9 Best Dishwashers for 2021 (Reviews / Ratings / Prices)

You're probably having a hard time finding a dishwasher.

The best dishwasher, in many instances, is the one you can find.

Many dishwasher manufacturers currently have supply chain issues. Outsourcing appliance parts and COVID-19 have greatly attributed to the supply chain crisis.

Two of the top-rated dishwasher brands, Bosch and Miele, are out of stock for their best models.

For Bosch, their dishwashers under $1,100 are out of stock. Miele has only their best and least expensive models available, the G4228SCUSS and the G7966SCVI.

In this article, you will learn about the best in-stock dishwashers between $519-$2,799.

You will also learn how to choose a dishwasher for the best sound level, availability, wash cycles, and drying capabilities.

Most importantly, we'll share the most reliable dishwasher brands.

Some brands are more reliable than others.

Appliance repair is a huge problem in this industry. Due to capacity issues, we could only service appliances bought from us.

We logged over 37,000 service calls last year in the Boston area for our customers alone.

There will be plenty of videos to help along the way.

How to Choose a Dishwasher

In this section, we'll cover the basics of buying the right dishwasher for your home.

This includes the most reliable dishwasher brands based on real service data, how much you should pay for a quiet dishwasher, and the best features to look for. 

Let's dive in.

Dishwasher Reliability

The most reliable high-end dishwashers to consider are KitchenAid, Beko, and Miele.

We calculate reliability by comparing the number of products sold to the number serviced by each brand for one year.

Each brand represented in the chart below has a minimum of 50 units sold, and a total sample of over 10,000 pieces.

However, we do not consider brands like LG and GE Profile with less than 100 units shipped to be regarded as the most reliable. 

Dishwasher Reliability From December 2019 to November 2020

Whirlpool appears to be the most reliable but manufactures basic dishwashers. Most often, builders buy these simple dishwashers for larger projects.

Blomberg was sold to builders last year as well. Blomberg is a builder division of Beko with a similar dishwasher.

With a 11.2% average repair rate, you most likely will need service within five years.

You should be mindful of who fixes appliances in your area. Pick a few brands and ask your local servicer what they can fix quickly. You also want to check Google and Yelp as well.

Plastic vs. Stainless Tub Dishwashers

Stainless Steel Dishwasher Tub

The best dishwashers have stainless steel tubs rather than plastic.

Stainless steel is non-porous and won't retain odors and germs like other surfaces. Commercial kitchens are stainless for that reason.

Only Frigidaire, GE, Samsung, Whirlpool, and Maytag make dishwashers with plastic tubs. Most brands sell more stainless steel tubs than plastic now.

Be careful, though. There are a few that look stainless but are partly plastic, like the Bosch Ascenta dishwasher.

American vs. European Dishwashers

American and European Dishwashers at Yale Appliance in Hanover

Dishwashers are split between American-style models and European-style models.

American-style dishwashers used to have a grinder on the bottom. European-style dishwashers have a removable filter for a quieter.

KitchenAid, probably the best American brand, has up to two filters in their better models.

European-style dishwashers sit flush with your cabinet. They look the best if you place a custom panel on your dishwasher.

If you want to place a custom cabinet panel on your dishwasher, buy a Bosch, Miele, Beko, or Asko dishwasher.

American-Style Dishwasher Brands:

• Electrolux
• Frigidaire
• GE
• Whirlpool
• Maytag
• Samsung
• JennAir
• KitchenAid

European-Style Dishwasher Brands:

• Bosch
• Thermador
• Beko
• KitchenAid (has both styles)
• Miele

What Is Quiet Enough for a Dishwasher?

Quietness is important, especially if your dishwasher is open to your living room.

If you want a quiet dishwasher, look for a decibel level under 44 dB.

You should not pay for a silence rating of 44 dB or below alone. At a certain level, decibel differences are not detectable.

This is a common mistake.

Do not overbuy for just a quiet dishwasher.

That said, there are a few exceptions.

Our quietest picks both are 39 dB for less than $1000.

▶️ Hear 55 dB, 44 dB, and 39 dB dishwashers head-to-head by clicking here.

Drying Performance

Bosch Dishwasher with AutoAir Drying

Drying has become much better in the latest models. Most of the European models at one time had condensation drying, or static drying. It's Jet-Dry combined with the residual heat of the wash and time.

American dishwashers were similar with an added heating element to dry the dishes. Both methods failed to dry less dense items, like plastics.

Now you have a few new drying methods.

In Bosch, Miele, and Samsung's better dishwasher models, The door pops open at the end of the cycle to release heat and moisture.

In all Miele's and the better KitchenAid M Series dishwashers, the cooler outside air is directed to the side of the dishwasher, attracting the warmer air and dissipating the moisture as water.

Bosch has the best solution. It uses the volcanic element zeolite to add heat and dissipate moisture.

It even works for Thermador's (a Bosch subsidiary) 20-minute wash and dry cycle.

Rack Design

Most dishwashers over $599 have an adjustable top rack.

However, the best dishwashers from Beko, Bosch, Miele, and KitchenAid have a third rack.

Bosch has their bigger MyWay rack to hold more than silverware (shown below).

Miele has their 3D cutlery tray to securely hold flatware (featured below). It also folds down to accommodate more on the second rack.

KitchenAid may have the best solution with the largest rack. It also acts as a 4th level of spray from the rack itself.

Washing Performance

They all wash dishes. However, some have better systems to wash.

KitchenAid has three with a smaller arm up top in their less expensive T series. In their M series, they added concentrated sprays for the new larger rack.

KitchenAid M Series Dishwasher Top Rack 

Bosch has a basic wash system with two arms under each basket and a sprinkler head up to the top.

Miele has three full spray arms, two under each basket and one on the top.

Beko has three wash arms with AquaIntense or concentrated sprays for baked-on dishes.

Now, let's take a look at our best dishwashers to consider.

10 Best Dishwashers for 2021

1. Most Available: Whirlpool WDF520PADM - $579

Number of Cycles: 4 Cycles, 5 Options | Sound Level: 55 dB | Drying: Heated Dry| Third Rack: No | Disposer or Filter: Disposer Only

This dishwasher has some decent options for a basic dishwasher. You have heavy, normal, and high temp washes.

The AccuSense® soil sensor determines the length of the cycle by sensing the soil levels in the water.

You have the convenience of the 1-hour wash and dry as well.

Whirlpool is the only company to place the silverware rack on the door. It frees up space for more pots and pans in the dishwasher.

Best of all, it's easy to find and generally reliable. You should be able to find this at every appliance dealer, from box stores to internet companies.

It would be your default if you locked out your other choices.

Drawbacks: This Whirlpool dishwasher is loud at 55 dB, and it has a plastic tub. The rack is also not adjustable.

2. Best Dishwasher Under $600: Beko DUT25401X - $519

Number of Cycles: 5 Cycles, 6 Options | Sound Level: 48 dB | Drying: Condensation Dry| Third Rack: No | Disposer or Filter: Filter Only

Beko is a huge appliance manufacturer based out of Turkey. They are well known in Europe for their clean styling.

You may know Blomberg, a subsidiary of Beko. Beko also manufactures Viking dishwashers.

They also produce an excellent dishwasher for under $600, so you don't have to settle.

At one time, you had to compromise when you bought a dishwasher for under $499. There were a few cycles. The tub was plastic or a hybrid of plastic and steel. It was also loud.

Beko is an exception with decent cycles and an all stainless tub. The quietness is not bad at 48 decibels, only 4 dB louder than what's considered quiet.

You also have five cycles and options, plus an adjustable rack. Like Whirlpool, it has a soil sensor as well.

The reliability rate is excellent as well.

Drawbacks: Although the first-year reliability is good, you have to make sure it can be fixed in your area. There is no cycle for delicates.

3. Quietest Dishwasher: (Tie) Beko DDT39432X & KitchenAid KDTE204KPS

KitchenAid Dishwasher KDTE204KPS - $949

Number of Cycles: 5 Cycles, 7 Options | Sound Level: 39 dB | Drying: Condensation Dry & Heating Element | Third Rack: Yes | Disposer or Filter: Filter Only

The KitchenAid dishwasher KDTE204KPS has every cycle, including its ProWash cycle. KitchenAid's ProWash cycle is an extended wash with soil sensing capabilities. KitchenAid features a light wash cycle for wine glasses or fine China and express washes.

At 39 dB, it's almost noiseless and the quietest dishwasher on this list, along with Beko's dishwasher featured next.

It's also more reliable than archrival Bosch by almost 2% for the first time and has a third rack.

Drawbacks: KitchenAid removed last year's specialized sprays for bottles. Like most basic dishwashers, its drying cycle uses condensation or steam.

Beko DDT39432X - $899

Number of Cycles: 9 Cycles, 5 Options | Sound Level: 39 dB | Drying: Condensation Dry| Third Rack: Yes | Disposer or Filter: Filter Only

Beko may not be a name brand (yet). But with an absence of competitors, it's an excellent alternative with unique features.

Their IonGuard eliminates odors by sending negative electric charged ions to counteract the positive ions of odors.

AquaSense is another set of concentrated sprays at the bottom to scour dishes.

You can use it with the AquaIntense cycle channeling up to 60% of the water on the bottom, leaving a light wash for china and crystal.

The racking is good as well. The top rack is multi-position and has the third silverware rack up top like every other product.

The bottom folds down almost like Miele to fit larger dishes giving you more capacity.

Beko also uses a quieter inverter motor for a 39 dB dishwasher rating. A scouring arm adds noise, but Beko designed it to be quiet.

Lastly, Beko is the only dishwasher under $2,000 with Wi-Fi. It's capable of being turned on and off remotely from an app on your phone.

You may be more comfortable with familiar brands like KitchenAid, Bosch, and Miele. In case of availability issues, and there will be some, Beko is an excellent alternative.

It's also statistically reliable.

5. Best Washing Action: KitchenAid KDTM604KPS - $1,199

Number of Cycles: 5 Cycles, 6 Options | Sound Level: 44 dB | Drying: Air Intake, Heating Element| Third Rack: Yes with Spray Arm | Disposer or Filter: 2 Filters

KitchenAid's new dishwasher series is worth considering with two filters. It has a new larger third rack to accommodate smaller items as well as silverware.

The washing system could be the best with sprays on the top, in the rack, and underneath both main racks.

The drying cycle is better in this series and uses heat plus outside air to dissipate the moist hot air into water.

This dishwasher is well executed for quiet washing and drying at 44 dB.

Drawbacks: If you wonder why the better model is louder, any KitchenAid with an "M" has two filters adding five dBs to its sound level.

6. Best Racks: Bosch SHP865ZP5N - $1,149

Number of Cycles: 5 Cycles, 3 Options | Sound Level: 44 dB | Drying: Condensation and AutoAir Dry | Third Rack: Yes | Disposer or Filter: Filter Only

The recessed handle, hidden controls, and flush installation are all great design elements.

This dishwasher also offers a few high-end features such as a 3rd cutlery tray, tall item holder, and a half-load cycle.

This Bosch dishwasher has better ball-bearing racks and a rack stop. The rack stop prevents the rack from being pulled out of the dishwasher - call it Toddler Prevention (I have a toddler).

The racks also allow you to pile on dishes and still have the rack glide smoothly.

You don't have to pull and tug at the rack anymore with a full load of dishes.

You have to buy this model with the ZP5N suffix for better racks. There are 8 SHP865 models.

Bosch has added a new feature this year called AutoAir Dry. The dishwasher door will open at the end of the cycle to release heat and moisture to help cool your dishes and silverware faster.

Drawbacks: However, that's the only drying benefit, and it lacks a 3rd rack capacity and sprays arms.

7. Best Drying Dishwasher: Bosch SHP878ZP5N - $1,349

Number of Cycles: 5 Cycles, 6 Options | Sound Level: 42 dB | Drying: Zeolite and AutoAir Dry | Third Rack: Yes | Disposer or Filter: Filter Only

It sounds gimmicky, but Bosch CrystalDry works.

CrystalDry uses a volcanic element called Zeolite to increase heat and absorb moisture.

As skeptical as we were, it does dry even plastics. (Plastics are less dense and tend to not dry).

It's quiet and efficient with good racking.

Drawbacks: A KitchenAid dishwasher with a better rack, 4th level of spraying, and a good drying system may be more compelling.

8. Best Panel-Ready Dishwasher: Beko DIT39432 - $1,099

Number of Cycles: 9 Cycles, 3 Options | Sound Level: 42 dB | Drying: Closed Fan Drying | Third Rack: Yes | Disposer or Filter: Filter Only

Buying a paneled dishwasher will be an issue in the next 3-5 months.

Bosch is operating at 50% capacity. Miele's having issues as well. Their only panel-ready dishwasher is available at $2,999.

KitchenAid's panel-ready protrudes from your cabinets. It doesn't as sit well as you would expect. Unfortunately, it looks like a dishwasher with a panel stuck on it rather than a cabinet.

Beko offers all the better features of the DDT39432, such as 39 dB, AquaIntense and AquaFlex scouring, good racking, and Ion Guard odor control for $999.

9. Best Premium Dishwasher: Miele G7966SCVI - $2,999

Number of Cycles: 14 Cycles, 5 Options | Sound Level: 38 dB | Drying: 2 ports on the bottom to allow air on both sides to dry quickly.  Door pops opens as well| Third Rack: Yes | Disposer or Filter: Filter Only

Without question, this dishwasher is the best features.

It features the only automatic dispenser, the Auto Dos. The AutoDos feature is available on their G 7366 Dishwashers at $1,999. However, the model is not available.

It releases detergent at the right time. Clients report the cleanest dishes using this dispenser.

The G7996SCVI also has the most features and dries incredibly well, with two ports at the bottom allowing air to the sides.

Hot air is attracted to the cooler side and dissipates as water.

The racks are all adjustable as well, and you have their M touch-swipe controls on the face.

Knock it twice, and the dishwasher opens automatically. 

The new G700 Miele dishwashers are all quiet.

This dishwasher won't last on this list. It's all stainless without any plastic, even on the wash arms. The baskets are solid graphite.

Drawbacks: Set at the quietest setting for a 38 DB cycle, this cycle can be up to 4 hours.

Short on time? Get our free Dishwasher Buying Guide

Dishwasher Availability

Dishwasher availability is not good right now. It's pretty bad. Miele, KitchenAid, Samsung, and Bosch have problems.

But before the clerk in the store says they are out of stock on a particular model.

Check another style of the same model number.

Let me explain. Bosch has four different panel styles, so if you can't buy that SHP878, buy it as a SHE or SHX. Here are the different dishwasher faces. Most brands have that option as well.

I would bet you may have some luck if you pick another style, not on display.

Which Dishwasher Should You Buy?

Miele Dishwasher at Yale Appliance in Hanover

It depends on what you are looking for and, unfortunately, what's available.

Miele is the best, but expensive. Their other G7000 dishwashers from $1499 to $2599 are pretty compelling. They should be considered when availability improves.

The same should be said for Bosch below $1,000. However, Miele will have inventory in three months. You almost have to wait until 2022 for Bosch.

The least expensive $519 Beko is pretty compelling at 48 dB and all stainless.

The best selection is between $900-$1,199 as Bosch, KitchenAid, and the new brand, Beko, have good products.

Just make sure whatever you buy can be fixed.

Overall, this is a good list to start your shopping. You have multiple brands at different prices.

Start here and check what's available in your area.

Dishwasher Brand Profiles

Whirlpool

Whirlpool is the largest American appliance manufacturer. Whirlpool owns Amana, Maytag, KitchenAid, and JennAir. For dishwashers, Whirlpool is lower to the middle in terms of prices and features.

Typically, they are louder in the 50-55 dB range but are generally reliable. They are also better after the sale with parts and service.

Beko

Beko is based out of Turkey. Many American appliances are built-in Turkey like Thermador and Bosch refrigerators, for example.

Beko has a Green story with energy efficiency throughout their company. For dishwashers, they are trying to penetrate the American market by offering more features at low prices.

Look at their $499 dishwasher as well as their better dishwashers. Each has 39 dB, Wi-Fi, and better cycles for under $1,000, either stainless or with a panel.

It worked pretty well since most of their competitors were out of stock at the same time.

KitchenAid

KitchenAid, like their archrival Bosch, started as the residential line of the commercial Hobart company. They were built like a commercial dishwasher with a solid, reliable machine and a porcelain tub.

They were sold to Whirlpool in the late 1980s. The dishwasher business changed to include quiet dishwashers with stainless tubs in the 1990s. This caused KitchenAid to languish.

The brand has revived over the last five years, especially with its new T and M series line. At $949-1199, KitchenAid is extremely competitive.

Bosch

Bosch was the first company to import a quiet dishwasher into the US in the 1990s. Bosch changed how we buy dishwashers with its quiet models.

Bosch now operates the largest dishwasher facility globally in North Carolina. Bosch continues to innovate its dishwashers even before other products like stoves.

However, COVID and exploding demand for their dishwashers have caused shortages. You will have a hard time finding a Bosch.

Miele

Miele is based out of Gutersloh, Germany. In a world of outsourcing, Miele is different. Miele manufactures nearly all their components of their dishwashers.

The only part not produced by Miele is the rollers under the racks. Such slavish attention to detail makes Miele the most reliable premium product in the world.

Their G7000 series starting at $1499 is worth considering. It's an innovative new product with the world's only auto dispenser.

Miele is the best dishwasher for over $1499. Bosch and KitchenAid tend to duplicate features.

Additional Resources

Get our free Dishwasher Buying Guide with tips, trends, and reviews of all the major brands. Over 800,000 people have already found answers in a Yale guide.

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• Best Bosch Dishwashers
• Best Miele Dishwashers
• Quietest Dishwashers by Decibel Rating
• KitchenAid vs. Bosch Dishwashers