The best dishwashers can truly be life-changing for busy professionals and large households. They also use a lot less water on average than handwashing dishes, and new models have loads of smart features to save you time, energy, and money.
When looking for your next dishwasher, there are several things you should look out for. First off is the number of cycles it has - any self-respecting model has at least a few including a quick wash and an eco cycle. Some models will have dedicated glassware cycles to treat your delicate crockery, and an intense cycle for baked-in grime.
Other things to consider is how loud the dishwasher is - nowadays, the quietest dishwashers can be as quiet as a library, which means you won't have to worry about running a cycle at night. For the same reason, you might want your dishwasher to have a light that shines on the floor when it's operating, so no one accidentally opens it mid-cycle.
Bigger households may need one of the largest dishwashers that can fit enough dishes, cutlery, and glasses for 14-16 people. However, students and smaller families might want a lower-capacity dishwasher with fewer racks that takes up less space in a kitchen. We recommend trying to find one with excellent cleaning systems, and with a decent filtration system that removes chunks of food easily.
If you're short on space but are still looking for an appliance to simplify your life, check out our guide to the best countertop dishwashers.
Best dishwashers
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Want to find the best dishwasher for you and your family? We've rounded up the best picks around, whether you're looking for a wallet-friendly bargain that will get the job done or a high-end offering that comes packed with all the bells and whistles. Discover your next dishwasher below…
The best dishwashers
The Bosch 300 Series SHSM63W55N is the best dishwasher on our list for a number of reasons. It is packed with various features that make it stand out from the crowd, including a three-rack system so you can maximize the number of dishes being washed.
The dishwasher also features a Speed 60 cleaning function and a 24/7 Aquastop 4-part leak prevention system so that you can wash dishes quickly and rest easy knowing that your dishwasher will detect and stop leaks before any damage is caused to your machine or floors.
This 24-inch dishwasher also features 16 place settings, ideal for large families with many dishes to clean in a short amount of time. There are five wash cycles including a five-level wash, the aforementioned Speed 60 which will have your dishes clean and dry within an hour and a sanitizing cycle which is perfect for cleaning bottles for infants.
One of the most impressive attributes of this dishwasher is its noise level. At only 44dBA this dishwasher is so quiet that it has an exterior Infolight that will let you know if the dishwasher is running a cycle.
If you are looking for a clean, modern design then you will be happy with the out-of-sight controls that are placed at the top of the door - when the dishwasher is closed it is simply a plain, inoffensive metallic panel. The interior of the dishwasher features three different height levels and nine possible rack positions, providing maximum flexibility when stacking pots and dishes.
- Read our full Bosch 300 Series SHSM63W55N review
If you are looking for a dishwasher with a large number of cleaning features including a sanitizing option (for less than $1,000) then the Frigidaire Gallery FGID2476SF could be a great choice for you. It has a sleek design and a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior - perfect for when your hands are dirty or greasy after loading up dishes. It can also clean up to 14 place settings in one cycle, making it a great option for families on a budget.
This dishwasher also boasts a number of smart features such as the DishSense technology which automatically adjusts cycle time based off of the cleanliness of your dishes. The FGID2476SF is designed to clean a full load of dishes with 15% less water compared to a conventional dishwasher - this along with the ENERGY STAR certification will help you save money while also helping the planet.
There are seven types of cycles, with the OrbitClean wash system and QuickClean cycles being our favorites. The OrbitClean wash system is designed to provide four times better wash coverage, so that every part of your dishes will be spotless. The 30 minute clean cycle will have your dishes spotless within half an hour.
The interior of the dishwasher features a SpaceWise Adjustable Rack - designed to be adjusted so that you can fit large pots or unusually shaped dishes for maximum cleaning. The inside also has a removable filter that's designed to prevent the redepositing of food debris.
If you're after a cheap dishwasher that still leaves your dishes spotless then the Whirlpool WDF520PADM is a great choice for you. You can get one of these dishwashers for less than $500, making it a great value for money.
This dishwasher has a number of practical features to help keep your dishes and glassware spotless and dry, with the AccuSense soil sensor analyzing the soil level of your dishes and adjusting the cycle accordingly. If you only have lightly soiled dishes, then the one-hour wash cycle is designed to clean items in half the time - this will also save you time and water.
The only real drawback of this dishwasher is that it doesn't feature a third-top rack, however, you can attach the silverware basket to the inside of the door, saving space in the bottom rack for more dishes or pots. While this dishwasher can't clean highly soiled large dishes quickly, it makes up for it in price and efficiency.
- Read our full Whirlpool WDF520PADM review
The Samsung DW80R9950US is an ultra-quiet, smart dishwasher with a huge number of smart features and cleaning features. With its Wi-Fi connectivity, you can receive a notification on your smartphone when your wash cycle is finished. It also features an adjustable third rack for whenever you need to squeeze in those extra items.
This dishwasher is unbelievably silent, so quiet that some reviewers had to check if it was actually running. This is perfect for when you are entertaining guests, or when you just want to watch TV without any disturbances. It has a sleek fingerprint-resistant exterior and the interior features a sliding arm spray bar that will clean even the most heavily soiled pots and pans.
The large number of features along with WiFi connectivity and heavy-duty cleaning make this an impressive and reliable pick for families and couples alike.
- Read our full Samsung DW80R9950US review
If you're tired of your dishwasher not getting everything clean, it's time to upgrade to the LG LDF5545SS. Its big draw is its QuadWash technology – instead of the two arms that sit at the bottom and propel water around the machine, this dishwasher has four. This means water can get into more awkward gaps, so everything comes out sparkling. If you want a tough clean in a hurry, there's also a 59 minute Turbo Wash.
It can fit up to 15 place settings – not the most on offer, but more than enough for all but the largest families. making it perfect for family use, and has an extensive range of cycles to choose from too. It also benefits from LG’s technology when it comes to these cycles, with the NFC Tag On feature meaning that you can download new ones for your machine.
Cutlery goes in an upper tray rather than a lower basket, so this will be a factor depending on what you prefer. This machine also has an excellent warranty, as all LG models tend to. That's partly because they were the first manufacturer to widely offer 'Inverter Direct Drive' – an all-in-one motor that isn't powered by a separate belt and pulley, which would be more likely to break over time.
- Read our full LG LDF5545SS review
LG is known for producing high quality large appliances – and this dishwasher is no exception. Featuring QuadWash and TrueSteam technology, this appliance is designed to power-clean dishes from multiple angles and ensure that you get up to 60% less water spots at the end of the cycle. This dishwasher is also compatible with the free LG SmartThinQ app, which means that you can monitor its cycles from your smartphone and get an alert when the dishes are clean.
Inside the dishwasher you'll find the Glide Rail, which ensures that the upper rack moves smoothly without encountering any bumps along the rail. Meanwhile, the EasyRack Plus system can adjust the height of the upper rack to three different levels, which means that you can easily fit even your biggest pots and pans inside.
For those interested in saving energy (and money!), you'll be pleased to discover that this dishwasher features varying water intensity in the upper and lower racks, i.e. more delicate glasses, mugs and dishes have a softer setting, while the more durable pots in the lower rack are washed with a stronger intensity to blast off any stubborn stuck-on particles (LG's advanced filtration system is designed to handle food residue even if you don't pre-wash).
Receiving an Energy Star certification and a 10-year warranty on the motor, there's not much more that LG could pack into this dishwasher to make it more appealing. Yes, it's an expensive buy, but you wouldn't expect any less for these features.
Not everyone has space for a full-size 24-inch dishwasher – if you live in an apartment, for example. Or you might decide to fit a second smaller dishwasher for convenience. Either way, the GE PDT145SGLWW dishwasher is small yet packs a powerful punch.
It's a dishwasher so simple to use you can even get the kids to help. Never sure how hot the wash should be? AutoSense can work out the soil level of your load and adjust the temperature accordingly, so you're never running it hotter than you need, saving energy and water. The Sanitize option significantly reduces bacteria and enhances drying, while the hard food disposer prevents any long-term clogging of the washing arms.
Set in a quality, stainless steel tub, it is durable and looks attractive. Although it only has two racks, the folding tines provides sufficient space for couples or smaller households. If you do require more loading space or have large families, this is probably not ideal.
For a dishwasher of this size, it's not the cheapest. But it doesn’t compromise on quality and performance, which is reflected in the price. For its top cleaning results, practicality, and not to mention space convenience, these make it a worthwhile investment.
- Read our GE PDT145SGLWW review
What to look for in a dishwasher
When choosing the right dishwasher for you, there are quite a few key elements to consider.
Dimensions and Capacity
Before starting your search, it is vital to properly measure the width, depth, and height of the spot you want your dishwasher to be. It is important to bear in mind that the average under-counter dishwasher is 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 36 inches tall. It is possible to get more compact models or even custom ones if you need to. Average dishwashers tend to have up to 14 place settings and are suitable for a family of three while compact models can fit six to eight place settings.
Warranty
An item’s warranty can be an excellent indicator of both its quality and how much confidence a brand has in the product. For dishwashers, the average warranty tends to last between one and five years, often being split to cover labor, parts, and motor. How long the warranty is and what is covered depends on the brand and is vital to know before purchase.
Energy
Modern dishwashers tend to be much more energy and water efficient than their previous iterations. While shopping for the best dishwasher of 2022, it is vital to ensure that you look for an EnergyGuide label, which will tell you its estimated energy use, and annual cost, and compare the model with other similar ones.
Dishwashers with an EnergyStar rating are the most efficient, costing around $35 per year to run and saving an average of 2870 gallons of water per year. More efficient dishwashers tend to be more expensive but can be worth the added price.
Sound Level
Appliances like dishwashers tend to make noise while running. The average noise level of each dishwasher’s cycle can be measured in decibels or dB. Some who live in smaller homes or with thin walls may need to prioritize finding a quieter model for peace of mind. Most dishwasher models tend to run between 45 and 59 decibels, with very quiet ones running between 39 and 45.
We recommend finding a dishwasher model with a maximum sound level of 50 dB or less to avoid disturbing your home’s cozy environment.
Rack Number and Design
The size of your dishwasher will also determine how many racks it has. Smaller ones may only have one, whereas most tend to have two or three. There also tends to be a cutlery drawer and wine glass supports, and some models feature removable racks.
The number of racks and their placement affects what can fit into your dishwasher; do you have large pans or batch cook in huge pots? Make sure they can fit into that dishwasher and see how much effort it is to get them to fit. After all, the point of a dishwasher is to minimize or eliminate doing the dishes, so making sure you can fit everything is important.
Cycles
Dishwashers have multiple cycles to choose from, including gentle, intense, drying, draining, and rinse cycles. However, different models may have unique ones that set them apart, such as an Eco or an auto sensor that adjusts to how soiled the dishes are.
While choosing a dishwasher, consider how many cycles there are and what is available. How long is each cycle? Is there a delay function for your convenience? Consider what would be best for your home and make sure you choose a dishwasher that provides those options.
Design
There are a wide variety of dishwashers on the market in 2022, each boasting a different size, shape, and design. It is possible to find them in a variety of colors and finishes to match your decor or to find some with a glass front. For those who would rather integrate their dishwasher into their cabinets, you can pay extra to fit a matching false cabinet door to the front. Consider the vision you have for its placement and your design preferences while looking to find the right model for you.
Additional Features
Modern dishwashers are designed for your convenience, which can come in the form of various additional features. The exact unique features will depend on the brand and model, but here are some examples of things that could be included in the desired dishwasher:
- Anti-fingerprint coating on the outside
- Delay start cycle
- Internal dirtiness sensors
- Leak detection system
- Filtration system
- RinseAid function
- WiFi connection or app
- Gentle close door
- Multi-level wash system
- Multiple dry cycle options
Consider carefully what you need from a dishwasher and see if the model you prefer has any useful features that could help with that.
Price
Each type of dishwasher can be found at a range of price points. Under-counter dishwashers can typically be found anywhere from $200 to $2000 or more. The average price for a dishwasher is around $500 with many people choosing ones at around $300 to $500. We would suggest calculating your budget in advance and trying to find a model in that price range. Alternatively, if you like one outside of it, wait for a sale or coupon to get a better deal.
Additionally, while you do tend to get what you pay for with dishwashers, we recommend doing your research on the models you like to see if the cleaning results are as good as the brand claims. As cleaning dishes is the main function of a dishwasher, it must clean well above all else.
Dishwasher FAQs
How much does a good dishwasher cost?
Dishwashers range dramatically in price – from a small countertop unit that costs $200 to a built-in unit that costs more than $2,000. The average price of the best-selling dishwashers on Lowe's and Home Depot is right around $500. At the upper end of the price range you get features like lighted interiors and windows, so you can see your dishes as they wash. The higher you go in price, the more customization you get. You can pay to have the dishwasher's exterior match your cabinetry exactly. That can be worth the extra investment, especially if you are doing major renovations anyway. Most buyers are staying in a much lower price range, though.
What do you get when you buy an expensive dishwasher?
Buying a top-rated dishwasher, no matter the price, should ensure you have sparkling clean dishes. But if you’re prepared to spend more money on your appliance, then you can expect some other seriously impressive features as part of your purchase too.
In terms of the process of washing, higher-end models usually have a more extensive range of cycles to choose from. At the maximum, there are models with 10 cycles, which cater to many different types of dishes. That includes delicate cycles, for fine china and crystal, and others for bakeware. Then there are cycles defined by speed: Normal, Turbo, and Express for example.
Seriously high-tech models also have sensors to gauge how large and how dirty your load is, and cater the wash and the amount of detergent to get the cleanest kitchenware possible. New advances include additional spray arms to ensure the maximum space within your machine gets thoroughly cleaned. Expensive models also tend to have an emphasis on quiet running, as quiet as 39 decibels, so you won’t have any bothersome background noise from your appliance if you’re relaxing in your house.
If aesthetics are important to you then a high-end dishwasher is also more likely to look great within your home. They usually have stainless steel tubs and fingerprint-resistant exteriors to prevent unsightly marks, and you can get them covered with custom-made front panels if you fancy it.
Which are the best dishwashers for drying?
It’s essential for whichever dishwasher you choose to have good drying capabilities so that the last stage of your process is complete when you go to retrieve your kitchenware. Models such as the Miele Classic Plus G 4428 SCU AM have a heavy emphasis on their drying features. The design of the machine aims to eradicate any moisture from your dishes, so that they’re ready for your cupboards straight away.
The KitchenAid KDPE234GPS dishwasher is also designed with optimal drying in mind, with high temperatures used to end cycles. It’s also aided by the stainless steel exterior, which can keep the heat circulating within the appliance. These are all extremely handy features to look out for when you’re shopping around for your dishwasher, so that you can get dry dishes with ease.
When to buy a new dishwasher
When your trusty dishwasher starts making funny sounds as it chugs along, the question confronting you becomes, “Should I get this fixed or buy a new one?”
Cathie Ericson, writing for Realtor.com in 2018, outlines five questions to ask yourself before deciding whether to repair or replace any appliance. A key consideration is how old the device is.
In the article, Ericson quotes Tim Adkisson, director of product engineering for Sears Home Services, who says, “Appliances aren’t made to last forever, and a general rule of thumb is that if your appliance has reached the ripe old age of 7 or more, it’s probably time for a replacement.”
Ericson says you need to think about other factors as well, using a washing machine as an example. “First, consider how often it is used—a single person’s washing machine will typically last much longer than a family’s because, well, never-ending kid laundry,” she says. In addition, it’s important to consider how well the appliance has been maintained and how involved and costly repairs might be. You'll also want to assess whether a new appliance would save money.
