One of the best dishwashers will make washing up a cinch. A good dishwasher will leave everything spotless in a single cycle, be it a plate, glass or a heavily stained pan. There should be no signs of food residue on the load, and on top of that, it should be thoroughly dried as well. That means no dripping as you unload the dishwasher, or having to wait around until it dries naturally. The layout needs to be efficient for loading as well — with enough space between the tines for the water to flow through, but close enough to get the best capacity.
Then there’s the design to consider. You want a dishwasher which offers enough settings to suit your needs. Some come with useful functions and accessories to extend the versatility as well, such as third racks, or half-load cycles. Efficiency is essential as well — electricity and water consumption needs to be minimal so it doesn’t rack up your bills. Of course, finding a dishwasher which gives you everything you want is tricky. That’s where we can help. We’ve done the research to find the models which manage to tick every box, whether you want value for money, or a dishwasher with smart connectivity. These are the best dishwashers.
The best dishwashers you can buy today
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The Bosch 300 Series SHSM63W55N is our pick for the best dishwasher overall. Without setting you back a bundle, it gives you top-notch cleaning performance, a durable and spacious stainless-steel tub, and a third rack for cutlery. Among its cycles there’s one that washes and dries in just one hour and another that sanitizes. The Bosch 300 is so quiet that it projects a beam of light on the floor to let you know it’s running.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 stars across Best Buy, Lowes and Bosch itself, consumers are generally thrilled with this dishwasher, noting that it’s quiet in use and cleans well. Plus, the third rack is especially appreciated.
As the controls are out of sight on the top of the door, this model has a sleek upscale look. The only negative we can point out is that because the tines that separate plates are close together, you may have trouble fitting in chunky plates or bowls. Otherwise, the dishwasher's adjustable racks are great for accommodating a wide range of large and small dishes.
The Whirpool WDP540HAMZ provides a good performance at a reasonable price, covering the basics of what a dishwasher should offer. It features the core settings you need, including Heavy, Boost and Normal cycles as well as two dry settings. Plus, extras include Quick Wash and High Temperature options, should you need. Although, it is worth flagging that there’s no delay start and no fragile or glassware cycle, so if you often rely on those, better look elsewhere on this list. But, otherwise the performance is reliable as well as constant — removing all traces of food in a single cycle.
This dishwasher rates an average of 4.3/5 stars on Whirlpool’s site, with similar ratings elsewhere. Users are happy with the quality of this appliance given the budget-friendly price tag, praising its hidden controls and cleaning performance.
At 12 place settings, this dishwasher would suit a smaller household. But, its internal tub design is rather spacious, with room in the lower rack for taller items. We also like the neat cutlery basket design which sits flat against the side of the rack. Ultimately, this dishwasher comes at a great price, and being available in stainless steel, black or white, you can customize it to suit your kitchen. As it's Energy Star certified, you know you’re getting an efficient performance as well.
Many people love KitchenAid dishwashers for the wide spacing between the tines of the lower rack that easily accommodate plates of all sizes. This one also has a third rack on top that can hold small bowls and glassware in addition to utensils, freeing up space below for larger items like mixing bowls. Some of the tines on the top and middle racks can be either adjusted or folded down which also helps to make room for oversized things, including serving plates, pots and pans, and vases.
With 4.6/5 stars on Best Buy, reviewers raved about the capacity, noise and overall cleaning performance on offer from this machine. The recessed handle proved to be a welcome feature too, along with the third rack.
This model features KitchenAid’s ProWash system that senses soil levels and adjusts the time and temperature of the wash cycle. In addition, it has lots of other helpful cycle including Sani-Rinse and Express Wash. When it’s running, it’s so quiet you’ll probably have to take a peek at the top controls if you don’t remember whether or not you turned it on.
With an upscale design in fingerprint-resistant stainless steel and lots of extras, the Frigidaire Gallery FGID2476SF is a real bargain. Of course, it cleans and dries well, or we wouldn’t recommend it. But you also get a stainless-steel tub, cushioned stemware holders, and a convenient "favorite" setting that will automatically select the cycle and options that you use all the time. It pretty much does everything you really need except unload itself.
This dishwasher averages 4.3/5 stars on Home Depot, with reviewers generally pleased with the overall design and efficiency. However, some question the quality of the lower basket, stating the tines are too close together and that it runs off track easily.
It has a sanitizing rinse that’s certified by the NSF which gives the assurance that it really does kill any bugs that may have survived the wash cycle. When the Frigidaire is running, it’s quiet and shines a blue beam on your floor; when the dishes are done, the light changes to green. All this and it’s an EnergyStar pick. Be wary though that some online reviews found the quality of the lower basket to be lacking.
The Whirlpool WDF518SAHM 18-inch wide, built-in model offers the convenience of a dishwasher for a pocket-sized kitchen. While it can’t hold as many dishes as a full-size 24-inch machine, it should be more than adequate for daily family dinners. This isn’t a fancy machine—its controls are on the front and it has a limited number of cycles. However, the settings it does have are ones you need, including a quick wash and a high temperature one.
1,030 reviewers rated this slimline dishwasher an average of 4.5/5 on Home Depot. The overall consensus is that it’s compact, but effective, providing a good cleaning performance while operating quietly. However, some question the drying quality.
You can depend on the Whirlpool for excellent cleaning and drying results. When it’s operating, it’s quiet which is particularly nice as it may be installed in an apartment or small house where there’s not a lot of distance between rooms. It also has the EnergyStar thumbs up which means it won’t make a big dent on your electric bill.
The Samsung DW80R9950US is the dishwasher to go for if quiet running is important to you. Rated at just 39 dB, it’s by far the quietest on our list and would be best for running through the night. It appears both minimalist and sleek in its design and comes with 3 racks and 15 place settings, which is enough for a family-sized load. It’s also the most energy efficient full-size dishwasher on the list at just 239 kWH, so will save you money in the long run too.
This Samsung dishwasher received an overall rating of 4.3/5 on Best Buy, from 1,976 reviews at the time of writing. Above all, its quietness in operation is highlighted, with some saying you can’t even tell when it’s running. The smart capabilities are praised on the whole too.
We also love that it comes with Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can remotely monitor and control this dishwasher from your smartphone. The AutoRelease door is another useful feature, as you know the load will dry more quickly once the cycle has finished. Our only qualm is that the prongs on the racks are quite widely spaced apart and you could probably get more place settings in there if it were tighter.
If you’re really tight for space in your kitchen, then a countertop dishwasher could be the way to go, and they don’t come much better than the Black + Decker BCD6W. Unlike other plastic countertop models, this one actually looks like superior quality with an LED display and metal drop-down door handle. It’s a compact size at 21.7 x 21.5 x 17.2 inches, so it won’t take up much space. But, it still comes with seven wash cycles to choose from, including Normal, Intensive, Eco, Glass, 90 Minutes, Rapid and Soak.
This countertop dishwasher has an average rating of 4.3/5 on Amazon, and generally comes highly recommended for those lacking space in the kitchen. It provides good cleaning results, but reviews are mixed on the noise produced.
Being a countertop dishwasher, it naturally can’t hold loads (six place settings is all it can manage). However, it comes with useful features, such as a child lock and a quick connect design — there’s no permanent plumbing necessary, you can hook it straight up to the sink. It’s Energy Star certified as well if you’re looking to save on your energy bills. If you want a countertop dishwasher, this is the one to get.
LG has added a feature called TrueSteam to this quad dishwasher with 4 cleaning arms and claims it will give you 60% better drying to eliminate pools of water on your mug bottoms and give you crystal clear glassware. Using steam, you also get sanitized dishes for peace of mind when someone in the house has been sick with a cold or flu.
Ratings for this dishwasher vary between 4.2 and 4.4/5 across Lowes, Best Buy and LG. According to reviews on LG itself, this dishwasher cleans well, looks great and runs quietly too. But, there are some cases of faulty models and parts here.
This machine has 3 racks. When you place your flatware and utensils on the top rack you have more room on the bottom for dishes and bowls. If you like controlling your appliances with Alexa or the Google Assistant, you’ll be happy to know this dishwasher is compatible with them. You can also monitor and control it with an app on your mobile phone. Last but not least, this LG isn’t loud enough to disturb kitchen conversation and doesn’t use enough power to jack up your energy bill.
Whirlpool’s newest dishwasher offers a third rack at a great price. By loading the top rack with utensils and small items, you free up room on the lower rack so you can pack in more dishes and glassware. In addition to having settings for heavy and quick washes, this machine has a Sani Rinse cycle that’s certified by NSF which is a guarantee that it will kill any germs lingering on your dishes.
Despite a hefty 4,978 reviews at the time of writing, this dishwasher still achieved a respectable 4.5/5 average star rating on Whirlpool. It's appreciated for its quiet running and generous capacity, but some question the drying capabilities.
It’s also EnergyStar certified which means it uses power efficiently to keep your electric bill down. You can choose this model in basic black or white as well as fingerprint resistant stainless steel. That makes it a good choice if you have an older kitchen and want it to match your other appliances. But at this price, you won’t find any smart features for remote control or monitoring.
How we tested the best dishwashers
We found the best dishwashers through a combination of extensive online research and specification comparisons. We factored in online reviews, only considering those with the highest and most consistent ratings, while taking into account any special features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity and third racks.
To find the best dishwashers we considered everything from the capacity on offer, to the noise produced as well as the energy consumption. We also reviewed the programs on offer, making sure there are a sufficient selection. Lastly, we made sure to factor in dishwashers of variable sizes to suit different kitchens, from full size to slimline to countertop.
How to choose the best dishwasher
Style
Virtually all dishwashers are designed to fit in a space under the countertop alongside your cabinets. Most are 24 inches wide and 35 inches high but there are some 18-inch wide models available for smaller kitchens. It’s always best to check the dimensions of your space and appliance before you buy.
You can also purchase a stand-alone or portable type, which attaches to your faucet by a hose and drains into your sink. If you’re really short on space, a countertop model might work for you. Be aware that these counter-top models only have a single rack, so don’t hold many dishes.
Finish
As with all appliances, stainless steel is currently the finish of choice. However, you can find white or black models to match older appliances or black stainless steel or so called Tuscan stainless steel with a bronze tone. If you’re going with stainless steel, ask if it’s fingerprint- and smudge-resistant, especially if you have kids in the house.
Tub
The interior of the dishwasher will either be made of stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel is more durable and if you can afford it, worth the higher price.
Cycles
You’ll find anywhere from 4 to 14 on today’s dishwashers. Consider which programs you’ll actually find useful. Most dishwashers come with an Eco program now, which is just one of 7 ways your dishwasher can save you money.
- Auto uses a sensor to detect particles in the rinse water and figure out when your dishes are clean. It then adjusts the time and water usage, reducing energy costs.
- Rinse settings are great when you don’t have enough items to run a full load but don’t want to leave dirty, smelly dishes in the machine overnight or longer.
- Extra Dry options enhance drying and eliminate spotting which is particularly helpful for plastics and glassware. If your mugs always come out of the dishwasher wet, this TikTok dishwasher hack will keep your mugs dry.
- Delay Start is great if you want to run the dishwasher during off-peak energy hours or in the middle of the night when no one has to take a shower.
- Sanitize kills bacteria and are nice to have when someone in the house is sick.
- China or Delicate cycles give glassware and fragile items TLC. Here's how to clean cloudy glasses if your dishwasher has taken its toll on your glassware.
- Half load reduces water usage by washing items in either the top or bottom rack.
Energy efficiency
All dishwashers carry Energy Guide labels, detailing how much electricity they use and approximately how much they will cost you per year to run. The most energy efficient carry the EnergyStar label.
Noise
The lower the decibel rating, the quieter the machine. Check on the manufacturer’s website if you can't find it in the store. The quietest models are around 44 dB or lower.
Racks
Check to see how smoothly the racks slide out and whether or not they are adjustable. Racks that move up and down can make room for oversized items like pots or tall vases.
Another helpful feature are fold-down tines, which create space for serving bowls and casseroles. If you have any concerns about whether or not your dinner plates or a favorite platter will fit between the tines, bring them with you when you go shopping.
Increasingly, dishwashers are equipped with a third flat rack on top to hold flatware and tools. Some will even be deep enough for small bowls. Be careful when it comes to washing cutlery in the dishwasher though, here's why your cutlery is rusty and how to restore it.
If you want to know more, here are 7 things to look for when buying a dishwasher. And here are the top 8 dishwasher mistakes, according to someone who tests appliances for a living.
When to replace a dishwasher
Most brands will offer a one year warranty with a new dishwasher, however the National Association of Home Builders states that a dishwasher should last about nine years. You can buy an extended warranty, but we wouldn’t recommend it as it tends to cost as much, if not more, than any potential repairs. If your dishwasher shows signs of wear and tear, that doesn't necessarily mean it needs replacing, here's how to make your dishwasher last longer for tips on this.
If any repairs cost half as much as a new dishwasher, we recommend just replacing it. Likewise, if you start to notice rust or cracks forming, then it’s time to buy a new machine. If you notice any strange noises coming from your dishwasher, then that’s a sign that there’s a problem with your pump or motor. Other indicators that your dishwasher needs updating include: a broken door latch, failing to heat the water and water leaking onto the floor during the cycle.
The latest dishwasher models tend to be much more energy efficient. If you opt for one which is Energy Star certified, it will only cost about $35 a year to run, saving on overall water and energy consumption.
Features to look out for
The latest dishwashers come with built-in sensors which evaluate the dirtiness of the load and set the program accordingly. These can be described as Auto or Smart cycles. Sanitizing programs are more common as well, which will kill any lingering bacteria on your crockery. Half load or zone settings are also available which can focus the wash on either the upper or lower rack. This saves energy and water if you don’t need to clean a full load. Third racks are also very useful and are now becoming more widely available. These can be found above the upper rack and they essentially replace the cutlery basket, giving you more space for plates. Quiet running is also a useful option to have — with this you can easily have open conversations in the kitchen while a cycle is running.
Wi-Fi connectivity is becoming an expected feature with most premium models. Using this, you can connect your dishwasher to your smartphone to monitor and control it. You can even use voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant. Some models can self-diagnose faults and notify the manufacturer’s service center.
If you’ve noticed your dishwasher smells a bit musty, you might be interested to know that someone finally made a dishwasher that doesn’t get smelly. The new GE Profile Ultrafresh System Dishwasher features antibacterial properties and keeps itself clean between cycles. Essentially the main touch points are covered in an anti-bacterial coating and the dishwasher flushes itself through when it senses dirty water in the filter. This is an innovative design which would appeal to those who value cleanliness above all.
Dishwashers versus handwashing
It’s a common belief that dishwashers are less sustainable than handwashing, but it’s actually the other way around! Dishwashers use up to 10x less water compared to handwashing, although this depends on the cycle you choose and your model. It’s also much more hygienic to use the dishwasher as our hands naturally can’t stand the high temperatures that dishwashers can. On top of all of this, it saves you from the time and effort of handwashing, so why wouldn’t you use a dishwasher? For more info on this, check out dishwasher vs washing by hand — which is cheaper?
If you want to be as sustainable as possible, fill your dishwasher full before you run it, but don’t overload it. It’s important that there’s a gap between every dish and glass so the water can effectively flow through. Make sure that the fan can rotate freely and isn’t blocked by any tall trays. You can always raise the top rack if you’re struggling for space! There’s no need to rinse any plates before loading them either, you will just be wasting water. Try to use the best program for your load as well to avoid wasting energy and water — use the eco cycle if you have one.
Bear in mind that not everything is suitable for the dishwasher though. When testing the best garlic presses, we found some were dishwasher safe, while others recommended handwashing.
How much should you spend on a dishwasher?
Full-sized dishwashers can cost anywhere from $350 up to $2,500. So, depending on the brand and design that you choose, it can make a substantial difference to the final price. Special features can easily add to the cost, such as smart connectivity and built-in hard food disposers. Some of these add-ons may be more useful to you than others, so it’s always worth considering if you’re going to use them. We particularly recommend a third rack as a feature though — this will make the most use of the space within your dishwasher and it will give your cutlery a better clean.
Before you start shopping, you should already have a budget in mind. You should also make a list of the specifications and features that you need. That way you can easily filter through what’s available on the market and avoid overspending. If you need a hand deciding which dishwasher will best suit your circumstances, check out our shortlist above. We’ve rounded up the best options for every situation, including best value for money.
Should I leave the dishwasher door open?
Should you leave the dishwasher door open when it’s not in use? We say that it’s definitely worth doing, particularly when you've just run a cycle. This is because it ventilates the cavity and helps the load dry as well. Some dishwashers will even open automatically once the cycle finishes to release the residual moisture and aid the drying process. The longer you leave the door open, the more dry the load will be, so you don’t have to worry about drips and puddles. Even 30 minutes of airing your dishwasher can make a difference.
If you don’t open the door, the moisture and heat from the wash will be contained. So, you may find items are still wet when it comes to unloading. Should you start loading dirty dishes into a wet dishwasher, and then close the door, the trapped moisture can also encourage mold to grow on residual food. Ultimately, it’s better to have a ventilated and dry dishwasher. Once the dishwasher itself is sufficiently dry, you can close the door freely if you’re conscious of the smell of dirty plates.
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