The key points

  • Water and energy labels measure different resources.
  • Read capacity, consumption and tested program alongside the stars.
  • A household running-cost estimate depends on its actual routine.

Read what each label measures

The WELS label shows water efficiency and water consumption; dishwasher information includes litres per wash and load capacity. The Energy Rating label provides an efficiency rating and estimated annual electricity use. Australian Government Energy Rating guidance bases the dishwasher annual estimate on seven uses a week and identifies the program used for testing. These are comparison conditions, rather than a record of your future household behaviour. A dishwasher with excellent labels still needs to fit your dishes and your kitchen. Write the figures into separate water and electricity columns so neither measure disappears behind a general impression of efficiency.

Keep the comparison tied to capacity

Use energy stars to compare machines of similar capacity and features. Then inspect the annual electricity figure as well as the stars. For water, read the stated litres with the labelled load capacity and tested cycle. The WELS regulator identifies the model and test program as useful label information and allows you to verify details in its product register. This matters when closely related models have similar names. Save a photograph or copy of the actual labels for each candidate. If a listing uses a broad brand description, obtain the precise model information before assuming another appliance’s figures apply.

Use your routine to interpret the figures

List how many washes you expect in an ordinary week and which program you are likely to choose. Someone who mainly uses a faster cycle should investigate that program’s data rather than assuming it matches the labelled cycle. Think about the number of complete loads your household creates and the room for cookware in each machine. An efficiency comparison is more useful when the appliances can do the same practical job. Keep any cost estimate transparent: identify your own electricity tariff and the consumption figure being used, and label the result as an estimate rather than promising a particular saving.

Avoid a false precision in the final choice

Treat small differences in figures as one part of a broader decision that includes fit, condition, loading and the work required for installation. Water and energy ratings are separate systems; a matching star count does not make them interchangeable scores. If two suitable appliances remain close, decide which daily features you would use and which complete purchase is affordable. For a Value House appliance, verify the listing’s exact model, condition, included components and warranty alongside its stated label information. Keep your comparison record with the purchase details so you can later find the program and operating guidance that informed your decision.

Before you buy

  • Confirm the exact model number on each label.
  • Record water litres, energy use, capacity and test program.
  • Compare suitable models with similar practical capacity.
  • Use your tariff and realistic wash frequency for any estimate.

Sources & further reading

Prepared with AI assistance using the manufacturer and Australian guidance linked below. Check the exact model’s documentation when planning a purchase or installation.