There was a time 35 years ago when $599 bought the best KitchenAid Superba dishwasher. At that time, that was the best dishwasher.
You can still buy a great dishwasher. In fact, like the old KitchenAid, it will wash your dishes.
However, it may not have the same features as the better $699 and up dishwashers like quietness, better drying capability, and special sprays for baked-on dishes.
In this article, you will learn the best dishwashers under $600, their features as well as reliability based on 34,687 service calls logged by our service department last year.
Samsung is one of the most reliable (see reliability chart below) significant brands across all categories of appliances based on our service department calls. This model is the most basic and great for rental units.
Features:
Another excellent choice for a rental unit or the home. This will be quieter than the previous model and offers a third rack for silverware.
Features:
Frigidaire is part of the Electrolux family. It's their value brand and one you should consider along with the rest of the line up here.
While it's a good product, the Samsung models will be very similar for less money. (Note: Yale does not sell Frigidaire products).
Features:
Bosch is the quietest dishwasher brand overall. While they have a full selection of kitchen appliances, they are best known for their dishwashers.
The Ascenta is usually rated well and is the least expensive Bosch dishwasher. It has good cycles, but a basic top rack and a plastic, not a stainless bottom.
You do not have the same features as the rest of the Bosch line like a full stainless tub, 44 DB or less quietness, adjustable top rack, and third rack for silverware.
It's a good basic dishwasher with an excellent name. For that reason, this Bosch is popular with builders.
Features:
Here's how these dishwashers compare to determine which is the best. I've highlighted the winner in each category (if there is a clear winner).
|
|
Samsung | Samsung | Bosch | Frigidaire |
| Model | DW80R2031US | DW80N3030US | SHE3AR75UC | FFCD2418US |
| Price | $379.99 | $449.99 | $539.99 | $529.00 |
| DBA | 55 | 51 | 50 | 55 |
| # of Racks | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Leak Sensor | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Flush install | No | No | Yes | No |
| Tub Interior | Plastic | Hybrid | Stainless | Plastic |
| Delicate Cycle | No | No | Yes | No |
| Drying Type | Heating element | Heating Element | Condensation | Heating Element |
| Delay Start | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Quick Wash | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Controls | Internal | External | External | External |
| Indicator Light | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Turbidity Sensor | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Brand repair rate in the first year | 9.29% | 9.29% | 11.08% | 5.71% |
The reliability stats listed below are for 2018 except for Frigidaire. Frigidaire's statistics are fror 2017 (we don't have data for 2018 as we stopped carrying the line).
All of these brands rates well considering the average service rate for dishwashers in 2018 was 13.09%.
| Service Qty | Shipped Qty | Service Ratio | |
| Signature Kitchen Suite | 0 | 17 | 0.00 % |
| Whirlpool | 44 | 1030 | 4.27 % |
| Gaggenau | 2 | 42 | 4.76 % |
| LG Electronics | 4 | 78 | 5.13 % |
| Samsung | 85 | 915 | 9.29 % |
| Maytag | 3 | 29 | 10.34 % |
| Bosch Appliances | 303 | 2735 | 11.08 % |
| Miele | 155 | 1078 | 14.38 % |
| Kitchenaid | 115 | 705 | 16.31 % |
| Thermador | 123 | 711 | 17.30 % |
| Jenn-Air | 170 | 908 | 18.72 % |
| Blomberg | 6 | 28 | 21.43 % |
| Fisher & Paykel | 42 | 175 | 24.00 % |
| Bosch - Benchmark | 38 | 158 | 24.05 % |
| Asko | 47 | 195 | 24.10 % |
| Amana | 3 | 11 | 27.27 % |
| Frigidaire | 10 | 22 | 45.45 % |
| Frigidaire Gallery | 5 | 8 | 62.50 % |
| Electrolux | 2 | 2 | 100.00 % |
| Frigidaire Professional | 2 | 2 | 100.00 % |
| Grand Total | 1159 | 8852 | 13.09 % |
Surprisingly, all the major brands are decent on reliability. Of course, they have to be reliable since we service what we frequently sell at a loss.
Samsung, Frigidaire, and Bosch are consumer-driven. Whirlpool is builder mostly, so we do not know whether the end-users call us for service.
These dishwashers almost mirror each other in terms of features and decibel levels. One buying strategy is to buy on sale around holidays where you can save 10-30%. There are six times to buy an appliance on sale from the manufacturer.
The Samsung units are inexpensive and dependable, whereas Bosch has the best "name" for dishwashers. That may be useful when selling a home/project.
You should not overlook repair. Some brands are better on the repair side almost by region. So you want to ask about repair rates and service before you buy any appliance.
These models will all wash your dishes with similar cycles and levels of quietness. Your strategy is about price and service.
Read below for more detailed information about how to buy a dishwasher.
The lower the decibel rating, the quieter the dishwasher is. But when the sound goes down, price usually goes up. In this price range, you won't necessarily have a loud dishwasher, but you will hear it running.
44 DB is considered quiet. Most of these dishwashers are 50-55 decibels. You can listen to the difference by watching the video below.
The interior of a dishwasher will either be plastic, stainless steel, or a combination of both. The benefit of a stainless-steel interior is it's nonporous. This means there is no opportunity for the odor to build up. Many of these dishwashers are steel and plastic.
One common complaint about dishwashers is the amount of time a cycle takes. In the old days, a dishwasher blasted tons of hot water onto your plates, and the cycles were pretty quick. Not any longer. The machines today are designed to use less water and electricity.
The trade-off for this energy efficiency is longer cycles. The average cycle can be over 2 hours. An intense wash is closer to 3 hours.
Many machines offer a "quick wash" that is usually an hour or less, but this tends to be for smaller, easier to clean loads. And sometimes it doesn't include the drying cycle.
There is no real way around this, so grab a book or go for a jog. Remember that life is a journey and not a race. Your dishwasher is in no rush to reach the finish line.
The most reliable dishwasher brands are Samsung, Whirlpool, LG, and Bosch. However, Miele, KitchenAid, and Bosch are considered the best dishwasher brands.
The best dishwasher brands depend on what's best for your needs. Bosch is the most popular brand for dishwashers and has an extensive range of features and price points.
Miele, Thermador, and Bosch are all excellent "luxury brand" choices. For less expensive but well-featured brands, Samsung, KitchenAid, and Whirlpool should be considered.
Many brands have quiet dishwashers. Anything under 44 DB is considered quiet. A dishwasher under 40 DB is almost noiseless.
Additional Resources
Looking for more information on dishwashers? Get the Yale Dishwasher Buying Guide with complete breakdowns of all the brands and features. Well over 580,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
Recommended Reads