A high-quality dishwasher is one of the best investments that you can make for your home. It not only saves you the time and stress of washing dishes by hand, but it also helps conserve energy and water while simultaneously lowering your utility bill in the process.
There are hundreds of dishwasher options available, and sifting through them to find the best one to buy is about as tedious as tackling a pile of dirty dishes. To save you time and effort, I've done the research for you to find the most reliable dishwasher models available today.
Best Dishwashers
What to Consider
Almost all built-in dishwashers come in a standard size that's 24 inches wide, but it's worth mentioning that there are more compact 18-inch models catered toward smaller kitchens. If your dishwasher can't be installed into a kitchen cabinet, we recommended checking out our guide to the best portable and countertop dishwashers. These models are better suited for renters and can be moved around as needed. They typically attach to your kitchen faucet for a water source.
While there may not be a singular perfect dishwasher that will work for every home since they vary in price and come in multiple finishes, shapes, and sizes — I'm confident your family will find a dishwasher in this guide that you’ll love.
Best Overall
LG QuadWash Pro 24-inch Smart Dishwasher
LG QuadWash Pro 24-inch Smart Dishwasher
Pros
- Equipped with an interior light
- Its racks can be lowered and raised to acommodate awkwardly shaped items
- Excellent cleaning performance
- Is extremely quiet
Cons
- Remote start functionality isn't very convenient
Key Specs
| Place Settings | 15 |
|---|---|
| Cycles | 10 |
| Noise Level | 42 dBA |
With new technology and a focus on efficiency, the LG QuadWash Pro 24-inch Smart Dishwasher aims to help those looking to spend more time doing the things they love and less time worrying about the dishes.
What sets the QuadWash Pro apart from the competition is its phenomenal 1-hour cycle. Most dishwashers' speed cycle only works for lightly soiled dishes, but my tests found that the 1-hour cycle on this washer can even get the dirtiest of dishes sparkling clean thanks to its numerous high-pressure jets that spray your dishes from multiple angles. It also uses steam and bubbles to break down stubborn food residue.
Not only does it clean fantastically (even when you load it to the brim) the QuadWash Pro has everything you'd want in a modern-day dishwasher. It has adjustable racks, fold-down tines, and a third rack for utensils, making it easy to load and unload dishes of all shapes and sizes.
The LG consistently leaves everything sparkling clean and dry. Most dishwashers use humid air at the end of a cycle to air dry dishes. The LG QuadWash Pro, on the other hand, uses a powerful and efficient blower system similar to a convection oven that circulates the air at the end of the wash cycle to ensure your dishes are dry every time.
From the dishwasher's interior light to a removable cutlery basket with flip-down lids, you can open it in case your larger utensils won't fit in the third rack — LG thought of almost everything. Our only complaint is some of its smart features aren't always well... smart. For instance, you're better off using the delay start function since the remote start feature needs to be enabled with a button press on the machine itself. But overall, the QuadWash Pro is a stylish and reliable dishwasher that boasts impressive cleaning and drying power for a reasonable price.
Runner-Up
Bosch 300 Series Dishwasher
Bosch 300 Series Dishwasher
Pros
- Its unique RackMatic System can adjust the racks and make room for more dirty dishes
- Is so quiet that you can barely hear it running
- Stellar cleaning performance
- Built to last
Cons
- We wish it dried plastic better
Key Specs
| Place Settings | 16 |
|---|---|
| Cycles | 5 |
| Noise Level | 44 dBA |
This Bosch dishwasher was our best overall pick for over 3 years. It’s well-designed and it'll look great in any kitchen and if you have a big family or just need to clean lots of dishes, you'll appreciate its convenient V-shaped third rack, which offers up to 30% more capacity than other dishwashers.
Buyers have the choice of a pocket-handle or bar-handle variant. All 300 Series models are spacious, quiet, and energy-efficient, and they offer plenty of cycles.
The 300 has been heralded as the best dishwasher by Wirecutter, Reviewed, and CNET for its effective cleaning, its convenient Speed60 cycle that washes and dries dishes in an hour, and its quietness.
With so much to love, you’re probably wondering why the Bosch wasn’t named our best overall pick. LG has an edge on Bosch over aggregate reliability data. Yale Appliance found that LG appliances are more reliable overall than Bosch. An average of 10% of Bosch dishwashers sold throughout 2015 and 2023 needed service in the first year of ownership, compared to LG’s average of only 6%. It also can be difficult to source black stainless-steel variants of Bosch appliances and the dishwasher occasionally struggles at drying plastic items.
But all in all, it’s a reasonably priced dishwasher that’s incredibly versatile thanks to its adjustable racks and inclusion of a 3rd rack. It cleans fantastically, is easy to load, is energy efficient and its cycles aren’t ridiculously long, either.
Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that Bosch has more expensive models — the 500 Series and 800 Series — which add a more flexible third rack setup and lower sound ratings, but I think the 300 Series will work great for most families. Compared to the more affordable Bosch 100 Series, this one dries better, it's much quieter, and its racks are more spacious and adjustable.
A High-End Dishwasher That Dries Incredibly Well
Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher
Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher
Pros
- Leaves your dishes dry every time
- Easily accommodates bulky and awkwardly-sized items
Cons
- Control panel is confusing
Key Specs
| Place Settings | 16 |
|---|---|
| Cycles | 6 |
| Noise Level | 42 dBA |
Many dishwashers have the unfortunate tendency to hold excess moisture, resulting in wet dishes that you have to dry with a dishcloth. If you splurge for one of Bosch’s 800 Series dishwashers, that’ll be a problem of the past.
The Bosch 800 Series (SHXM78Z55N) is one of the first dishwashers in the U.S. that harnesses the power of zeolite. This is a mineral that stores heat and absorbs water, which makes it an excellent aid to extract moisture from your dishwasher and speed the drying process. The tech has been used in high-end Thermador dishwashers priced as high as $2,000, although this dishwasher starts at a more reasonable asking price of about $1,300.
Bosch calls the tech CrystalDry, and its 800 Series models have a cavity at the backside of the dishwasher that stows the zeolite in a pebble-like form. Jonathan Chan, the lab manager at Reviewed.com, said the dishwasher is a “major step forward” and that it even dries stubborn plastics well.
“When we engaged the [CrystalDry] feature on the Auto cycle, 100% of dishes and plates came out dry, and it even extracted all the moisture out of the interior of Tupperware containers,” he said.
Besides drying well, the dishwasher packs plenty of power to remove stains, and it shouldn’t have any issue cleaning greasy pots, stained plates, or bowls with crusty food remnants. It has a sanitize cycle, which will come in handy for cleaning baby bottles or sippy cups. I also appreciated the addition of a half-load setting that reduces water usage for times when you need to run a quick cycle and the dishwasher isn’t completely full.
Like the 300 Series, Bosch sells multiple variants of this dishwasher that come at different price points. The differences between them is their finish and type of handle you use to open them. There's a model with a pocket handle, a bar handle, and the top-of-the-line Bosch SHPM88Z75N model is quieter and has a larger third rack that’s big enough to stow deeper items like large cereal bowls.
I think the SHXM78Z55N stretches your dollar the furthest. It still has the adjustable racks that you'll love and tines that fold down to help it hold pans upright. Plus, it dries dishes better than nearly every other dishwasher out there.
Best Budget Dishwasher
GE Dry Boost Top Control Dishwasher
Pros
- Has an integrated water-leak sensor
- Control panel isn't visible
Cons
- Shortest cycle time with drying is 1.3 hours
Key Specs
| Place Settings | 16 |
|---|---|
| Cycles | 5 |
| Noise Level | 46 dBA |
The GE GDP665SYNFS is a luxurious-looking dishwasher that will get your dishes sparkling clean almost every time. The dishwasher, which oftentimes is priced as little as $600 offers users an extra-large capacity that’s spacious enough for 16 place settings. Plus, the model is equipped with a stainless steel tub and built-in third rack so you can clean more items like spatulas, serving utensils and lids in fewer loads. It flaunts an attractive fingerprint-resistant finish, is configured with a sleek pocket handle, and has hidden controls, so it’ll truly shine in any kitchen — modern or otherwise. But there's more than just good looks that make this one of the best dishwashers on our list.
It delivers above-average cleaning performance, and an editor at Wirecutter said it even cleaned better than a nearly $300-more-expensive Miele dishwasher they tested. That’s probably because it has three wash levels to ensure every dish gets sprayed with water and detergent. Its integrated hard food disposer uses stainless steel impellers to pulverize food particles, meaning there won’t be any leftover gunk on your plates after the fan-assisted heated dry cycle. You can also enable a “Steam + Sani” cycle to deep-clean your dishes and kill 99.99% of bacteria. Since there’s a soil sensor onboard, the dishwasher will know when to shorten or extend the cycle based on how much debris remains mid-cycle.
Not only that, it's packed with four bottle wash jets that spray deep within tall items like water bottles, narrow glasses, and jars that you’d otherwise wash by hand. Overall, you’d be hard-pressed to find a dishwasher that cleans as well this one and that is packed with as many premium features.
Best Feature Set and Design
KitchenAid KDPM604KPS Dishwasher
KitchenAid KDPM604KPS Dishwasher
Pros
- Equipped with a deep third rack
- Has specialized jets for cleaning bottles and bowls
Cons
- Lacks interior light that's commonly found in more expensive KitchenAid dishwashers
Key Specs
| Place Settings | 16 |
|---|---|
| Cycles | 5 |
| Noise Level | 44 dBA |
This KitchenAid dishwasher is an easy-to-load, effective cleaner that does a great job at removing debris and stains from dishes without being too noisy.
The dishwasher — which has room for 16 place settings — is packed with a stainless steel tub, nice extras like a deep, angled third rack with rotating jets to clean your glasses, mugs, and bowls, and a convenient ProWash cycle for the messiest of dishes. However, its third rack can’t be reconfigured in as many positions as the Bosch 300 Series, our current top pick.
However, what makes the KitchenAid (and its dishes) really shine is its “ProDry” feature that delivers an impeccable drying performance. Most dishwashers rely on rinse aid, but this one uses a recessed heating element and a fan to draw moisture out of its stainless steel tub. That way, when it’s time to unload your dishwasher, your plates won’t come out sopping wet.
Its “Clean Water Wash” tech continually removes food particles from the wash water, so you won’t have tiny food bits stuck on your clean plates when all of the cycles are complete. The dishwasher runs quietly at just 44 decibels, which is about as loud as a hushed conversation in a library.
It's available in both a traditional stainless steel finish as well as a black stainless steel variant. For those who prefer a bar handle, consider the similar KDTM604KPS and the KDTM604KBS (black stainless), instead. All finishes resist smudges and fingerprints quite well, which you'll appreciate.
Best Cleaning Performance for the Price
Maytag MDB7959SKZ Dishwasher
Pros
- Attractive exterior
- Its racks are flexible and let you fit in plenty of items
Cons
- Not as quiet as other models
Key Specs
| Place Settings | 15 |
|---|---|
| Cycles | 5 |
| Noise Level | 44 |
Technically, this dishwasher from Maytag isn’t the most inexpensive dishwasher you can buy, but I think it’s worth spending a little bit extra, considering its significantly better cleaning and drying performance and its much more expensive-looking design. For more than 2 years, I recommended Maytag’s MDB4949SKZ dishwasher as our best budget dishwasher, but this newer model features a steam-sanitized option, it holds three more place settings (15), and its control panel is no longer on the front of the unit. I think these features are worth its slightly higher price point.
Compared to the top-rated and oftentimes cheaper Whirlpool WDT730HAMZ, this one offers homeowners a quieter operation and a more durable stainless steel tub compared to Whirlpool’s plastic one. In comparison to our best overall pick, the Bosch 300 Series, the Maytag is noticeably louder (50 decibels versus the Bosch’s 44 decibels). We appreciate its addition of a third rack — a feature its predecessor lacks — but it has slower runtimes than the Bosch and was $50 more expensive at publishing time. On the plus side, it dries plastic better and has a more versatile bottom rack that better accommodates large pots and pans. Another plus is its upgraded filtration system that has a blade to help break down food particles.
The Maytag is a reliable dishwasher, and it's backed by a 1-year warranty for parts and labor. Even better? It has an additional decade of coverage for the nylon racks, chopper blade, and its stainless steel tub.
Most Reliable Dishwasher
Miele G 7156 SCVi SF Dishwasher
Miele G 7156 SCVi SF Dishwasher
Pros
- Automatically dispenses dishwashing detergent
- Lets you pre-program wash start times with your phone
- Packs 3 wash arms for superior cleaning performance
Cons
- Recommended detergent is expensive
Key Specs
| Place Settings | 16 |
|---|---|
| Cycles | 6 |
| Noise Level | 43 dBA |
Miele dishwashers are the longest-lasting dishwashers that you can buy. The company claims that its products will last for 20 years of average use. Steve Sheinkopf, the CEO of Yale Appliance (which publishes 1-year repair rates), owns a Miele dishwasher and says Miele appliances have problems like any other brand, but when issues arise, they are “more of a nuisance than the product not working.”
“The company handles the issues honorably,” he writes, adding that Miele sometimes even covers repair costs when the products are outside their warranty period.
This dishwasher's performance is impressive, and its look and features are as well. It has a logo-free stainless steel front and a hidden top-mounted control panel, and it can be programmed to start at predetermined times via a downloadable app. All racks are adjustable so that you can fit practically anything inside. For even more room, the dishwasher is equipped with a third rack that's ideal for stowing utensils and silverware.
Miele is also one of the only dishwasher brands with top, middle, and bottom wash arms so that your dishes are sure to get sparkly clean every time. When the cycles are finished, the dishwasher door automatically opens partially to let moisture escape, which helps with drying and lets you know that your dishes are clean.
The dishwasher is a pricey but reliable, efficient, and stylish offering. If the G 7000 line is too far out of your budget, consider the G 5056 SCVi SFP or the G 5008 SCU which are less expensive entry-level models that should provide similar cleaning performance and reliability.
My colleagues at Good Housekeeping were fans of the G7000's fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish and its QuickIntense cycle that cleans a load in under an hour. What I love most about the Miele is that it automatically dispenses the correct amount of detergent based on whatever cleaning cycle you select. However, the PowerDisk detergent is much more expensive than store-bought cleaners. Fortunately, a 6-month supply is included when you buy the dishwasher.
Best Countertop Dishwasher
BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher
BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher
Pros
- Has a cutlery basket for washing your utensils
- Has a delay-start feature
Cons
- Food trap requires frequent emptying
Key Specs
| Place Settings | 6 |
|---|---|
| Cycles | 7 |
| Noise Level | 54 dBA |
This small countertop dishwasher from BLACK+DECKER is a relatively inexpensive model. It rests on your countertop and accommodates six standard place settings in a single rack. Plus, it leaves room for an included cutlery basket.
This dishwasher sports a sleek stainless steel finish, and it’s 21 inches tall. It features a stainless steel tub, seven wash cycles, and a rinse option. The speed cycle takes just 45 minutes, while the Heavy Duty cycle takes an hour and 40 minutes. The normal cycle finishes in an hour and 10 minutes.
I like that it has a delay-start feature and child safety lock — both rarities among countertop models. Its control panel is digital and shows what cycle the washer is on and how much time is remaining. This compact dishwasher is easy to use, and it simply connects to your faucet. It's not too loud, and it's extremely convenient for those tight on space.
I also recommend the Danby DDW631SDB countertop dishwasher. It may not have the sharp, ultra-modern look like the Black & Decker, but it can still fit six place settings, and this model is sometimes cheaper. It's also a top pick at Reviewed.com.
Best Portable Dishwasher
GE 18-in Freestanding Dishwasher (Stainless) ENERGY STAR, 52-dBA
GE 18-in Freestanding Dishwasher (Stainless) ENERGY STAR, 52-dBA
Pros
- Stainless steel interior and exterior
- Cleans as well as built-in dishwashers
Cons
- Minimal cycle selection
Key Specs
| Place Settings | 12 |
|---|---|
| Cycles | 3 |
| Noise Level | 52 dBA |
Portable dishwashers make the most sense for long-term renters who don't have a dishwasher in their unit. In this category, I most recommend this 18-inch-wide model from GE. It may not be the quietest — it reaches noise levels up to 52 decibels — but it looks nice, has a stainless steel interior, and cleans thoroughly.
During Reviewed.com's test with the dishwasher, they found that it dries better than the competition, and it cleans just as well as some higher-end, fully installed dishwashers. Users should make sure that they can accommodate this model's 5-foot-long power cord and 3-foot-long hose.
This dishwasher is on wheels, so you can easily roll it around your kitchen to hook it up to your sink, but the wheels can also be removed for permanent placement. Our only complaints are that it uses a lot of water — more than twice the amount of traditional dishwashers — and it has limited cycle options. There are only three cycles to pick from: Normal, Auto-Sense, and Heavy. Also, this portable dishwasher is only compatible with threaded sink faucet spouts, not with faucet spouts that have built-in sprayers.
There are a handful of 18- and 24-inch portable dishwashers available from other brands, but they typically feature plastic tubs, are loud, and don't clean as well as this one — not to mention that they're just as expensive as standard dishwashers. If you're looking for a quality portable dishwasher for a great value, you can't go wrong with this one from GE.
For larger families, I also recommend the GE GPT225SSLSS, which offers enough room for 12 place settings compared to this one's eight place settings.
Quietest Dishwasher
GE Profile Series PDT715SYNFS Dishwasher
GE Profile Series PDT715SYNFS Dishwasher
Pros
- Has a hard food disposer that pulverizes food particles
- Equipped with third rack for flat items like spatulas
- Has a dual fan for better-than-average drying performance
Cons
- Minimal cycle selection
Key Specs
| Place Settings | 16 |
|---|---|
| Cycles | 5 |
| Noise Level | 45 dBA |
In our research of hundreds of dishwasher models, I've found that the GE Profile Series is the best quiet dishwasher that money can buy. In previous iterations of this guide, I've favored KitchenAid dishwashers for their quietness, and although the manufacturer's quietest appliance, the KDTE204KPS, is occasionally cheaper than the GE, this one has a larger capacity, a better cleaning and drying performance, and is equipped with smart features. It even has a hard food disposer that pulverizes food particles.
So just how quiet is the GE? It measures in at just 45 decibels. For context, a whisper checks in at 15 decibels, an air conditioner is 60 decibels, and a lawnmower is about 90 decibels. If you want to hear the difference between two dishwashers side by side, Yale Appliances miked up two dishwashers so that you can compare their sound levels for yourself.
You'll only be able to hear the murmur of this GE dishwasher if you're standing directly next to it, making it perfect for open-concept homes. This model features a fingerprint- and smudge-resistant exterior to keep its stainless steel finish looking sharp. It also has hidden controls, so curious kids don't accidentally start a wash cycle.
With its stainless steel interior, you'll also find a third rack for long, flat items like spatulas and a dual-fan system that delivers superior drying without the use of a rinse aid. It even has a bottle-wash option, and it's equipped with four spray nozzles that can be placed inside tall or oddly shaped items like water bottles, travel mugs, or vases for optimal cleaning. Lastly, there's a steam prewash that loosens tough grime before washing cycles, meaning that you won't have to soak or pre-rinse your dishes ever again!
Fastest Dishwasher
Thermador Star-Sapphire Series Dishwasher
Thermador Star-Sapphire Series Dishwasher
Pros
- Super-fast 20-minute washing cycle
- Available in a panel-ready variant to help it blend it more easily with your kitchen cabinets
Cons
- Expensive
Key Specs
| Place Settings | 16 |
|---|---|
| Cycles | 7 |
| Noise Level | 44 dBA |
Thermador is the premium version of Bosch. This top-of-the-line dishwasher has a third rack, an illuminated stainless steel interior, Wi-Fi, a touchscreen control panel, and a specific caddy for washing wine glasses. Best of all, it has a Star Speed cycle that fully washes your dishes in just 20 minutes.
This ultra-speedy cycle will come in handy for folks who need to clean lots of plates in the shortest amount of time. When the speed cycle is enabled, the Thermador continuously heats up water and keeps it on reserve for subsequent cycles. This means that you can run five loads of dishes in the same amount of time that it would take to run a single load of dishes using an average dishwasher.
The Thermador, which also comes in a panel-ready model to match your kitchen cabinets, is more effective at drying dishes than most other models because it uses zeolite, which emits heat and helps absorb water faster than traditional drying techniques.
Like Bosch dishwashers, this one is packed with special features: It’s ultra quiet, it shines a light on your floor to show the status of the cycles, and it’s equipped with adjustable racks. There’s also a neat leak-protection system called AquaStop Plus. It detects leaks in the base, and if there are any, it immediately shuts down the operation of the dishwasher and automatically starts pumping out the water, so it never makes it onto your floor.
Because of its speediness and cool features, it rings up at a price around $2K, so it's definitely a splurge. But if you want the best of the best, you won't be disappointed.
Best Narrow Dishwasher
Bosch 300 Series SPE53B55UC
Bosch 300 Series SPE53B55UC
Pros
- Its narrow design accommodates tight spaces
- It uses low amounts of water and energy
Cons
- Just as expensive as full-sized models
Key Specs
| Place Settings | 10 |
|---|---|
| Cycles | 5 |
| Noise Level | 46 dBA |
If space in your kitchen is tight, and you only have an 18-inch-wide cutout to work with, I recommend the Bosch 300 Series SPE53B55UC. Just like the 24-inch Bosch 300 Series I mentioned earlier, this more compact model is quiet, reasonably priced, and effective at removing grime from all your dishes. It even has the useful third rack for bowls and utensils.
This smaller model will hold about half as much as the full-sized Bosch — it also uses the same drying method, so it isn't the best at drying plastic. It's quieter and holds more place settings than the similar 18-inch Whirlpool WDF518SAHM (also at Home Depot).
Overall, this dishwasher is reliable, backed by an incredible warranty, and is more water- and energy-efficient than 24-inch dishwashers. It has the same RackMatic system that I raved about, enough room for 10 place settings, and operates at a quiet 46 decibels.
How We Selected
For this guide, I spent more than 300 hours on dishwasher research. I compared more than fifty 24-inch built-in style dishwashers, 16 portable dishwashers, 10 countertop dishwashers, and twelve 18-inch dishwashers.
I sifted through thousands of consumer and editorial reviews of them, too — including from our sister site Good Housekeeping, who meticulously tested many models in-house over several months.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab assess the capacity and flexibility of the racks, evaluates how easy they are to load and use, and analyzes how well they can remove baked-on mac and cheese, hamburger, oatmeal, beans, and more.
I consulted studies from experts in the appliance field and referred to the latest National Appliance Repair Report, which was published by San Francisco-based Puls, a company with more than 4,000 fully vetted appliance technicians across the country.
I also looked at repair and reliability data from Yale Appliance and Consumer Reports, in addition to J.D. Power’s annual Kitchen Appliance Satisfaction Study and the ACSI Household Appliance and Electronics Report.
Besides factoring in price, overall reliability, and cleaning performance to determine our top picks, I also took into account the following:
- Build quality
- Dish capacity + Spacing
- Energy efficiency
- Adjustable racks
- Drying performance
- Number of cycles
- Sanitizing + Steam functionality
- Run time
- Wi-Fi connectivity + Delay start mode
- Warranty length
- Loudness
Brandon Carte has been covering technology at BestProducts.com since 2017, where he's been writing about the latest gadgets, appliances, and scouring the internet for the products that make life easier. His reporting has been featured on TopTenReviews.com, Good Housekeeping and USA Today. When he's not researching washing machines or testing robot vacuums, you can find him at concerts, swimming laps, or at the movies. He thinks smartphones are too big, prefers MP3s to Spotify, and misses his iPhone’s headphone jack.
