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It's time to buy a new dishwasher. They all look the same nowadays, but there are new features to consider, such as better drying systems and faster cycles.
In fact, one dishwasher can wash and dry a load of dishes in 20 minutes.
You probably want a quiet dishwasher as well, especially if your kitchen opens to your living room. However, overbuying for quietness is a huge yet common mistake.
We'll show you the minimum level of quietness and how to buy a quiet dishwasher without spending a fortune.
We'll also cover everything you need to know about buying a dishwasher, such as the differences between plastic and stainless steel dishwasher tubs, new features worth considering, and what the most reliable dishwasher brands are.
Our reliability is based on 35,256 service calls logged by our service department last year.
Some are more reliable than others, and repair is a huge problem in this industry. If it wasn’t, we wouldn’t need all of these guys:
Yale Appliance Service Team
Lastly, we'll share the best dishwashers to consider out of the hundreds, if not thousands, of models available for every category.
There is no one single best dishwasher, so I segmented the best factors to consider based on what you may need the most. Here's a sneak peek of our top dishwasher picks:
- Best Affordable Dishwasher: Samsung DW80R5061US
- Best Dishwasher Under $1000: KitchenAid KDTE334GPS
- Best Washing and Drying Dishwasher: Miele G4228SCUSS
- Best Dishwasher Rack Configuration: Bosch SHP865ZP5N
- Best Dishwasher for Drying: Bosch SHX88Z75N
- Best Dishwasher for Washing Silverware: GE Profile PDT825SGJWW
- Best Dishwasher for Washing Odd-Shaped Dishes: Miele G6625SCUSS
- Fastest Dishwasher: Thermador DWHD870WFP
- Best Panel-Ready Dishwasher: Bosch SHVM88Z73N
- Best Dishwasher In Black Stainless Steel: Samsung DW80R9950UG
First, let's cover the basics.
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How To Buy A Dishwasher
Our best dishwashers are chosen based on our own reliability statistics, features, and efficiency.
Our reliability statistics are based on 35,256 service calls logged by our service department last year.
Most Reliable Dishwashers for 2020
| Service QTY | Shipped QTY | Service Ratio | |
| Asko | 103 | 190 | 54.21% |
| Jenn-Air | 188 | 493 | 38.13% |
| Bosch Benchmark | 25 | 70 | 35.71% |
| Fisher & Paykel | 56 | 193 | 29.02% |
| Miele | 185 | 903 | 20.49% |
| Maytag | 2 | 10 | 20.00% |
| Gaggenau | 16 | 104 | 15.38% |
| Thermador | 126 | 872 | 14.45% |
| KitchenAid | 90 | 688 | 13.08% |
| Café Appliances | 3 | 25 | 12.00% |
| Bosch | 398 | 3573 | 11.14% |
| Samsung | 134 | 1297 | 10.33% |
| LG | 5 | 81 | 6.17% |
| Cove | 2 | 44 | 4.55% |
| Ge Appliances | 1 | 37 | 2.70% |
| Whirlpool | 38 | 1471 | 2.58% |
| Grand Total | 1377 | 10166 | 13.55% |
Bosch, LG, KitchenAid, and Samsung are statistically the most reliable dishwasher brands. Whirlpool is basic and sold mostly to builders.
Miele is usually the best for reliability. Last year, they had a problem with a buzzing solenoid. It's easily repairable and should not be an issue going forward.
However, with a 10-15% repair rate within the first year, you most likely will need service within five years.
You should be mindful of who fixes appliances in your area. In fact, pick a few brands and ask your local service technician what they can fix quickly.
Plastic vs. Stainless Tub Dishwashers
This isn’t much of an issue anymore. Most dishwashers are stainless these days, and they both can hold water.
Most of the better dishwashers have stainless tubs, whereas the less featured are plastic.
Stainless steel is non-porous and won't retain odors and germs like other surfaces. Commercial kitchens are stainless for that reason.
Frigidaire, GE, Samsung, Whirlpool, and Maytag are the only plastic tub manufacturers. Most brands are selling more stainless steel tubs than plastic now.
All of the models we are introducing in this article have stainless steel tubs.
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American vs. European Dishwashers
European-Style Dishwasher Display at Yale Appliance in Hanover
Dishwashers are split between American-style models (like Electrolux, Frigidaire, GE, Whirlpool, Maytag, Samsung, Jenn-Air, and KitchenAid) and European-style models (Bosch, Thermador, Asko, and Miele).
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 for that reason. They will also be flush with your cabinet, so they look better with a custom panel.
American companies still have a heating element for better drying results in some cases. Some companies, like KitchenAid for example, traded its dishwasher grinders for filters to be quieter.
What Is Quiet Enough For A Dishwasher?
If you want a quiet dishwasher, look for a decibel level between 42 and 44 dBA.
You should not pay for just quietness as a feature below 44 dBAs. At a certain level, decibel differences are not detectable.
The difference for minimal improvements in quietness can cost over $1,000 in some cases. This is a common mistake. Do not overbuy for just quietness.
That said, there are a few exceptions. KitchenAid has a great dishwasher at 39 dBA for $799. It's $800 cheaper than most dishwashers with a similar rating.
Bosch has a few in the $769-$1,049 range, so there is no reason to pay a great expense just for quietness alone.
Hear 55 dBA, 44 dBA, and 39 dBA dishwashers head-to-head:
When Is The Best Time To Buy A Dishwasher?
As we have said throughout this blog, you should wait to buy appliances until there is a promotional holiday. Manufacturers always have the most heavily rebated appliances during the following holidays:
- Presidents' Day
- Memorial Day
- July 4th
- Labor Day
- Black Friday
Now, let's take a look at the best dishwashers to consider.
Best Dishwasher Deals for 2020
Now, let's take a look at our best dishwashers to consider.
Best Affordable Dishwasher
Samsung Dishwasher DW80R5061US - $549
Features:
- 48 dBA
- Stainless Steel
- StormWash
- Adjustable Loading
- Fingerprint Resistant
- AutoRelease Door
Great dishwasher for the money. It has decent quietness at 48 dBAs, a third rack for silverware, and it's all stainless steel.
Their "Storm Wash" is essentially a few areas of concentrated spray jets for dishes with baked-on food. For drying, the door pops open at the end of the cycle to speed up the drying process.
Samsung Dishwasher Storm Wash Feature
Best Dishwasher Under $1000
KitchenAid Dishwasher KDTE334GPS - $749
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
- 39 dBAS
The KitchenAid dishwasher KDTE334GPS has every cycle, including their ProWash or extended wash with soil sensing capabilities, light for wine classes or fine china sets, and, lastly, normal and shorter express washes.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Controls Featuring ProWash
You also have a ton of drying options like heated or air drying. The Sani-Rinse is a high-temperature rinse for better cleaning of baked-on foods.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Controls Featuring Sani Rinse
There is also a third rack for silverware and specialized sprays just for bottles. There is an element for drying as well as a fan to extract heat.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Bottle Wash System
At 39 dBAs, it's almost noiseless and the quietest dishwasher on this list. This dishwasher is priced anywhere from $659 to $849, depending on the promotion.
KitchenAid Dishwasher Review [VIDEO]
Best Washing and Drying Dishwasher
Miele G4228SCUSS - $999
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 usually one of the most reliable dishwasher brands. This dishwasher features the best drying capabilities under $1000.
In the drying cycle, air is directed to the side of the dishwasher, so the hot air is attracted to the cooler side and then dissipated.
It also has a full wash arm on the top. A third spray is especially effective with the third silverware rack directly below.
Best Dishwasher For Rack Configuration
Bosch Dishwasher SHP865ZP5N - $1,049
Features:
- Made in North Carolina
- 5 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
- Ball-bearing wheels
- 2 folding tines at the rear for added flexibility
- FlexSpace Plus (both sets of tines fold down in front right section)
- Lower Rack Handle with metal inlay
- Rack stop to keep the rack from pulling completely out of the dishwasher.
- AutoAir Dry
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 third cutlery tray, tall item holder, and a half-load cycle.
This new Bosch dishwasher has better ball bearing racks, and a rack stop to prevent the rack being pulled out of the dishwasher - call it Toddler Prevention (I have a toddler).
Best Dishwasher For Drying
Bosch Dishwasher SHXM88Z75N - $1,259.99
Features:
- 6 Wash Cycles/6 Options/ Touch Controls
- 40 dBA Silence Rating
- Stainless Steel Tub
- AquaStop Leak Protection
- *30 Minute Express Cycle - 60 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
- Crystal Dry
If you want to buy a great dishwasher with high-end features but aren't looking to break the bank, this may be an interesting choice.
The Bosch dishwasher SHXM88Z75N is one of the most feature-loaded dishwashers in the industry. This dishwasher offers a new drying feature.
Crystal Dry uses a volcanic element called Zeolite to increase heat and absorb moisture. As skeptical as we were, it works.
Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher With CrystalDry Review [VIDEO]
Best Dishwasher For Washing Bottles And Silverware
GE Profile Dishwasher PDT825SGJWW - $919
Features:
- Deep Clean silverware jets
- Bottle Jets
- Wash zones
- Advanced wash system with more than 140 cleaning jets
- Easy touch adjustable upper rack with 2 Stem Safe shelves
- Full extension smooth glide upper rack with fold-down tines
- Hidden vent with fan dry
- Reversing quad blade wash arm
This GE Profile dishwasher has a good wash and dry system. It still has the disposer on the bottom, so it's only 45 dBAs and not very quiet.
However, it has 10 dishwasher options. The silverware and bottles have their own concentrated wash jets.
GE Bottle Jets
Best Dishwasher For Washing Odd-Shaped Dishes
Miele Dishwasher G6625SCU - $1,799
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. You can remove almost all the tines in the bottom to fit an odd-shaped dish, for example.
Miele Dishwasher Adjustable Rack
Miele Dishwasher Adjustable Rack
Along with their drying system, the door pops open to speed drying at the end of the cycle as well.
Click here for our list of best Miele dishwashers.
Fastest Dishwasher
Thermador Dishwasher DWHD870WFP- $2,799
Features:
- StarDry - The most exceptional drying power in the world. Introducing Thermador's Zeolite technology, reducing the need to towel dry items. No other dishwasher dries better.
- Star Speed is a full hot water wash cycle in just 20 minutes
- Star Glow illuminates your dishware in 6 sparkling levels of blue or white light while providing the option of any interior light color through the Connected Experience
Like Bosch, Thermador uses a mineral from volcanic ash called Zeolite for a faster drying process.
It absorbs moisture and emits heat for a 20-minute wash and dry cycle. However, it's $2,799, so it should excel in washing and drying your dishes.
If you buy the Thermador range or wall oven and cooktop, you can apply a $1,399 credit for this dishwasher.
As a runner-up, the Thermador Sapphire dishwasher doesn't have the speed cycle but is less expensive.
The New Thermador Star Sapphire Dishwasher
Best Panel-Ready Dishwasher
Bosch Kitchen Featuring Panel-Ready Dishwasher at Yale Appliance in Hanover
In this case, I would recommend a European model exclusively for the best dishwasher to use with a custom panel.
American models will protrude past the cabinet, whereas the European models will not.
Bosch has few models you can put a custom panel on to match your cabinets. Here are the most popular:
Bosch Dishwasher SHVM88Z73N - $1,259
Features:
- 40 dBA- Quietest Dishwasher Brand.
- The MyWay Rack gives you the industry's largest third rack loading capacity.
- FlexSpace Tines fold back to fit your larger pots & pans.
- RackMatic(R) on Upper Rack - 3 Height Adjustments and Up to 9 Possible Rack Positions
- AquaStop(R) Leak Protection Works 24/7
- Full-Size Stainless Steel Tall Tub Installs Perfectly Flush
- 16 Place Setting Capacity
- LED Remaining Time Display
- 6 Programs and 6 options
- Detergent Tray Optimizes Detergent Dissolving
- Speed60(R) gets your dishes from dirty to dry in about an hour.
This particular Bosch dishwasher will not protrude from your cabinets. Best of all, it will look like your cabinets with a custom panel.
Best Dishwasher In Black Stainless Steel
Samsung Black Stainless Steel Kitchen at Yale Appliance in Framingham
I don’t recommend Black Stainless for most people. It’s an oxide coating on top of stainless.
You can scratch Black Stainless Steel, and it will show the shinier stainless underneath. There is also no remedy or an easy fix.
However, you probably will not replace every Black Steel appliance at once. Samsung and Bosch have the most scratch-resistant Black Steel.
The best dishwasher for black stainless steel is the Samsung DW80R9950UG.
Samsung Dishwasher DW80R9950UG - $849
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
Schedule a visit to our Boston and Framingham showrooms to shop at your convenience
Which Dishwasher Should You Buy?
Samsung Kitchen Package Featuring Stainless Steel Dishwasher at Yale Appliance in Hanover
In terms of reliability, KitchenAid, Bosch, and Samsung are the best dishwashers for 2020.
Miele usually is high on this list but had a buzzing solenoid problem last year, as we said previously.
There is a reason to buy any of these dishwashers from $499-$2,799. Quietness after 44 dBAs is not worth paying a huge expense for. You won't hear much of a difference between 44 and 42 dBA.
The most popular dishwashers are the Bosch, Samsung, KitchenAid, and Miele at the middle prices of $799-$1100. They have decent features and racks.
Samsung has its “Storm Wash” model with premium features in their wash and dry cycles for $499. KitchenAid's dishwasher is a great value at $769, and it's the quietest on this list and offers some great features like Bottle Wash.
Miele is also a great dishwasher. Their washing, drying, and rack flexibility are the best in the industry.
Thermador Star Sapphire and Sapphire dishwashers excel and should be considered if you are looking at more Thermador appliances.
Additional Resources
Get our free Dishwasher Buying Guide with tips, trends, and reviews of all the major brands. Over 680,000 people have already found answers in a Yale guide.
Related Articles:
WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?
A few review sites have placed this at the bottom of their articles. So here is our take: Our mission is to find reliable products for you to buy. Other review sites may say this as well.
However, we don’t love every product. Quite frankly, it costs us way too much money in repair costs to support less reliable brands.
In fact, we sell fewer brands than most appliance stores. Here is why:
We feel it is our responsibility to repair your appliances after you buy them.
We now have 30 service technicians, each averaging 8-10 calls a day Monday through Friday, plus another 110 on Saturday. That's over 30,000 service calls logged in one year.
The labor rates of fixing an appliance do not come close to the true cost in any product’s warranty period.
That is why no major retailer has a service department. It costs too much labor, money and time.
Our Blog is a bit different than most others you will read. We cannot write glowing reviews of unreliable products.
Hopefully, the bloggers and organizations who write such glowing product reviews for every brand consider servicing these products first. Only then they will understand the consequences of their marketing.
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.
