January 16th, 2024 | 8 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect dishwasher with our Dishwasher Buying Guide
After a long day at work, the last thing you want to come home to is a sink full of dirty dishes. Without a working dishwasher, you'll be stuck washing them by hand.
You call the 1-800 number for factory service or a local repair company only to find it's a 30 to 90-day wait until they can send someone to fix it.
This may sound like a nightmare, but it's a daily reality for many people due to long wait times for service.
Now the good news: Dishwashers are generally reliable, with only 6.9% needed service in the first year.
In this article, you will learn about the most reliable dishwasher brands to consider, along with popular models and video reviews.
Let's get started.
Why Reliability Is So Important Especially Now
I am convinced that the worst appliance company job is the parts purchasing manager.
They have to deal with tons of back-ordered (industry jargon for unavailable) parts on an ongoing basis.
Let's say your local service agent quotes you for 30 days until a technician can repair your dishwasher.
If the technician brings the wrong part to fix your dishwasher or the part is unavailable, you are now looking at another 30 to 60-day wait until the new part arrives and the technician can return.
Buying a reliable dishwasher will save you that inconvenience and added expense.
Service is never discussed in this industry for good reason.
It's just plain bad. Now, let's show you how to avoid it.
Looking for answers about Dishwashers?
Short on time? Download our free Dishwasher Buying Guide.
How Dishwasher Reliability is Calculated
We calculate dishwasher reliability by dividing the dishwashers we serviced by the dishwashers we sold for a service rate percentage.
That brand percentage is then compared to other brands and ranked.
For this article, we looked at the number of dishwashers sold and serviced from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023.
Note that we did not sell KitchenAid for most of 2023. KitchenAid is a historically reliable dishwasher.
We are selling more KitchenAid in 2024. We will have a good handle on reliability next year.
The Most Reliable Dishwasher Brands for 2024
The following service rates are based on a minimum of 100 products sold and a total sample of over 7,000 products within 12 months.
| Service Rates | |
| LG | 4% |
| Bosch | 5.9% |
| Thermador | 5.9% |
| Miele | 6.2% |
| LG Studio | 6.2% |
| Fisher & Paykel | 6.7% |
| GE Profile | 8.1% |
| Asko | 10.2% |
| Beko | 11.2% |
| Café Appliances | 19.4% |
| Grand Total | 6.9% |
LG – 4% Service Rate
Over the last three years, LG has been the most reliable dishwasher.
Their service rate has slightly increased from 3.5% to 4% this year.
LG manufactures more of its dishwasher components, like motors and other key parts than any other manufacturer - except for Miele.
LG's dishwashers have a new wash arm technology called QuadWash or oblong wash arms to wash your dishes from every angle.
In addition, their dishwashers feature steam.
Steam is a unique feature for LG. It loosens baked-on food from your dishes like my kid's macaroni and cheese.
My neighbor has an LG dishwasher, and yes, I tested it - with the macaroni I overcooked.
You can buy a quiet 44 decibel steam dishwasher for $899-999.
It's a great company and dishwasher.
Earlier Service Rates:
- 2022 -3.5%
- 2021 - 1.7%
- 2019 - 6.2%
- 2018 - 5.1%
- 2017 -19.1%
Bosch – 5.9% Service Rate
The original company to address a quiet, well-featured, and affordable dishwasher was Bosch back in the early 1990s.
People wanted quiet dishwashers because they opened their kitchens and living rooms into one big room.
Suddenly, noise level became an important factor to consider. A dishwasher that operates at 44 dB or lower is considered quiet.
Bosch is one of the most reliable dishwashers historically.
In 2020-2022, finding a Bosch dishwasher below $100 was a chore.
It was the least available appliance after a Sub-Zero refrigerator.
Yet they have their new CrystalDry drying system and PowerControl spray arm on their 800 and Benchmark Series.
The 500 Series dishwasher features AutoAir drying, which automatically opens the door at the end of the cycle to speed up the drying process.
Earlier Service Rates:
- 2022 - 5.4%
- 2021 - 10.1%
- 2020 - 12.8%
- 2019 – 11.1%
- 2018 – 11.1%
- 2017 – 10.4%
Thermador – 5.9% Service Rate
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Bosch and Thermador are the same company and the same dishwasher, depending on what model you consider.
Bosch, like most other premium brands, has had problems during the pandemic.
Supply chain issues are partly to blame, but overwhelming demand is also.
Almost everyone wanted a Bosch dishwasher.
Their factory in North Carolina, the largest in the world, cannot handle the demand.
Only Thermador's less expensive models are available.
They are free under Thermador's One-Two-Free rebate program when you buy a range, cooktop, or wall oven.
Most of the Thermador’s do not have the premium features of the Bosch.
It's too bad. They had their "Star Speed" 20-minute wash and dry dishwashers.
They worked.
Thermador's prices are good.
Free is always good, but it's a more basic Bosch dishwasher for now.
Earlier Service Rates:
- 2022 - 5.9%
- 2021 - 3.6%
- 2019 -14.5%
- 2018 - 17.3%
- 2017 - 12.2%
Miele – 6.2% Service Rate
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Miele introduced their new dishwasher series months before the pandemic and, much like Bosch, did not ship due to a heavy backlog.
Most people think Miele has excellent reliability with a 0% service rate, but no brands can honestly claim that.
I would expect problems with new products amidst supply chain chaos.
However, Miele is the best for dishwasher rack design, features, and washing systems.
The drying is a close second to Bosch.
Miele manufactures almost all of its components in its German factory. The only parts not manufactured are the rollers under the baskets.
They are also the only company with a 20-load detergent dispenser, dispensing the exact amount of detergent needed at the right time.
We've tested it, and it works.
The best Miele dishwashers are the G7366SCVISF, G5056SCVISFP, and G5266CVISF.
Earlier Service Rates:
- 2022 - 6.7%
- 2021 - 8.9%
- 2020 - 8.2%
- 2019 - 20.5%
- 2018 - 14.4%
- 2017 - 6.0%
LG Studio - 6.2%
The Studio line is LG's way of using a different name to reach a different customer.
Sounds odd?
Well, GE has Monogram, Café, Profile, GE, and Hotpoint.
Whirlpool does the same with JennAir, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, and Amana.
LG now has SKS, LG Signature, LG Studio, and LG.
With dishwashers, the brands add cycles and options. It's all they can do.
Cooking is more differentiated.
Fisher Paykel - 6.7%
Fisher & Paykel's dishwasher features a unique drawer design, rather than a full drop-down door.
You can buy it in a single or double drawer.
You have 27 different drawer types to choose from.
Roughly 25 more than they need.
The motor is detachable and simple to remove, fix, and reinstall.
You might like the Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer because you don't have to bend down to reach the top drawer.
I see the value as I am now firmly in middle age. Those larger pots are starting to get heavy on the lower back.
GE Profile - 8.1% Service Rate
GE was the winner in 2020-2022 by just having available dishwashers.
Give them credit for completely redesigning and having an available dishwasher.
The GE Profile dishwasher is popular with Microban surfaces resisting germ, bottle and silverware washes, and a quiet 42-decibel operation.
The price is affordable at $899-1049, depending on when you buy it.
Earlier Service Rate:
- 2022 - 7.1%
- 2021 - 12.2%
- 2020 - 10.5%
What Are the Main Dishwasher Problems?
Some of the problems are installation-related, so make sure your installation person knows what they are doing.
The most common dishwasher issues based on service calls last year were:
- Unit Not Draining
- Starts, but what cycles through
- The on/off button is not working
Should You Buy an Extended Warranty?
Dishwashers are reliable, so it depends on how you feel about insurance.
Oddly enough, many builders buy five-year warranties, so we handle the issues after they are off the project.
It's up to you, but whatever your choice, read this next line:
If that company lacks service, an extended warranty is not worth your future aggravation.
Service people do not back up many warranties. That becomes your future problem.
How Long Does a Dishwasher Last?
Nobody knows.
Well, one guy has a better handle on service than most.
Paul Macdonald was the President and is in the Service Hall of Fame (shocking, there is a place.)
He served at Yale as a short-term consultant for seven years.
This is his take:
"Dishwashers can last anywhere from 7-12 years, depending on the usage.
To extend their life, clean the filter monthly, looking for any foreign obstacles in the sump pump area.
Also, don't overload the dishwasher; use the manufacturer's recommended detergent.
Water hardness plays a large part in the washing results and can impact the machine's inner workings and how much detergent to use.
Many companies claim 20 years of life, but sadly, I wouldn't expect that."
When Should You Replace a Dishwasher
You should replace your dishwasher when the service price exceeds 35% of the purchase price.
Remember, the average installation with delivery and removal is about $300.
Which Brand Has the Best Dishwasher Service?
That depends on where you live.
The best dishwasher brands to buy based on service and parts availability are any dishwashers from Bosch, Thermador, and GE, including Café Appliances, GE Profile, and Monogram.
You should also be concerned with the service experience. Only 5% of retailers have a service department with more than one or two technicians.
Also, as of this writing, most manufacturers do not have a service department or are understaffed.
GE and Whirlpool have the best service departments nationally.
However, check for service in your area because you will need it eventually.
Read More: Why Your New Appliance Will Not Be Repaired
Which Dishwasher Should You Buy Based on Reliability?
It depends on what you want for features and your budget.
For 2024, you will not have availability issues.
Many people opt for Bosch, Miele, or KitchenAid, but LG, GE, and even Fisher & Paykel manufacture reliable dishwashers.
Often, the prices are lower.
We have other articles about features, best models, and how each brand washes and dries.
Remember, even reliable products break, so ensure you have an available appliance service.
Additional Resources
Have questions on dishwashers? Then get the Yale Dishwasher Buying Guide with features, specs, and detailed profiles of every major brand like Miele, Bosch, KitchenAid, Beko, and more. Over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.
Related Articles:
- How to Buy a Dishwasher: The Ultimate Guide
- Why Your New Appliance Will Not Be Repaired
- Should You Buy A Third-Party Warranty?
- Best Dishwasher Deals
- Best Panel-Ready Dishwashers
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Looking for answers about Dishwashers?
Choosing a new dishwasher can be a confusing and time-consuming experience. We've taken the pain out of the decision process with our Dishwasher Buying Guide.
Why Should You Trust Us?
It seems that every appliance review has nothing but glowing comments about almost every product, yet you read customer reviews and they are almost universally bad.
We are here to fill in the disconnect. We'll give you the best features, and the drawbacks as well, including reliability based on over 37,000 calls performed by our service team just last year. Our goal is to give you ALL the information so you know what's right for you.
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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.
