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Dishwashers have changed over the years. It's easy to be confused with all the features and different brands.
The familiar brands like Bosch, Miele, and KitchenAid are being challenged by newer products from Samsung and LG. However, most dishwashers are quieter with more cycles and features than older units.
Consequently, you do not need to spend a fortune anymore for a quiet dishwasher in stainless steel with a stainless tub.
In this article, we will discuss the difference between plastic and stainless tubs. Then compare American vs. European style dishwashers.
This list changes every couple of months based on rebates and new products introductions. Quietness will also be considered because it is important with open kitchen plans.
We will condense 500 options down to 8 you should consider now as well as show you different brands and features.
First, let's look at plastic and stainless tubs.
Plastic vs. Stainless Tubs
Most of the better dishwashers have stainless tubs whereas the less expensive have plastic. They both hold water, but stainless is non-porous and won't retain odors and germs like other surfaces.
All of the models we are introducing in this article have stainless steel tubs except one.
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American vs. European
Dishwashers are split between American style (like Electrolux, Frigidaire, GE, Whirlpool, Maytag, Samsung, and KitchenAid) and European style (Bosch, Asko, and Miele).
The main differences are that the American style has a grinder on the bottom to handle any leftovers whereas the European style has a removable filter.
European models tend to be quieter. They will also be flush with your cabinet, so they look better with a custom panel.
Quietness
You probably want a quiet dishwasher. However, at a certain level, decibel (a measure of sound) differences are not detectable.
Any dishwasher at 44-46 DBs is quiet enough. You do not want to pay much more for a lower decibel rating alone.
Best Dishwasher Deals for 2018
Pricing updated for April 2018
Plastic Tub Dishwashers
Samsung DW80M2020US - $449
Features:
- Stainless Steel Door - Durable and hygienic
- Adjustable Rack - Easy to fit various dishware
- Digital Leak Sensor
- Advanced Wash System
- 14 Place Settings
- 55 dBA
Samsung has a stylish dishwasher with an adjustable top rack as well as leak detection. This brand is actually one of the most reliable dishwashers sold.
Stainless Steel Tub Dishwashers
Whirlpool WDF545PAFM - $499
Features:
- Flexible Capacity
- Overnight Cycle
- Eco Wash Cycle
- ENERGY STAR Qualified
- 55 dBA
Whirlpool has a good feature package for a $399 dishwasher with about every cycle and Sani Rinse to wash baked on dishes. It's not quiet but it's a reliable machine.
Samsung DW80J3020US - $539
This model adds a stainless tank and is 5 dB quieter at 50 db. It also adds a hard food disposer, which can mash small food particles (most dishwashers now have filters.)
Features:
- Durable Stainless Steel Tub
- Hard Food Disposer
- Hidden Heat Element
- Dishwashing Performance at 50dBA
- 15 Place Settings
- Adjustable Racking System
KitchenAid KDFE104DSS - $599
Features:
- ProWash(TM) Cycle
- Durable Stainless Steel Construction
- Heat Dry Option
- Fold-Down Tines in the Lower Rack
- SatinGlide(R) Max Upper Rack
- Fold-Down Shelf with Stemware Holders
- 4-Hour Delay Option
- Filter-Based Wash System
- Sani Rinse(R) Option
The KDFE104DSS has every cycle including their ProWash or extended wash with soil sensing capabilities, light/china for your better stemware along with normal and shorter express washes.
You also have a ton of options like heated or air drying, Sani Rinse and high-temperature wash for better scouring of baked-on dishes.
This has a good feature package for a reasonable amount of money.
Samsung DW80K7050US - $719
Features:
- 15 Place Setting Capacity
- Adjustable Upper Rack
- Cutlery Rack
- StormWash System
- FlexLoad Racking System
- Autorelease Door
- Digital Leak Sensor
- 44 dBA Sound Level
- Energy Star Rated
Great dishwasher for the money. It is very quiet at 44 dBs and has a 3rd rack for silverware.
Their "Storm Wash" is essentially a few areas of concentrated spray for baked on dishes.
Jenn-Air JDB9000CWP - $699
Jenn-Air and KitchenAid are the same company and dishwasher. Jenn-Air is less expensive with 14 different wash programs, adjustable top rack as well as a third rack for silverware.
Bosch SHS863WD5N - $719 (Additional $50 Rebate)
Features:
- Made in North Carolina
- 4 Wash cycles, 5 options, button controls
- 44 dBA
- Stainless Steel Tub
- Aqua Stop Plus Leak Protection System
- Info Light – tells you that the dishwasher is running
- Silverware Basket
- 15 place settings
One of the best-selling dishwashers at Yale and nationally. This model has all the necessary cycles, 3 level adjustable racks and is incredibly quiet at only 44 dBs.
Features:
- Made in North Carolina
- 6 wash cycles, 5 options, touch controls
- 44 dBA
- Stainless Steel Tub
- Aqua Stop Plus Leak Protection System
- Five-Level wash
- Info Light – tells you that the dishwasher is running
- Silverware Basket and adjustable top rack for cutlery
- 16 place settings
- Stainless front with hidden controls and scoop handle goes with any brand
It's one of our top-selling dishwashers because it can blend seamlessly into any kitchen. Bosch recently omitted a visible badge from the front of their dishwasher.
The recessed handle, hidden controls, and flush installation are all great design elements. This dishwasher also offers a few high-end features for the price such as a 3rd cutlery tray, tall item holder, and half-load cycle.
(Click here for the 5 Best Bosch Dishwashers)
Miele G4977SCVISF - $1,099
Features:
- Double Waterproof System
- CleanAir™ Drying
- 5 Wash Cycles
- AutoSensor Technology
- Silence Rating of 46 dBA
- 16 Place Setting Capacity
- SaniWash
- ENERGY STAR®
Miele is one of the most reliable dishwasher brands. This dishwasher features the best drying capabilities. Air is directed to the side of the dishwasher so the hot air in the dishwasher is attracted to the cooler side and then dissipated.
Bosch SHXM98W75N - $1,079
Features:
- 6 Wash Cycles/6 Options/ Touch Controls
- 39 dBA Silence Rating
- Stainless Steel Tub
- AquaStop Leak Protection
- 30 Minute Express Cycle
- 5-level Wash
- Info Light - tells you that the dishwasher is running
- Silverware Basket
- Adjustable Top Rack for Cutlery
- 16 Place Setting
If you want to buy a great dishwasher with high-end features but aren't looking to break the bank, this is the right dishwasher for you.
This is one of the most feature-loaded dishwashers in the industry for a great price. It has almost every cycle available and an absolutely noiseless 39-decibel rating.
This is the best overall value for a high-end dishwasher.
Miele G6625SCU - $1,599
Features:
- Quick Intense Wash
- AutoSensor Technology
- Water Softener
- ExtraComfort Basket
- China & Crystal Cycle
- Silence Rating of 45 dBA
- 16 Place Setting Capacity
- ENERGY STAR®
Miele's best selling dishwasher. It is quieter, with better fold down racks and overall adjustability to accommodate pots, pans, and other large dishes. It also adds a concentrated intensive wash for baked-on dishes.
Along with their drying system, the door pops open to speed drying at the end of cycle as well.
Click here for our list of best Miele dishwashers.
Final Thoughts
In terms of reliability, it is Miele, Bosch, and Samsung.
However, the KitchenAid dishwasher may deliver the most value in terms of features for the price.
For drying, Miele is the best because of their air system. As for pricing, Samsung is your best bet.
That said, the Bosch dishwasher at $769 combines every feature and quietness unless you want a third rack.
All are fine choices and you do not have to spend a fortune for a great, quiet and reliable dishwasher.
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Additional Resources
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A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
