As a home appliance expert with years of experience in the field, I understand the intricacies of various household devices, including dishwashers. The duration a dishwasher takes to run can vary significantly based on a range of factors, including the model of the dishwasher, the type of cycle selected, and the load size.

New dishwashers are designed with energy efficiency and water conservation in mind, which can sometimes lead to longer run times compared to older models. This is because modern dishwashers often have more sophisticated features and cycles that are tailored to different types of dishes and cleaning needs. For instance, a normal cycle on a new dishwasher might extend to two hours or more, whereas an older machine might complete a similar cycle in around one hour.

However, it's important to note that the longer run time is not necessarily a drawback. Newer dishwashers are advertised as using less electricity and less water, which can lead to significant savings over time. The efficiency of a dishwasher is often measured by its energy factor (EF), which takes into account both the amount of energy used and the amount of water consumed during a cycle.

When it comes to the actual running time, here are some general guidelines:


1. Quick or Express Cycles: These are designed for lightly soiled dishes and can run in as little as 30 minutes to an hour.

2. Normal or Regular Cycles: As mentioned, these can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours or more, depending on the dishwasher model and settings.

3. Heavy or Pots and Pans Cycles: These cycles are meant for heavily soiled items and can take the longest, often 2 to 3 hours or more.

4. Eco or Energy-Saving Cycles: While these cycles aim to save energy and water, they might take longer to run, sometimes up to 3 hours.

It's also worth mentioning that the load size can impact the run time. A full load will generally take longer to clean than a half load, as the dishwasher needs to ensure that all items are thoroughly cleaned.

In addition to the cycle type and load size, other factors such as the dishwasher's age, maintenance, and the presence of any issues like clogs or leaks can also affect the run time.

To ensure that your dishwasher operates efficiently and within the expected time frame, it's important to:

- Regularly clean and maintain the dishwasher, including the filter and spray arms.
- Avoid overloading the dishwasher, as this can lead to longer cleaning times and less effective cleaning.
- Choose the appropriate cycle for the type of dishes and level of soil.

In conclusion, while new dishwashers might have longer run times compared to older models, they are designed to be more efficient and can save on energy and water usage in the long run. Understanding the different cycles and properly maintaining your dishwasher can help ensure that it runs effectively and within the expected time frame.

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New dishwashers tend to run a lot longer than older machines, yet the new ones are advertised as using less electricity and less water. --Normal-- cycles stretch to two hours and beyond, vs. around one hour for older machines.Jun 24, 2014read more >>