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, we've done the research for you to find the most reliable dishwasher models available today.
Best Dishwashers
- Best Overall: LG QuadWash Pro Smart Dishwasher
- Runner-Up: Bosch 300 Series Dishwasher
- Best Feature Set and Design: KitchenAid FreeFlex Dishwasher
- Best High-End Dishwasher: Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher
- Best Budget Dishwasher: General Electric Top Control Dishwasher
What to Consider
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. Here, we're confident your family will find a dishwasher in this guide that you’ll love.
LG QuadWash Pro 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 one-hour cycle. Most dishwashers' speed cycle only works for lightly soiled dishes, but my tests found that the one-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.
Bosch 300 Series Dishwasher
Bosch 300 Series Dishwasher
Pros
- A RackMatic system can adjust the racks and make room for more dirty dishes
- It's so quiet that you can barely hear it running
- Stellar cleaning performance
- Built to last
Cons
- No child safety locks
Key Specs
| Place Settings | 16 |
|---|---|
| Cycles | 8 |
| Noise Level | 46 dBA |
The 300 Series Bosch dishwasher was our best overall pick for over three years. It’s well-designed, looks great in any kitchen, and if you have a big family or just need to clean lots of dishes, you'll appreciate its convenient third rack which offers more capacity and versatility 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.
With so much to love, you’re probably wondering why the Bosch wasn’t named our best overall pick. It’s because LG has an edge on Bosch over aggregate reliability data. Yale Appliance found that LG appliances are more reliable overall. In 2023, 5.1 percent of Bosch dishwashers needed servicing, compared to LG’s 3.5 percent.
All in all, it’s a reasonably priced dishwasher that cleans fantastically, is easy to load, 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 come with a more flexible third rack setup and lower sound ratings, but we think the 300 Series will work great for most families. Compared to the more affordable Bosch 100 Series, this one dries better, is much quieter, and its racks are more spacious and adjustable.
KitchenAid FreeFlex Dishwasher
KitchenAid FreeFlex Dishwasher
Pros
- Equipped with a deep third rack
- Quick Rinse and Quick Wash cycles included
- Silverware basket and top rack are removable
Cons
- No cycle status lights
- No child safety locks
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, an angled third rack, powerful rotating jets, and a convenient ProWash cycle for the messiest of dishes. The adjustable middle rack will allow you to accommodate bigger items like a stand mixer bowl or roasting pans.
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 heating element and a fan to circulate hot air in the 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.
The stainless steel interior helps to eliminate odors and stains, while enhancing the drying process through heat retention. Plus, its PrintShield finish resists smudges and fingerprints quite well, which you'll appreciate.
Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher
Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher
Pros
- CrystalDry leaves your dishes extremely dry
- Easily accommodates bulky and awkwardly-sized items
Cons
- No child safety locks
Key Specs
| Place Settings | 16 |
|---|---|
| Cycles | 8 |
| 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 uses minerals that store heat and absorb water, speeding up the drying process. Bosch calls the tech CrystalDry, and its 800 Series models will dry anything with ease, even plastics.
Besides drying well, the dishwasher packs plenty of power to remove stains, and it shouldn’t have any issue cleaning leftovers off of greasy pots, messy plates, or gritty bowls. It has a specific cycle for heavy pots and pans, which will come in handy for cleaning up after a big dinner or event. The addition of a quick wash cycle is perfect for times when you need to run a load but the dishwasher isn’t completely full.
The top-of-the-line Bosch 800 Series is quieter than most, and has a large third rack that’s big enough to stow deeper items like large cereal bowls. Like the 300 Series, Bosch sells multiple variants of the 800 Series that come at different price points, the differences between them being their finish and type of handle.
We think the 800 Series 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.
General Electric Top Control Dishwasher
General Electric Top Control Dishwasher
Pros
- Has an integrated water-leak sensor
- Hidden control panel
- Has child safety locks
Cons
- No quick rinse cycle
- No self-cleaning filter
Key Specs
| Place Settings | 16 |
|---|---|
| Cycles | 5 |
| Noise Level | 45 dBA |
The GE Top Control is a luxurious-looking dishwasher that will get the job done every time. The dishwasher, which is often priced with great discounts, 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. You’ll love the attractive fingerprint-resistant finish, the sleek bar handle, and it has hidden controls, so it’ll truly shine in any kitchen. But it’s more than just good looks that make this one of the best dishwashers on our list.
It delivers above-average cleaning performance and 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.
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’ll be hard-pressed to find a dishwasher that cleans as well this one and that is packed with as many premium features for the price.
Maytag Top Control Dishwasher
Maytag Top Control 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 we 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 two years, we've recommended this Maytag Front Control dishwasher as our best budget dishwasher, but this newer model features a steam-sanitized option, it holds three more place settings (now 15), and its control panel is no longer on the front of the unit. We think these features are worth its slightly higher price point.
Compared to the top-rated and often cheaper Whirlpool Top Control Dishwasher, 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 tends to be slightly more expensive. 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 one-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.
Miele AutoDos G700-Series Dishwasher
Miele AutoDos G700-Series Dishwasher
Pros
- Automatically dispenses dishwashing detergent
- Lets you set your dishwasher to start 24 hours in advance
- Packs 3 wash arms for superior cleaning performance
Cons
- No steam option
- No removable silverware basket
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 one-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.
Dishwashers in Miele's G700-series are impressive, in both looks and features. It has a logo-free stainless steel front and a hidden top-mounted control panel, and you can monitor your dishwasher via a downloadable app. The adjustable upper rack and baskets allow you to fit practically anything inside. For even more room, the dishwasher is equipped with a third rack that's ideal for stowing utensils and silverware.
The Miele dishwasher has three wash arms that target each basket 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.
Our colleagues at Good Housekeeping are fans of the G7000's fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish and its QuickIntense cycle that cleans a load in under an hour. What we love most about the Miele is that it automatically dispenses the correct amount of detergent based on whatever cleaning cycle you select.
BLACK+DECKER Compact Countertop Dishwasher
BLACK+DECKER 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.
We 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.
We also recommend this Danby 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.
GE 18-in Freestanding Dishwasher
GE 18-in Freestanding Dishwasher
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, we 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 five-foot-long power cord and three-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, we also recommend the GE 23.6-in. Freestanding Dishwasher, which offers enough room for 12 place settings compared to this one's eight place settings.
GE Profile Series Dishwasher
GE Profile Series 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, we've found that the GE Profile Series is the best quiet dishwasher that money can buy. In previous iterations of this guide, we've favored KitchenAid dishwashers for their quietness, and although the manufacturer's quietest appliance, the KitchenAid Front Control KDFE204, 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 mic'd 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.
Thermador Star-Sapphire Series Dishwasher
Thermador Star-Sapphire Series Dishwasher
Pros
- Super fast 20-minute TurboSpeed washing cycle
- Available in panel-ready models to match most kitchen cabinets
Cons
- Expensive
- No child safety locks
Key Specs
| Place Settings | 16 |
|---|---|
| Cycles | 8 |
| Noise Level | 42 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. If matching your decor is a priority, the Thermador also comes in a panel-ready model that matches most kitchen cabinets.
The Thermador is more effective at drying dishes than most other models because it uses Zeolite technology, which emits heat and helps absorb water faster than traditional drying techniques. Best of all, it has a TurboSpeed cycle that fully washes your dishes in just 20 minutes, so you're always ready to feed a crowd.
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 an adjustable upper rack. There’s also a helpful leak protection system called 24/7 AquaStop. If it detects leaks in the base, it immediately shuts down the operation of the dishwasher and starts pumping out the water, so it never makes it onto your floor.
Because of its speediness and cool features, it's definitely a splurge. If you want the best of the best, though, you won't be disappointed.
Bosch 18-in 300 Series Dishwasher
Bosch 18-in 300 Series Dishwasher
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, We recommend the 18-inch Bosch 300 Series. Just like the 24-inch Bosch 300 Series we 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 Whirlpool 18-inch.
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 we raved about, enough room for 10 place settings, and operates at a quiet 46 decibels.
How We Selected
For this guide, we spent more than 300 hours on dishwasher research, comparing more than fifty 24-inch built-in style dishwashers, 16 portable dishwashers, 10 countertop dishwashers, and twelve 18-inch dishwashers.
We 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.
We 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.
We 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, we 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.
Taylor is a freelance commerce editor for Hearst’s Enthusiast Group. She works with content for Best Products, Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, and Bicycling. Taylor has her Master’s in Journalism from Quinnipiac University, where she found love for the editorial world through her internship at Flaunt Magazine. You can find the Boston-based editor getting lost in books or on hiking trails, curating playlists based on mood, and scouring the city for vintage treasures.
