Amana and Frigidaire dishwashers both earn ENERGY STAR certification in their budget class, but Frigidaire typically edges out with lower annual energy costs (240-270 kWh/year) and water usage (3.5-4.5 gallons/cycle) thanks to DishSense sensors, while Amana delivers solid efficiency (270-300 kWh/year) through basic sensor wash at rock-bottom upfront prices.
Energy Efficiency Standards
ENERGY STAR requires under 270 kWh/year and 3.5 gallons/cycle maximum for standard models. Real-world costs average $35-45 annually at $0.13/kWh national average. Testing measures Normal cycle performance across 200+ runs.
Amana Energy Profile
Amana models like ADB1400AGW consume 270-300 kWh annually with 4-5 gallon Normal cycles. Basic sensor wash adjusts slightly for soil loads while triple filter reduces water waste from re-washes. Owners report $38-42 yearly electric bills serving 4-person families.
Frigidaire Energy Profile
Frigidaire spans 240-270 kWh/year across lines Gallery models hit 240 kWh with DishSense auto-adjusting water/heat by load size. OrbitClean optimizes spray patterns minimizing pump runtime. Expect $32-38 annual costs, saving $5-10 vs Amana equivalents.
Head-to-Head Efficiency Comparison
| Aspect | Amana | Frigidaire |
|---|---|---|
| Annual kWh | 270-300 kWh | 240-270 kWh |
| Water/Cycle | 4-5 gallons | 3.5-4.5 gallons |
| Annual Cost | $38-42 | $32-38 |
| Sensor Tech | Basic soil sensing | DishSense load adjusting |
| Eco Cycles | 1 Eco option | Multiple Eco/Quick |
| Hard Water | Average efficiency | Better mineral handling |
Key Takeaways for Energy Savings
Frigidaire saves $5-10 yearly through smarter sensors while Amana maximizes value-per-dollar efficiency. Both cut hand washing costs 80% vs older models.
FAQs about Amana vs Frigidaire Energy Efficiency
1. Frigidaire $10 yearly savings worth price premium?
Minimal $10/year equates to 5-year payback on $50 price gap. Amana better pure value; Frigidaire if utility rates exceed $0.15/kWh.
2. Amana’s 300 kWh high or budget-class normal?
Budget normal beats 400+ kWh pre-2015 models by 25%. ENERGY STAR compliance ensures respectable efficiency despite basic tech.
3. DishSense sensors actually save energy real-world?
Yes auto-adjusts water/heat by load, cutting 10-15% vs fixed cycles. Owners verify shorter runtimes, lower bills on partial loads.
4. Hard water hurt Amana efficiency more?
Slightly mineral buildup demands longer cycles. Frigidaire’s stainless tub resists scaling better; both need monthly citric acid regardless.
5. Eco cycle water savings significant daily use?
20-30% reduction (3 vs 4.5 gallons) $8-12 yearly water savings. Frigidaire multiple Eco options vs Amana’s single setting.
6. Half-load efficiency better which brand?
Frigidaire DishSense shines detecting small loads; Amana basic sensor less responsive. Both save vs full cycles.
7. Electric bill impact family of 4 comparison?
Frigidaire $32-38 vs Amana $38-42-$40-50 five-year difference. Negligible vs $500+ upfront savings choosing either budget brand.
8. Delay start utility rate savings realistic?
Yes both support off-peak scheduling. Frigidaire’s precise timing + sensors maximize savings; $20-40/year possible high-rate areas.
9. Stainless vs plastic tub efficiency difference?
Frigidaire stainless retains heat 20% better cutting dry time/energy. Amana’s plastic cools faster but adequate with heated dry.
10. Pure efficiency winner budget segment?
Frigidaire by 10-15% via sensors; Amana close second maximizing dollar efficiency. Both slash hand washing costs dramatically.