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Water-Saving Features in High-End Dishwashers and Washing Machines

by The Experts at Friedmans

Close view of inside a dishwasher with plates and glasses in the racks and water being splashes around.

Are you an eco-conscious homeowner looking for ways to save on energy and water when maintaining your house? Many believe that dishwashers and washing machines can raise your energy bill and consume too much water. However, some brands make water saving washing machines and dishwashers so that you can optimize your home's efficiency.

Front view of a washing machine with water being poured into a drum full of towels.

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But how do these premium eco-friendly appliances work? In this article, we talk about luxury water-efficient appliances, their features, and tips on how to save water every time you use your appliance. So, let's dive right in!

Water-Saving Features in High-End Dishwashers

Front view of water splashing around on glasses inside a dishwasher.

Luxury dishwashers with energy efficiency give you premium aesthetics and deliver advanced water and energy-saving technologies designed for eco-conscious homes. From sensor-driven cycles to intelligent filtration systems, these appliances go beyond the basics. Click the ➕ to learn more.

➕ Triple Water Filtration

Water reuse is handled more intelligently with triple water filtration systems, found in models like the KitchenAid KDPM804KBS. This system removes food particles at multiple stages, to allow filtered water to be reused during the cycle, and minimize fresh water intake.

➕ Auto-Sense Cycles and Soil-Sensor Systems

One of the most impactful water-saving features in top-tier dishwashers is auto-sense cycles/technology, also known as a soil-sensor system. These sensors detect food particles and grime levels in the water, automatically adjusting the cycle's duration and water usage.

For example, the Bosch water-saving dishwashers like the 800 Series uses PrecisionWash, which leverages sensors to monitor each load and adjust spray intensity and water volume in real-time to reduce waste without compromising cleanliness.

➕ Eco/Green Modes and ENERGYSTAR® Certified Appliances

Close view of a person pressing the Eco mode button on their dishwasher.

High-end dishwashers can include dedicated eco/green washing modes, which run at lower temperatures and extend wash times to reduce both energy and water use. These features are especially beneficial in ENERGYSTAR® certified appliances, which meet stringent guidelines for energy and water efficiency. The Miele water-saving features in the G 7000 series, for instance, can use as little as 1.5 gallons of water per cycle in its Eco mode, which is far less than standard dishwashers.

→ Learn more: How Much Can You Actually Save with an ENERGY STAR® Dishwasher?

➕ High-Pressure Jets and Steam Cleaning

Efficiency doesn’t mean reduced cleaning power. There is Thermador eco-friendly technology that includes high-pressure water jets in their Star Sapphire series, blasting away debris with minimal water usage. In addition, steam cleaning technology used in the LG smart water management in Signature models can loosen food residue before the wash begins, for shorter, less water-intensive main cycles.

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Water Saving Features in Luxury Washing Machines

Leading brands are integrating smart systems that significantly reduce water consumption gallons per cycle, to align with the growing demand for California drought-friendly appliances and stricter Bay Area water restrictions. Here are features of washing machines that will help you improve your water consumption when doing laundry. Click the ➕ to learn more.

View of water splashing around inside a washer drum

➕ Precision Detergent Dispensing Systems

Automated dispensing systems are key in reducing water consumption. Features from brands like Whirlpool’s Load & Go XL dispensers allow users to load enough detergent for up to 40 washes, with the machine dispensing the correct amount based on load weight and soil level.

The feature prevents excess suds and reduces the number of rinse cycles needed. Similarly, Flow-through detergent dispensers found in high-end Miele models release detergent gradually for even coverage and less waste.

➕ Smart Water Level and Soil Sensing Technology

View from inside of a washing machine with the water half filled up.

Machines from GE and LG use adaptive fill technology to determine the precise amount of water needed for each cycle. GE Profile water conservation models are equipped with load sensors and AI-powered soil detection that automatically adjust cycle time and rinse settings to optimize water use. These features are especially beneficial in regions with water restrictions, where efficiency is important for compliance and savings.

➕ Integrated Eco-Focused Engineering

Luxury washers from Miele and Bosch feature eco programs, moisture sensing, and heat-pump technology to reduce both energy and water demands. These systems intelligently customize wash cycles based on fabric type and soil level to reduce the environmental impact of luxury appliances.

➕ Practical Benefits for Modern Homes

Over time, the water-saving features in these appliances lead to meaningful water bill reduction. For homeowners building a premium sustainable kitchen, these technologies provide a practical, high-performance solution that supports sustainable living without compromising on luxury.

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4 Tips for Saving Water in Your Dish and Laundry Routines

Modern appliances, particularly those designed for efficiency, offer advanced features that help reduce waste while still delivering outstanding results. Whenever you're loading the dishwasher or tossing in a load of laundry, these practical, brand-specific tips will help you reduce water use and improve your home’s efficiency.

Front view of a slightly opened ASKO dishwasher with AutoWash

1. Choose Water-Saving Dishwashers Over Hand Washing

The debate of hand washing vs. dishwasher water usage is more relevant than ever. High-efficiency dishwashers, like the Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer, use as little as 1.9 gallons per cycle, compared to up to 27 gallons when washing dishes by hand. Water efficiency metrics are beneficial, particularly in drought-prone regions. The Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer water efficiency is so low, it can operate with lower annual kWh usage, which makes it efficient on both water and energy fronts.

Many people still rinse dishes before loading, but with eco-conscious brands like Café sustainable appliances, that's unnecessary. Their sensor-based soil detection makes no pre-rinsing necessary, which saves dozens of gallons per week. The feature reduces water usage and improves long-term water savings when practiced consistently.

Front view of a woman hand-washing dishes in her sink.

2. Consider the Dishwasher and Washer Type

When comparing traditional vs. high-efficiency washing machines, the water savings are significant. A traditional top-load washer might use up to 40 gallons per load, while a water saving washing machine like those from Electrolux or LG can cut that number to 13–17 gallons. These machines can come with advanced Energy Factor ratings and water efficiency metrics, that give you measurable insight into their performance.

Front load vs. top load water efficiency is another major factor. Front-load washers generally outperform top-load models in both water and energy use, and they also tend to be gentler on fabrics. While the initial price may be higher, the price vs. water savings analysis shows that high-efficiency models can pay for themselves over time through lower utility bills.

3. Run Full Loads Only

Running partial loads wastes water and energy. Every water-saving dishwasher and washer uses the same amount of water whether they're half full or completely loaded. Waiting until you have a full load is one of the easiest ways to cut down on gallons per year comparison across households.

Front view of a woman loading her dishwasher fully.

Additionally, many luxury appliances include eco or half-load settings, but these are still most effective when used strategically. Look for washer models that offer a clothes-sensing feature, which only adds the necessary amount of water to the drum. A well-planned laundry schedule and dishwashing routine can significantly reduce your annual water footprint.

4. Pay Attention to Noise and Efficiency Ratings

Modern luxury appliances can conserve resources and provide a quieter experience. Look at dBA (noise level) ratings when comparing dishwashers. A unit with a 39 dBA rating operates so quietly that you may not even hear it running. These quiet cycles indicate more advanced engineering, which tends to correlate with higher water and energy efficiency.

In laundry appliances, quieter motors and vibration-reduction technology are found in high-end front-load washers, which also deliver better water efficiency metrics compared to older, noisier models.

When purchasing a washing machine, consider the Energy Factor ratings, annual kWh usage, and standard vs. high-efficiency water usage. Electrolux and Bosch have washer and dishwasher models, respectively, with high ENERGYSTAR® ratings and advanced cycle customization for more efficient water and energy use.

Whether it's selecting a water saving washing machine or installing water-saving dishwashers, these steps contribute to long-term water savings without compromising convenience or performance.

Where to Shop for Energy-Saving Appliances

Front view of a man shopping for a washing machine in an appliance store.

At Friedmans Appliance, we understand that choosing the right washer or dishwasher is about more than just performance. That's why we proudly offer a curated selection of ENERGY STAR® certified appliances from leading brands like Bosch, GE, Miele and more. These models are designed to deliver exceptional cleaning power while reducing water and energy consumption, helping you save money and protect resources.

Our Pleasant Hill showroom features one of the largest in-stock inventories in the Bay Area, allowing you to explore a wide range of options firsthand. Our knowledgeable team is here to guide you through the latest appliances, so you find the perfect fit for your home.

Water-Saving Washer FAQs

The water saving washing machine that consistently ranks among the best is the front-load LG WM9500HKA, which uses only about 5.8 gallons per cubic foot per cycle. It features AI-powered load sensing, TurboWash technology, and an ENERGYSTAR® Most Efficient 2025 rating, all of which reduce water use without sacrificing cleaning performance. Compared to standard washers, it gives you over 30% lower water consumption, so it's ideal for eco-conscious households.

Front-load washers are the most water-efficient type, with many models qualifying as a water saving washing machine because of their low water usage, which can be around 13–17 gallons per load compared to 30–40 gallons for top-load agitator models.

You can buy a water saving washing machine at Friedmans Appliance, which carries a wide selection of high-efficiency models from brands like Electrolux, LG, and GE. These appliances are designed for luxury water conservation as they use advanced load sensing and precision wash technology to minimize water waste. Our showroom features premium washers and dishwashers that meet strict efficiency standards while delivering top-tier performance. Visit our website to browse our full collection of luxury laundry and kitchen appliances that conserve water, or stop by our store to see these products in person.

Why Trust Friedmans Appliance?

Established in 1922, Friedmans Appliance has been the most trusted name in the Bay Area for over 100 years. What started as a small appliance store in Oakland has expanded to include every appliance you need for your home. Our commitment to value, inspiration, and character has only grown, creating an unbeatable reputation for top-notch appliances. At Friedmans, we strive to give our customers the best of the best, including our selection of top appliance brands and our exceptional customer service. Speaking of which, we offer a 100-day price guarantee on all our products — the longest in the industry!

Our wide selection of appliances is just one of the reasons we’re the best Bay Area appliance store. We carry refrigerators in every style, every cooking appliance to show off your chef skills, and every dishwasher or laundry appliance you need for cleanup.

Shop Appliances at Friedmans

See for yourself why Friedmans is a trusted name in the Bay Area and shop water saving washing machines and dishwashers online. While we are located in Pleasant Hill, we deliver to all of Northern California — even Reno! If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help you find a water saving washing machine or dishwasher, whether you call us at 925-808-2950, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our appliance store in Pleasant Hill to experience the quality in person. Visit us today!

Learn more: 8 Best New Features to Look for in Front Loading Washers