The Best Energy-Efficient Dishwashers
Which dishwasher brands are the most ethical and sustainable? For the answer, see our Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
Ethical issues to consider in your search for an energy-efficient dishwasher
Did you know that using an energy-efficient dishwasher can actually be more environmentally-friendly than doing the dishes by hand? According to Which? dishwashers use significantly less water than hand washing. (Big sigh of relief there!) Recent data from Statista shows that roughly 49% of UK households now own a dishwasher, compared to only 25% in the early 2000s. The rise in popularity of dishwashers means it is all the more important to consider the ethics of the ethical dishwasher brands in the UK you are purchasing from.
Additionally, it is crucial to choose an energy-efficient dishwasher to minimise your impact on the environment. (There’s also the bonus of saving yourself money on your energy bills!) This article explores the ethics of the UK’s leading dishwasher brands. It guides you through which dishwasher brands to avoid and how to identify the best sustainable dishwasher. The GOOD Shopping Guide has been independently researching and rating brands on their ethical and sustainability credentials since 2001. To find out more, visit our History of Ethical Shopping page.
How do I know if I have an energy-efficient dishwasher?
The best way to find an energy-efficient dishwasher is to compare the dishwasher energy rating of different models. The UK government’s energy label guidance ranks products from A-G under the new energy label system, with A being the most efficient.
Check out our Ethical Dishwashers Ratings Table. This table gives you an in-depth run down of all the information you need, so you don’t need to do any of the research yourself! By comparing brands in the green and red sections of our table, you can decide which dishwasher brands to avoid and find the most ethical brand to purchase an energy-efficient dishwasher from.
Our research: dishwasher brands to avoid
The GOOD Shopping Guide’s independent research reveals that there are many unethical dishwasher companies. We have identified issues with human rights and environmental concerns. We have identified some examples of dishwasher brands to avoid, due to their unethical practices.
According to our latest research, Samsung is the least ethical dishwasher brand currently on the market. Samsung is unfortunately involved in a range of controversial activities and is involved in the defence sector. Samsung also has poor environmental practices, and has committed human rights abuses.
In 2019, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre reported on a case in which 6 workers were killed and another 25 injured, due to a collision at a Samsung Heavy Industries shipyard in South Korea. South Korean civil society organisations alleged that only a few of the victims and the families of deceased workers had received compensation.
Samsung has a poor human rights record, reflected in this case. We therefore recommend you add Samsung to your list of dishwasher brands to avoid in your search for an energy-efficient dishwasher.
Fossil fuels and dishwashers
Other poor scoring dishwasher brands include Beko, Blomberg and Grundig, which are owned by Koç Holding A.Ş, a Turkish conglomerate which operates across a wide range of industries. Koç is heavily involved in the Energy sector and owns several companies that are involved in activities such as the production of natural gas, oil refining and the supply of oil tankers, as documented by Platform London, a leading NGO tracking fossil fuel investment. As a result, Beko, Blomberg and Grundig receive a bottom rating in the Fossil Fuels category.
Not all dishwasher brands perform poorly. The highest-scoring brands in our Ethical Dishwashers Ratings Table demonstrate that it is possible to manufacture dishwashers with clean records on human rights, environmental reporting, and fossil fuel involvement. Choosing from the green section of our table is the simplest way to make a responsible purchasing decision.
Our advice: Energy-efficient dishwasher options, eco-friendly dishwasher tablets, and additional tips
CDA receives the highest score in our Ethical Dishwashers Ratings Table, as the company was found to have a clean record on human rights abuses and environmental practices. It was also the first brand to achieve Ethical Accreditation from The GOOD Shopping Guide.
Think about the dishwasher tablets you are using, as it is important to opt for eco-friendly dishwasher tablets to reduce your environmental impact. Eco dishwasher tablets do not contain as many chemicals as typical dishwasher tablets. This makes them less polluting to water systems. WRAP, the UK’s leading waste reduction charity, provides guidance on reducing the environmental impact of household cleaning products, including choosing concentrated or plastic-free formats. For a full comparison of ethical cleaning products, our Ethical Cleaning Products comparison table applies the same independent ratings methodology to household cleaning brands.
Eco-friendly dishwasher tablets are much better for the environment. They pose less risk to marine life and ecosystems. Look out for eco-friendly dishwasher tablets that do not come in plastic packaging.
Some extra tips!
Ensure your dishwasher is filled to its maximum capacity, so you can wash as many items as possible and save water. If your dishwasher has an eco-setting, make sure you use it! Although this may take a little longer, eco settings are much more efficient. Finally, don’t rinse your dishes before loading the dishwasher! This will significantly increase your overall water usage and is often not necessary if you have a good quality dishwasher.
Finally, why not buy a second-hand dishwasher? This saves on the environmental costs of manufacturing a new product and is likely to be cheaper than a brand-new dishwasher. If you are also comparing other home appliances on ethical grounds, our Ethical Washing Machines comparison table applies the same independent ratings methodology to washing machine brands.
See our Ethical Dishwashers Ratings Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
Our team of researchers have created detailed articles for the thousands of brands that appear on our Ethical Ratings Tables. Click on any brand name to read more of this detailed and exclusive research on brands’ ethics and sustainability policies and business practices.
Miele, Amica, CDA, Kenwood, Logik, Smeg, Swan, AEG, Belling, Electrolux, Montpellier, Prima, Stoves, Zanussi, Beko, Blomberg, Grundig, Hisense, Hotpoint, Indesit, Whirpool, Bosch, Gaggenau, Neff, Siemens, Baumatic, Candy, Fisher & Paykel, Hoover, LG and Samsung.
Is using a dishwasher more environmentally friendly than washing by hand?
According to Which?, using a dishwasher is actually more efficient than washing dishes by hand, making it the more eco-friendly option when used correctly. Roughly 49% of UK households now own a dishwasher, up from just 25% in the early 2000s. To maximise this environmental advantage, it is important to choose an energy-efficient model and to use it wisely — filling it to full capacity and activating the eco setting wherever possible.
How do I find the most energy-efficient dishwasher?
The most straightforward way to identify an energy-efficient dishwasher is to compare the energy labels on different models. These labels rate appliances from A to G, with A being the most efficient under the current system. The Good Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table allows consumers to compare brands across both ethical and performance criteria, making it easier to find an appliance that is both energy-efficient and sourced from a responsible company.
Which dishwasher brands should I avoid?
The Good Shopping Guide’s research identifies Samsung as the least ethical dishwasher brand currently on the market. Samsung has been linked to a poor environmental record, involvement in the defence sector, and human rights abuses. In 2019, the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre reported that six workers were killed at a Samsung Heavy Industries shipyard, with civil society organisations raising concerns about inadequate compensation for victims and their families. Consumers are encouraged to seek alternatives from higher-rated brands.
Why are Beko, Blomberg and Grundig rated poorly for fossil fuels?
Beko, Blomberg and Grundig are all owned by Koç Holding A.Ş., a Turkish conglomerate that operates extensively across the energy sector. Koç is involved in activities including natural gas production, oil refining, and the supply of oil tankers, leading all three brands to receive a bottom rating for Fossil Fuels in The Good Shopping Guide’s research. Consumers concerned about fossil fuel involvement may wish to consider higher-rated alternatives from the Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table.
What eco-friendly practices should I follow when using a dishwasher?
To minimise your environmental impact, always fill your dishwasher to its maximum capacity and use the eco setting if available, as this conserves both energy and water. Avoid rinsing dishes beforehand, as this unnecessarily increases water consumption. It is also worth choosing eco-friendly dishwasher tablets, which contain fewer harmful chemicals and pose less risk to water systems and marine life. Opting for tablets without plastic packaging is an additional step towards more sustainable usage.
Which dishwasher brand is the most ethical?
CDA tops The Good Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table and was the first brand of kitchen appliances to achieve Ethical Accreditation from The GOOD Shopping Guide. Its strong performance across assessed categories reflects a recognised commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices. Amica and Miele also perform well, both scoring above the benchmark. Consumers can consult the full table to compare all brands and make the most informed purchasing decision.
Is CDA an ethical Dishwashers brand?
CDA sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across most assessed categories, though its Environmental Report and Brand/Product Ethics both receive acceptable rather than top ratings. Holding Ethical Accreditation reflects the brand’s recognised commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices — CDA is the first kitchen appliance brand to achieve this accreditation from The GOOD Shopping Guide.
Is Amica an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Amica sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Code of Conduct, Animal Welfare, and Human Rights credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide a meaningful and recognised way to formally demonstrate Amica’s commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Miele an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Miele sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across most assessed categories including its Environmental Report, Code of Conduct, and Human Rights credentials, though it falls short in its Political Donations rating. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could offer Miele a meaningful and recognised means of formally validating its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Is Smeg an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Smeg sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Animal Welfare, Fossil Fuels, and Human Rights credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report and its Code of Conduct receives an acceptable rather than top rating. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide Smeg with a recognised way to formally validate its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Is Logik an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Logik sits at the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across most assessed categories including its Environmental Report, Code of Conduct, and Fossil Fuels credentials, though its Human Rights rating and Other Criticisms are both acceptable rather than top. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could offer Logik a recognised means of formally demonstrating its commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices.
Is Prima an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Prima sits at the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Animal Welfare and Human Rights credentials, though it falls short in both its Environmental Report and Code of Conduct ratings. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide Prima with a recognised means of formally validating its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Is Swan an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Swan sits at the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Animal Welfare and Human Rights credentials, though it falls short in both its Environmental Report and Code of Conduct ratings. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could offer Swan a recognised means of formally demonstrating its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Belling an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Belling falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Code of Conduct rating, and its Environmental Report and Human Rights credentials both receive acceptable rather than top ratings. Consumers seeking dishwasher brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Kenwood an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Kenwood falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Environmental Report, and its Code of Conduct and Other Criticisms both receive acceptable rather than top ratings. Those seeking dishwasher brands that do meet the ethical benchmark are encouraged to explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
Is Stoves an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Stoves falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Code of Conduct rating, and its Environmental Report and Human Rights credentials both receive acceptable rather than top ratings. Consumers seeking dishwasher brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is AEG an ethical Dishwashers brand?
AEG falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. While its Environmental Report receives a top rating, the brand falls short across several other areas, with its Code of Conduct, Political Donations, Human Rights credentials, and Other Criticisms all receiving acceptable rather than top ratings. Those seeking dishwasher brands that do meet the ethical benchmark are encouraged to explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
Is Electrolux an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Electrolux falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. While its Environmental Report receives a top rating, the brand falls short across several other areas, with its Code of Conduct, Political Donations, Human Rights credentials, and Other Criticisms all receiving acceptable rather than top ratings. Consumers seeking dishwasher brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Hotpoint an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Hotpoint falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. While its Environmental Report, Fossil Fuels, and Code of Conduct all receive top ratings, the brand falls short in its Political Donations category and has attracted Other Criticisms. Shoppers seeking dishwasher brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Indesit an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Indesit falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. While its Environmental Report, Fossil Fuels, and Code of Conduct all receive top ratings, the brand falls short in its Political Donations category and has attracted Other Criticisms. Those seeking dishwasher brands that do reach the ethical benchmark are encouraged to consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
Is Whirlpool an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Whirlpool falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. While its Environmental Report, Fossil Fuels, and Code of Conduct all receive top ratings, the brand falls short in its Political Donations category and has attracted Other Criticisms. Consumers seeking dishwasher brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Zanussi an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Zanussi falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. While its Environmental Report receives a top rating, the brand falls short across several areas, with its Code of Conduct, Political Donations, Human Rights credentials, and Other Criticisms all receiving acceptable rather than top ratings. Shoppers seeking dishwasher brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible options.
Is LG an ethical Dishwashers brand?
LG falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Armaments rating and has attracted Other Criticisms, while its Human Rights credentials receive an acceptable rather than top rating. Consumers seeking dishwasher brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Beko an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Beko falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Fossil Fuels and Armaments ratings, while its Code of Conduct, Human Rights credentials, and Other Criticisms all receive acceptable rather than top ratings. Those seeking dishwasher brands that do meet the ethical benchmark are encouraged to consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
Is Blomberg an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Blomberg falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Fossil Fuels and Armaments ratings, while its Code of Conduct, Human Rights credentials, and Other Criticisms all receive acceptable rather than top ratings. Consumers seeking dishwasher brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Grundig an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Grundig falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Fossil Fuels and Armaments ratings, while its Code of Conduct, Human Rights credentials, and Other Criticisms all receive acceptable rather than top ratings. Shoppers looking for dishwasher brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible options.
Is Bosch an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Bosch falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. While its Environmental Report and Code of Conduct both receive top ratings, the brand falls short in its Political Donations and Human Rights credentials, and has attracted Other Criticisms. Those seeking dishwasher brands that do reach the ethical benchmark are encouraged to consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
Is Gaggenau an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Gaggenau falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. While its Environmental Report and Code of Conduct both receive top ratings, the brand falls short in its Political Donations and Human Rights credentials, and has attracted Other Criticisms. Consumers seeking dishwasher brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Neff an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Neff falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. While its Environmental Report and Code of Conduct both receive top ratings, the brand falls short in its Political Donations and Human Rights credentials, and has attracted Other Criticisms. Shoppers seeking dishwasher brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible options.
Is Siemens an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Siemens falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. While its Environmental Report and Code of Conduct both receive top ratings, the brand falls short in its Political Donations and Human Rights credentials, and has attracted Other Criticisms. Those seeking dishwasher brands that do meet the ethical benchmark are encouraged to consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
Is Baumatic an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Baumatic falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Code of Conduct and Political Donations ratings and has attracted Other Criticisms, while its Environmental Report and Human Rights credentials receive acceptable rather than top ratings. Consumers seeking dishwasher brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Candy an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Candy falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Code of Conduct and Political Donations ratings and has attracted Other Criticisms, while its Environmental Report and Human Rights credentials receive acceptable rather than top ratings. Shoppers looking for dishwasher brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible options.
Is Fisher & Paykel an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Fisher & Paykel falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Code of Conduct and Political Donations ratings and has attracted Other Criticisms, while its Environmental Report and Human Rights credentials receive acceptable rather than top ratings. Those seeking dishwasher brands that do reach the ethical benchmark are encouraged to consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
Is Hisense an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Hisense falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Environmental Report and Human Rights credentials and has attracted Other Criticisms, with its Code of Conduct receiving an acceptable rather than top rating. Consumers seeking dishwasher brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Hoover an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Hoover falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Code of Conduct and Political Donations ratings and has attracted Other Criticisms, while its Environmental Report and Human Rights credentials receive acceptable rather than top ratings. Shoppers seeking dishwasher brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible options.
Is Samsung an ethical Dishwashers brand?
Samsung falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short across multiple areas, including its Fossil Fuels, Armaments, Political Donations, and Human Rights credentials, and has attracted Other Criticisms. Those seeking dishwasher brands that do meet the ethical benchmark are encouraged to consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Dishwashers Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation complement other accreditations?
The GOOD Shopping Guide doesn’t replace existing certifications, it ensures your ethical credentials are clearly recognised so they are trusted by consumers. By appearing in our comparison tables, your brand reaches an audience that is actively seeking genuinely ethical options, while also being referenced by Google and AI search tools to enhance credibility and discoverability.
How is The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation different from other accreditations?
Unlike many accreditations that focus mainly on compliance or internal audits, The GOOD Shopping Guide provides scored, research-led assessments across environment, people and animals. Our tables are consumer-facing and freely accessible, making it easy for shoppers and AI tools to compare brands based on verified performance, not just promises.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide choose who is eligible for accreditation?
The GOOD Shopping Guide audits brands for their ethical impact across a variety of criteria in the human, animal and environment categories. We research the records of brands and their parent companies, and rate them across those criteria. If they are found to be above our benchmark, they are eligible to apply for Ethical Accreditation.
How can I apply for Ethical Accreditation?
You can apply for Ethical Accreditation if your brand is assessed as above our benchmark. Click on this link to fill out our online form, and our researchers will assess your brand’s viability for Ethical Accreditation.