy demands in a dishwasher, a longer Eco cycle can still use less electricity than a shorter, hotter cycle.
A Quick cycle may save time, but it is not automatically the lowest-energy option. Heavy or Intensive cycles generally use more energy because they may use hotter water, longer wash periods, or additional rinsing.
Source: Natural Resources Canada, “Use your dishwasher more efficiently,” accessed August 11, 2026.
https://natural-resources.canada.ca/stories/spotlight-energy-efficiency/use-your-dishwasher-more-efficiently
How Do Common Dishwasher Settings Compare?
In general, dishwasher settings fall into these energy ranges:
- Eco: Lower energy use, best for everyday dishes
- Normal: Moderate energy use, good for regular mixed loads
- Quick: Varies by model, designed mainly to save time
- Heavy / Pots & Pans: Higher energy use, for heavily soiled cookware
- Sanitize / High Temperature: Higher energy use because more heating is required
- Heated Dry: Adds energy use
- Air Dry: Lower-energy drying option
The exact difference between cycles varies by model, so the owner’s manual is the best place to compare settings on a specific dishwasher.
Does a Longer Cycle Use More Electricity?
Not necessarily.
A longer cycle can actually use less energy if it relies on lower temperatures and less water. This is why Eco programs often take longer than Normal or Quick programs.
Cycle length alone is not a good measure of energy use. The amount of water being heated and the temperature of that water often matter more.
What Settings Should You Use Most Often?
For normal everyday dishes, Eco is a good default.
Use Heavy or Intensive only when the load actually needs it. Use high-temperature or sanitize settings only when appropriate, rather than as the standard setting for every load.
If your dishwasher offers air dry, that is also a simple way to reduce electricity use.
Natural Resources Canada recommends running full loads, scraping rather than pre-rinsing dishes, and using air-dry features where available.
Source: Natural Resources Canada, “Save with ENERGY STAR certified kitchen appliances,” accessed August 11, 2026.
https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/energy-star/save-energy-star-certified-kitchen-appliances
What Energy Rating Should You Look for in Canada?
When buying a dishwasher in Canada, look for both the EnerGuide label and the ENERGY STAR symbol.
The EnerGuide label shows the appliance’s estimated annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours and lets you compare it with similar models. A lower annual kWh number means lower energy use.
ENERGY STAR certification means the dishwasher meets specific energy-efficiency requirements. Natural Resources Canada states that ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers use about 12% less energy and 30% less water on average than standard models.
Source: Natural Resources Canada, “Dishwashers,” accessed August 11, 2026.
https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/energy-star/products/list-certified-products/dishwashers
Source: Natural Resources Canada, “EnerGuide label,” accessed August 11, 2026.
https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/product-energy-ratings/energuide/energuide-label
The Best Everyday Dishwasher Setting
For most households, the simplest approach is to use Eco mode for normal loads, avoid unnecessary high-temperature settings, run the dishwasher when full, and choose air dry instead of heated dry when practical.
The biggest savings come from consistently using the least intensive setting that still cleans the load properly. That gives you a better balance between energy use, water use, and cleaning performance.