Imagine you are about to hear the latest plot twist of Game of Thrones or Greys Anatomy (add your favorite show/sporting event here) only you can’t hear it because the dishwasher is running in the background.
Dishwasher quietness is the number 1 question because our living spaces have merged. The kitchen and living space is one space not separate rooms like our parents’ homes.
This article is about quietness. You will hear a 44 and 55 DB dishwasher. I will list the quietest models of every manufacturer.
You should also know how to buy a quiet dishwasher. In many cases, you can “overbuy” and spend more money than you should.
This one of three articles you should read about dishwashers. The other two cover price and reliability. There will be links at the end of this article for both.
Quietness Disclaimer
It is important to note that there is no industry standard for measuring dB(A). One brand may measure their dB(A) rating during a standard wash cycle, where another brand could be measuring it during their china/crystal cycle.
Quietest Dishwasher By Decibel Rating
Electrolux

EI24ID81SS - 45 db(A)
Additional Models:
- EI24ID50QS - 47 dB(A)
- EI24ID30QB - 49 dB(A)
Maytag

MDB8959SFZ - 47 dB(A)
Additional Models:
- MDB7959SHZ - 47 dB(A)
- MDB8989SHB - 48 dB(A)
Whirlpool

Additional Models:
Jenn-Air

Additional Resources:
- JDTSS246GL-38 dB(A)
- JDTSS244GM-38 dB(A)
Miele

Additional Models:
Bosch

SHX89PW75N Benchmark -38 dB(A)
Additional Models:
- SHXM98W75N 800 Series -39 dB(A)
- SHS63 500 Series – 44 dB(A)
We then researched the dB(A) rating of a few more brands to compare.
SubZero Cove

DW2450WS – 41 dB(A) - $2,099
Additional Models:
Only two options are currently available, with or without a water softener.
Samsung

Additional Models:
LG

LSDT9908BD - 40 dB(A)
Additional Models:
- LUDP8997SN – 40 dB(A)
- LDT7808BD – 42 dB(A)
Frigidaire

FPID2498SF – 47 dB(A)
Additional Models:
- FGID2479SF – 49 dB(A)
- FFID2459VS – 49 dB(A)
Asko

Additional Models:
GE

Additional Models:
- PDT855SIJII - 40 dB(A)
- PDT845SSJSS - 42 dB(A)
KitchenAid

KDPE334GBS - 39 dB(A)
Additional Models:
- KDTM354DSS- 43 dB(A)
- KDPM354GBS - 44 dB(A)
Note: There are multiple models in the KitchenAid lineup with dB(A) ratings between 39 and 44.
What Does Quiet Sound Like
A decibel rating of 60 will make it hard to have a conversation in the kitchen, models rated from 38 to 44 decibels will be quiet.
For a better perspective here are decibel ratings of some common sounds:
- A whisper - 15 decibels
- A normal conversation - 60 decibels
- A lawnmower - 90 decibels
- A car horn - 110 decibels
- A firecracker - 140 decibels
Better yet here is what 44 and 55 decibels sound like in an actual kitchen.
Dishwasher Sound Level Comparison
Decibel Levels, What to Know
Dishwasher noise levels are rated in decibels, the lower the decibel number the quieter the dishwasher.
A difference of just a few decibels may not seem to be much, but a dishwasher that is just one decibel more is actually 30 percent louder.
A dishwasher that is four decibels more is twice as loud. However, buying a dishwasher at 44 DBs is quiet enough.
You do not want to pay for just quietness under 44 DB (I will say this a few more times in this article).
Quietness Factors
- Quality of insulation.
- A dishwasher with a disposal is louder.
- Sound dampening material on the exterior of the tub.
- Stainless steel tubs tend to be quieter than plastic tubs because it dampens the sound of the water being sprayed inside.
KitchenAid, for example, became a quieter dishwasher by removing their disposer and adding a filter.
All the quiet dishwashers are filtered. It can be argued the disposer is better, so there is a trade-off in benefit.
How to Buy a Quiet Dishwasher
This article should read two ways. First, you should now know what is quiet. So if you are opening the living room to your kitchen, you’ll most likely be satisfied at 44 DBS.
However, unless you are interested in other features, you do not need to spend any more money just for quietness past 44 DBs.
You will not be able to hear the difference between a 38-42 DB dishwasher so why pay extra just for that?
In other words, you should not spend $1,979 for that top of the line Bosch just for quietness when the $849-999 is more than sufficient at 42 DBs.
There are plenty of quiet dishwashers in every brand. Just do not overspend for anything under 44DBs.
Additional Resources
Get our free Dishwasher Buying Guide with tips, trends, and reviews of all the major brands. Over 510,000 people have already found answers in a Yale guide.

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