That is all true -- except that the common detergent packs or liquids are extremely caustic. Much more so than the liquids used for hand-washing dishes. Something to consider.

Terry


Point being that a well-designed unit will get dishes cleaner, using less water, less energy and fewer chemicals than hand-washing unless one is incredibly efficient about it. The dynamics change if one lives alone, or has on-site sanitation, tankless water heater and any of several other conditions that mitigate towards hand-washing.