Half load (½ or half a rack)
An option for a small load: the machine uses less water and energy, and on some models runs for a shorter time.
What the manuals say to do
Select the programme first, then the half-load option, and use a little less detergent than for a full load (Bosch, Hotpoint, Smeg). Where to put the dishes depends on the make: Beko and Smeg say you can use both baskets; Whirlpool’s Multizone washes only the rack you choose, so load only that one.
What it does not mean
It does not halve the running time or the consumption: the manuals only say it saves water and energy (Hotpoint: “water, electricity or time, depending on the selected program”). Hotpoint still recommends waiting for a full load where you can, because a full load saves the most energy and water.
Makes differ, check your dishwasher’s manual: the same drawing can mean different things on different brands, and only your model’s manual says exactly what a light means and which programmes an option works with.
- What it looks like
- A ½ sign, or a basket drawn half full. Whirlpool’s Multizone shows a symbol for the upper, lower or cutlery rack alone.
- Names makers use
- Half Load (Beko, Hotpoint); Half load (Bosch, older models); Spread half load (Smeg); Multizone: upper or lower rack only (Whirlpool)
Where makers differ
“Spread” half load across both baskets (Beko, Smeg) versus one chosen rack (Whirlpool Multizone). Many newer machines drop the button and sense the load instead — AEG’s AUTO Sense measures the amount of dishes itself.
Other symbols with the same shapes
Sources
No single published standard defines dishwasher panel icons, so this meaning is taken from the manuals of 4 different maker groups (Beko, Hotpoint, Smeg, Bosch, Whirlpool), each fetched and read on the date shown:
- Beko: Beko — Dishwasher instruction manual, GB booklet with child lock, half load and combi tablet (PDF) — Half Load button (4) and Half Load (1/2) indicator (14): “Thanks to the Half Load option, you can use both lower and upper baskets of your machine and you can save water and energy.” Checked 2026-09-26.
- Hotpoint: Hotpoint — Dishwasher Daily Reference Guide, 15 place settings with 3D Zone Wash and ActiveDry (PDF, 05/2023) — “HALF LOAD – If there are not many dishes to be washed, HALF LOAD is used to save water, electricity or time, depending on the selected program. Remember to reduce the amount of detergent.” Checked 2026-09-26.
- Smeg: Smeg — Instruction manual: guide for using the dishwasher and the washing programs, 19390674500 (PDF) — “SPREAD HALF LOAD – Suitable when there are not many dishes to be washed, it saves energy and reduces the program duration. Place dishes in both baskets then load the detergent dispenser [with] less than the normal amount.” Checked 2026-09-26.
- Bosch: Bosch — Dishwasher operating instructions 9000 255 656 (older models with VarioSpeed, half load and auto 3in1, PDF) — “Half load: If you have only a few items to wash (e.g. glasses, cups, plates), you can switch to ‘Half load’ … saves water, energy and time. It is recommended to put a little less detergent in the detergent dispenser.” Checked 2026-09-26.
- Whirlpool: Whirlpool — Dishwasher Daily Reference Guide, with Multizone, Turbo and NaturalDry (PDF) — MULTIZONE: “If there are not many dishes to be washed, a half loading may be used”; press repeatedly to wash only the lower, upper or cutlery rack, shown by a symbol on the display. Checked 2026-09-26.
Written in our own words; quotations are the makers’ wording.