When you find yourself faced with a pile of dishes after a lunch with friends, knowing the functions of your dishwasher can make the difference. After weeks of use, here is a comparison between the ECO and AUTO programs to help you choose the one best suited to your needs.
A study published in MDPI, entitled “Use of Automatic Dishwasher and Their Programs in Europe with a Special Focus on Energy Consumption”analyzed consumer habits in Europe, finding that the ECO program is preferred by users who are more attentive to energy savingwhile many find the AUTO mode more practical due to its adaptability.
The researchers point out that the latest generation dishwashers are improving the performance of both programs, bringing the energy consumption of the two modes closer. This makes the difference between ECO and AUTO less clear, while confirming the importance of a conscious choice based on the specific needs of the load.
ECO mode: energy efficiency and water saving
The ECO program of the dishwasher is designed to minimize water and energy consumption. It runs at lower temperatures, generally around 50°C, and uses less water per cycle. This results in a longer cycle time, often between 3 and 5 hours, as the appliance compensates for the lower temperature by soaking the dishes for longer. It is ideal for loads with normal dirt and when you are not in a hurry to have the dishes ready.
The AUTO mode: adaptability and optimal cleaning
The AUTO program uses sensors to detect the level of dirt on the dishes, automatically regulating temperature, duration and quantity of water. If the dishes are very dirty, the cycle will be longer and at higher temperatures; on the contrary, with less dirty dishes, the wash will be shorter and at lower temperatures. This flexibility ensures effective cleaning in different situations, but energy consumption may vary based on specific load conditions.
Research has shown that using the ECO program can lead to significant energy savings. For example, an energy class A dishwasher, using the ECO cycle, can consume up to 50-75% less energy than short cycles at high temperature.
This saving is due to the gradual heating of the water and the lower washing temperature, which reduce overall energy consumption. Furthermore, the ECO program is often used as a reference to determine the energy efficiency class of dishwashers, as it represents the most efficient cycle in terms of combined water and energy consumption.
