---
title: "Dishwasher vs microwave oven — size, weight and speed compared"
description: "Dishwasher is 2.7× microwave oven on weight. Compared on 4 measured properties, with the full range and a source for each."
url: https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-microwave/
site: "At One Place"
---

# Dishwasher vs Microwave oven

**Dishwasher vs microwave oven: Dishwasher is larger on weight**

Dishwasher is 2.7× microwave oven on weight.

A dishwasher and a microwave oven can be compared on 4 measures. The figures below are typical adult or full-size values, with the larger of the two in bold.

## Side by side

*Larger value in bold. Ranges reflect genuine variation, not uncertainty.*

|  | Dishwasher | Microwave oven |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weight | 28–58 kg | 9–36 kg |
| Typical lifespan | 7–13 yr | 6–11 yr |
| Typical cost | 350–1,800 $ | 60–600 $ |
| Power draw | 900–1,800 W | 900–1,800 W |

## What the numbers say

- Dishwasher is 2.7× microwave oven on weight.
- Dishwasher is somewhat greater than microwave oven on typical lifespan — about 1.1×.
- Dishwasher is 4.6× microwave oven on typical cost.
- Microwave oven is somewhat greater than dishwasher on power draw — about 1.2×.

*Weight compared.*

- Dishwasher: 28–58 kg
- Microwave oven: 9–36 kg

## Dishwasher

A built-in cabinet that washes dishes with heated water and detergent on a timed cycle.

## Microwave oven

A countertop or built-in oven that heats food with 2.45 GHz microwaves from a magnetron.

> This is a comparison of published measurements, nothing more. It describes how two things differ on measures that have been recorded; it does not predict how they would fare against each other in any situation.

## Common questions

### Which is bigger, dishwasher or microwave oven?

Dishwasher is 2.7× microwave oven on weight. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.

### How do dishwashers and microwave ovens compare on typical lifespan?

Dishwasher: 7–13 yr. Microwave oven: 6–11 yr. Dishwasher is somewhat greater than microwave oven on typical lifespan — about 1.1×.

### How do dishwashers and microwave ovens compare on typical cost?

Dishwasher: 350–1,800 $. Microwave oven: 60–600 $. Dishwasher is 4.6× microwave oven on typical cost.

## Related pages

- [Air conditioner vs dishwasher](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-conditioner-vs-dishwasher/)
- [Dishwasher vs washing machine](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-washing-machine/)
- [Clothes dryer vs dishwasher](https://atoneplace.net/vs/clothes-dryer-vs-dishwasher/)
- [Dishwasher vs water heater](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-water-heater/)
- [Espresso machine vs microwave oven](https://atoneplace.net/vs/espresso-machine-vs-microwave/)
- [Dishwasher vs oven](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-oven/)
- [Microwave oven vs stand mixer](https://atoneplace.net/vs/microwave-vs-stand-mixer/)
- [Dishwasher vs refrigerator](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-refrigerator/)
- [Microwave oven vs vacuum cleaner](https://atoneplace.net/vs/microwave-vs-vacuum-cleaner/)
- [Microwave oven vs sewing machine](https://atoneplace.net/vs/microwave-vs-sewing-machine/)
- [Air fryer vs microwave oven](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-fryer-vs-microwave/)
- [Dehumidifier vs microwave oven](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dehumidifier-vs-microwave/)

## Sources

- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place (/about/)
- ENERGY STAR Product Specifications — US Environmental Protection Agency (https://www.energystar.gov/) [Public domain (US Government)]
- Residential Energy Consumption Survey — US Energy Information Administration (https://www.eia.gov/consumption/residential/) [Public domain (US Government)]