Dishwashers are like kitchen helpers that make life easier. You load them with dirty dishes, glasses, cups, and utensils, along with cookware covered in things like baked-on cheese, and expect them to come out clean, dry, and spotless. It’s a big job, but modern dishwashers are designed to handle it well, saving you time, effort, and water compared to washing by hand. All you need to do is load it properly, clean it regularly, and use a good dishwasher detergent.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab, experts carefully test the cleaning performance of new dishwashers. They dirty up plates, bowls, cups, glasses, and cookware with greasy, sticky food, let it dry, and even bake it on—without rinsing first! they also look at how much the dishwasher can hold, how easy it is to load and use, how well it dries, how much energy it uses, how quiet it is, and more.
1- BEST OVERALL Dishwasher
Miele Top Control Dishwasher with AutoDos
Pro:
- Dispenses detergent automatically.
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel.
- Easy-to-use app
Cons:
- Expensive
Dishwashers are like kitchen helpers that make life easier. You load them with dirty dishes, glasses, cups, and utensils, along with cookware covered in things like baked-on cheese, and expect them to come out clean, dry, and spotless. It’s a big job, but modern dishwashers are designed to handle it well, saving you time, effort, and water compared to washing by hand. All you need to do is load it properly, clean it regularly, and use a good dishwasher detergent.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab, experts carefully test the cleaning performance of new dishwashers. They dirty up plates, bowls, cups, glasses, and cookware with greasy, sticky food, let it dry, and even bake it on—without rinsing first! they also look at how much the dishwasher can hold, how easy it is to load and use, how well it dries, how much energy it uses, how quiet it is, and more.
2- BEST VALUE PICK Dishwasher
GE Profile UltraFresh Dishwasher with Microban
Pro:
- Handle, basket, filter, and more protected with Microban
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel front
- Pulls in fresh air between cycles to control odors
Cons:
- Warranty is somewhat limited
- No cup shelves
GE is applying its approach to combating odors in washing machines to its dishwashers as well. The GE Profile UltraFresh model features handles, controls, a filter, a flatware basket, and more, all treated with Microban to keep these high-touch areas clean and free of germs. Additionally, fresh air and water circulate inside the tub between cycles, helping to eliminate stagnant water and food odors. With these features and excellent performance at a price of around $1,000, Good Housekeeping Lab considers it a Best Value pick.
According to the test conducted in the good housekeeping lab, this GE dishwasher performed very well, providing quiet operation and ease of use. They appreciated the discreet yet informative front display. It also has dedicated jets in the top rack and beneath the flatware basket to ensure water bottles and other tricky items are thoroughly cleaned.
One feature that they always liked about GE dishwashers is the wide spaces between the tines, making it easier to load curved or deep plates, though this does slightly limit capacity. However, we were disappointed to find no fold-down cup shelves in the top rack of this model.
3- BEST UNDER $500
LG Front Control Dishwasher with SenseClean
Pro:
- Very affordable
- Great capacity
- Can adjust the wash intensity to match the load
Cons:
- No folding cup shelves or third rack
- A bit loud
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by high dishwasher prices, check out this LG model priced at just $500, which offers a range of premium features. It boasts a stainless steel interior and a fingerprint-resistant front panel—elements that are often found in more expensive models. The discreet control panel lights up when you press the buttons, making it easy to read and use.
In good housekeeping lab tests, this LG dishwasher excelled at cleaning and drying, even removing lipstick stains from the rims of cups. It includes two useful features: Flex Zone, which lets you adjust the washing intensity based on how dirty the dishes are in each rack, and Night Dry, which helps vent steam from the tub overnight for better drying.
While the capacity of both the racks and flatware basket is impressive, it lacks folding tines and cup shelves in the top rack, as well as a third-tier rack. Additionally, it’s not as quiet as some pricier models. Overall, this dishwasher offers excellent value for its price.
4- BEST SELF-CLEANING Dishwasher
Beko 24-Inch Dishwasher
Pro:
- Filter has built-in water jets for self-cleaning
- Extra large capacity
- Spray water in a square pattern to better reach the corners
- Very quiet and energy efficient
Cons:
- Controls could be more responsive
Cleaning the filter in your dishwasher is important, but many people forget to do it. Beko has found a way to make this task easier for you.
Beko has added water jets inside the dishwasher’s filter area. When you want to clean the filter, just select the cleaning option on the control panel, and it does the rest. Water blasts up through the filter to clear out any stuck debris. This feature, along with Beko’s CornerIntense square water spray pattern, provides better coverage and cleaning. That’s why Beko won a previous Best Cleaning & Organizing Award.
In the tests, it easily cleaned our burnt cookware. It also has great capacity; in the lab, they managed to fit a full 110-piece load plus nine extra glasses and one additional dinner plate. It runs super quietly, and a light shines on the floor to show you what stage it’s in. The only minor issue they found was that the controls needed a firm touch to work, but it got easier with practice.
5- Best Easy to load dishwasher
Bosch Benchmark Series 24″ Dishwasher with PrecisionControl
Pro:
- Very quiet
- Great capacity
- Can customize bottom rack cleaning and loading
Cons:
- Expensive
- No child lock on the controls
Say goodbye to family debates about loading the dishwasher with the Bosch model featuring PrecisionControl. This innovative design allows you to choose light, medium, or heavy wash settings for each quadrant of the lower rack, so you can place items where they fit best while ensuring safe and effective cleaning. You can make these adjustments directly from the controls or via an easy-to-use app.
In the Cleaning Lab tests according to good housekeeping, this dishwasher performed exceptionally well, efficiently loading, cleaning, and drying with impressive capacity. At the end of the cycle, a hidden chamber filled with minerals captures moist air, dries it, and releases it back into the dishwasher as heat, improving drying performance—even for plastic items. This feature contributed to its recent recognition as a Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning & Organizing Award winner.
Additionally, this dishwasher operates quietly and is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, allowing for more control through the app. However, one downside is that it lacks a child lock on the controls. Overall, this Bosch dishwasher combines advanced features and excellent performance for a top-notch dishwashing experience.
How Good Housekeeping Lab Test Dishwashers
As per the good housekeeping lab, they put them through tougher challenges than most people would face at home. They don’t pre-rinse anything before loading it in, making sure to simulate real-life conditions. They also evaluate how much space there is and how flexible the racks, trays, and baskets are, along with how easy each dishwasher is to use, load, and program.
To check the cleaning performance of different cycles, they apply a mix of tough food stains—like baked-on mac and cheese, hamburger grease, oatmeal, egg yolk, milk, and more—onto cookware. They also load 10 sets of five pieces, including dishes, glassware, cups, saucers, and flatware. For a fun challenge, they even put lipstick on coffee cups, which is a tough stain for many dishwashers to remove.
Each testing cycle takes at least 7 hours, not including the time they spend examining each item after washing. They test multiple cycles on each machine, including any special options and app features if available. Also, they follow the manufacturer’s loading guidelines and use the same detergent for every dishwasher.
After washing, they look for water spots left from drying and check each item for any leftover food particles. Glasses are inspected in a special lightbox to score for spots and film.
They they calculate a weighted cleaning score for each cycle and average those scores to get an overall cleaning rating for each dishwasher. Additionally, they assess and rate energy efficiency and noise levels, noting any special features like fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finishes.
How Good Housekeeping Lab Test Dishwashers
As per the good housekeeping lab, they put them through tougher challenges than most people would face at home. They don’t pre-rinse anything before loading it in, making sure to simulate real-life conditions. They also evaluate how much space there is and how flexible the racks, trays, and baskets are, along with how easy each dishwasher is to use, load, and program.
To check the cleaning performance of different cycles, they apply a mix of tough food stains—like baked-on mac and cheese, hamburger grease, oatmeal, egg yolk, milk, and more—onto cookware. They also load 10 sets of five pieces, including dishes, glassware, cups, saucers, and flatware. For a fun challenge, they even put lipstick on coffee cups, which is a tough stain for many dishwashers to remove.
Each testing cycle takes at least 7 hours, not including the time they spend examining each item after washing. They test multiple cycles on each machine, including any special options and app features if available. Also, they follow the manufacturer’s loading guidelines and use the same detergent for every dishwasher.
After washing, they look for water spots left from drying and check each item for any leftover food particles. Glasses are inspected in a special lightbox to score for spots and film.
They they calculate a weighted cleaning score for each cycle and average those scores to get an overall cleaning rating for each dishwasher. Additionally, they assess and rate energy efficiency and noise levels, noting any special features like fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finishes.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Dishwasher
1. Dishwasher Size
The size of your dishwasher is the first decision to make, as not all kitchens can accommodate a full-size model. Most standard dishwashers measure 24 inches wide and about 35 inches high, designed to fit in typical kitchen spaces. However, compact and custom models are available for smaller areas.
2. Dishwasher Style
Dishwashers come in various finishes, with stainless steel being the most common as it fits into most kitchen designs. Other options include white, black, and special finishes, such as those offered by Samsung’s bespoke line, which includes unique colors like navy steel and Tuscan brown. Higher-end models like Bosch and KitchenAid often have sleek, minimalist designs, while budget-friendly brands like Whirlpool and Maytag tend to feature more traditional aesthetics.
3. Dishwasher Racks and Rack Placement
The arrangement and design of the racks can significantly affect your daily dishwashing experience. A growing trend is the inclusion of a small third flat rack at the top for extra silverware, utensils, and small items, complementing the traditional silverware holder in the bottom rack. This feature is especially useful for those who frequently overfill their standard silverware holder.
Adjustable racks are another valuable feature, allowing you to create extra space for larger or oddly shaped items. If you’ve struggled with fitting big pots or dishes in your current dishwasher, look for a model with adjustable racks.
4. Dishwasher Cycles and Features
Most dishwashers include standard cycles like normal, quick, heavy-duty, and delicate. Higher-end models may offer additional specialized cycles, such as mineral-assisted wash and pre-soak. While these extra cycles can be handy, it’s best not to let them weigh too heavily in your purchase decision, as you’ll likely use the standard cycles more frequently.
5. Drying Cycles: Condensation vs. Electric Drying
Dishwashers generally dry dishes using one of two methods:
- Condensation Drying: This method uses very hot water during the wash cycle. As the dishwasher cools, condensation forms and drips off the dishes, helping them dry naturally.
- Electric Drying: Some models, like certain KitchenAid dishwashers, use an electric heating element to heat the air for drying. While this can be more effective, it is less energy-efficient and may pose a risk of melting plastic items placed on the bottom rack, where they are closest to the heating element.
6. Dishwasher Noise Level
While most dishwashers share similar features, noise level is a significant factor that can impact your satisfaction. Modern dishwashers are typically quiet, operating around 40 to 50 decibels. Some of the quietest models, such as the KitchenAid KDFE204KPS, use advanced technology to achieve a whisper-quiet 39 decibels. Check the specifications of each model for noise level information to find one that suits your preferences.
How Long Should a Dishwasher Last?
Today’s dishwashers typically have an average lifespan of about 10 years. With proper installation, care, and maintenance—such as loading it correctly and keeping it clean—this lifespan can extend to 15 years or more without major issues.
However, warranties are in place for a reason, as sometimes problems can arise. Most appliance manufacturers provide at least a one-year full warranty, covering both parts and labor for any repairs needed within the first year. If your dishwasher needs repair, it’s advisable to use a manufacturer-authorized repair service. These technicians have access to the correct parts and the latest information about your specific model. Using an unauthorized repair service, especially for a new machine, could leave you without recourse if further issues occur, and you may have to pay for another service call to reassess the problem.
After the first year, many manufacturers offer limited warranties on parts (not labor) that can last five years or longer, covering components like electronic controls and racks in case they are defective. Some manufacturers even provide lifetime warranties for the stainless steel door and tub against rust. Always review the warranty terms for any model you are considering.
Before the one-year warranty expires, it’s a good idea to use your dishwasher frequently and try out all the cycles and options to ensure everything functions to your satisfaction.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay for a Dishwasher?
Dishwashers are available at a range of price points to suit every budget. You can find a basic model with limited cycles and a standard finish for less than $500. However, models in this price range typically lack features like a variety of wash cycles, stylish controls, flexible racks, a front panel that matches your cabinetry, and quieter operation.
For better features and performance, you’ll need to spend more. Investing $1,000 to $1,500 usually provides solid cleaning performance along with additional perks, such as Wi-Fi connectivity and enhanced drying options.
At a minimum, we recommend looking for a model with a stainless steel tub, all the essential cycle options (including a boosted drying option), and a fingerprint-resistant door for easier maintenance and a cleaner appearance.
