[Alphagem]

We've just gone onto Next Smart Saver Fixed 12m V3 (requires smart meter with half-hour electricity readings). It has a reduced rate between 2 and 5 am.

The washing machine is no problem as that has a delay setting. But the cold fill dishwasher does not. So, following a tip I saw online, I bought a TP-Link Tapo P105 Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug from John Lewis. (£9)

This works on your wi-fi and your smart phone. You don't need a hub, but you do need it to be within reach of a 2.5g wi-fi source.

To make it work, you have to use a little trick. You start the dishwasher, then almost immediately turn off the plug using the app. Then you set the delay on the app so that the plug comes back on just after 2am. When the power is restored, the dishwasher resumes its cycle, which it completes within the cheaper period.

Using the separate Bright app on my phone, which shows the power consumption in 30-minute time slots, I can see when the machine is drawing power to heat water and dry the dishes. So, I know it works.

[geoffers]

@Alphagem - Great tip : I have the same problem with the dishwasher and hadn't thought of that 👍

Similar with the washing machine which does have a delay timer, but I'd need a robot to move the washing to the tumble dryer 🤣

FYI: I'm using the Tapo P110, which are a little more expensive but also record your actual energy usage at that socket as well 👍 (Bright will only show the total household usage)

[Poppy_EONNext]

Hey @Alphagem 😁

I have always been intrigued about these smart plugs. It is a very clever solution to taking advantage of the off peak rate!
Thanks for sharing this great tip! I'm sure it will be very helpful for others in a similar situation looking to optimise their energy usage and save money! 🙌

[Alphagem]

Originally Posted by geoffers

@Alphagem - Great tip : I have the same problem with the dishwasher and hadn't thought of that 👍

Similar with the washing machine which does have a delay timer, but I'd need a robot to move the washing to the tumble dryer 🤣

FYI: I'm using the Tapo P110, which are a little more expensive but also record your actual energy usage at that socket as well 👍 (Bright will only show the total household usage)

If it works with your domestic routine, you could always split over two nights.

[rwh202]

Originally Posted by Alphagem

If it works with your domestic routine, you could always split over two nights.

Not sure having a soggy pile of washing waiting all day for its turn in the dryer is worth it!

(un)Fortunately our family day starts well before the end of off-peak, so the towels can get their spin in the dryer on cheap rate.

An added benefit of running overnight is that there is no rush - you can use the long 'eco' cycles that use less energy too.

Oh, and related to one of my peeves - the washer has a delayed end time, set in one hour increments with an acceleration at 10 hours - so aiming for 06:00 when setting in the evening invariably leads to an overshoot.
The dishwasher, same manufacturer, has delayed start time instead, set in one minute increments, with acceleration after 20 minutes - now who needs their dishwasher to start in exactly 17 minutes?

[Connor_EONNext]

Great idea @Alphagem - I've been eyeing some up for a while - but couldn't decide, but you may have just sorted that for me 😁

[meldrewreborn]

@Connor_EONNext

can you investigate official advice on running these appliances at night. I seem to recall advice to the effect that tumble dryers should not be run unattended (even in the daytime) due to the risk of fire, so it’s likely that there will be similar advice re night time running.

we don’t of course have to follow such guidance.

[rwh202]

Originally Posted by meldrewreborn

@Connor_EONNext

can you investigate official advice on running these appliances at night. I seem to recall advice to the effect that tumble dryers should not be run unattended (even in the daytime) due to the risk of fire, so it’s likely that there will be similar advice re night time running.

we don’t of course have to follow such guidance.

You should of course be sat watching all large appliances whilst running, ready to step in and raise the alarm when they burst into flames.... (yes, seriously, that is the official advice).
Also, after every use, switch off the water supply and power.

I'd have thought sensible precautions would minimise the risk though:
No product recall
Working smoke / heat alarms
Plugged into a tested and RCD protected circuit
Appliances kept clean and maintained

Plus, I'd probably draw the line at a tumble drier.

However, common sense can't be relied on for official advice...

[Indyk_EONNext]

Hey @Alphagem

This is a great share thank you, I have recently just brought a new dish washer so I am still trying to figure out which would be the best cycle being most energy efficient. When I use the Eco wash the cycle time is 3 and a half hours 🙈 so I am guessing that won't be the best one!

So I am guessing the Tapo smart plug will help me with this! Can you use it for anything?

[Alphagem]

Originally Posted by Indyk_EONNext

So I am guessing the Tapo smart plug will help me with this! Can you use it for anything?

Check the rating on the model you buy. Ours is rated for 13amp appliances so far as I recall. Not all smart plugs are. The other test I applied was, "If there was a power cut, would the appliance pick up where it left off when the power was restored?" With our dishwasher, this seems to be the case from testing by switching the plug off and then on again.

An eco setting of 3.5 hours duration would exceed our cheap window of 2am to 5am, but if you can get an idea of when the maximum power is consumed, that would give you a good idea of the best start time if you had a similar tariff.