How long should a dishwasher last?

In general, you can expect a built-in dishwasher to last about 10 to 15 years. Of course, the extent to which your appliance lasts does hinge on external factors like usage and care. You can extend your dishwasher's lifespan by buying from a reputable brand and performing proper maintenance once per month and necessary repairs.

What are the most common problems with dishwashers?

One of the most common complaints about dishwashers is that they struggle to get glasses and dishes, particularly plastic ones, fully dry. That makes it necessary to air or towel dry your cups and plates afterward, and lingering droplets can cause water spots. Some new and innovative models now have features to try to combat this problem. Take Bosch for example—its Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher has an automatic door release to let moisture escape.

Is it better to have a stainless steel or plastic dishwasher tub?

Stainless steel dishwasher tubs are considered preferable. While these types of dishwashers do tend to cost more, they can retain heat, dry faster, and use less energy. Stainless steel tubs also tend to be quieter than plastic tubs.

What is better: a top-control or front-control dishwasher?

The rather unsatisfying answer is: It depends. Top-control dishwashers have hidden buttons, so you can panel the appliance for a custom look. And even if you don’t opt for a panel, top-control dishwashers can offer a sleeker appearance. You still have to open the door to access the controls on top-control dishwashers, which is particularly annoying when the machine is on. Front-control machines have buttons that are easier to access, but they cannot be paneled.

The 9 Best Dishwasher Brands of 2023

Having a dishwasher is one of life’s greatest luxuries. It saves you from having to handwash dozens of cups, plates, and other dinnerware, a time-consuming and dirty job. But there are so many options out there, and not all dishwashers are created equal. Choose a sub-standard model, and you’ll wind up having to frequently dry—or worse, rewash—your dishes once the cycle is complete.

To make shopping for a dishwasher easier, we evaluated brands based on the variety of machines offered, plus the quality, efficiency, aesthetic, and overall value of the appliances in their lines. Our favorites include high-end brands, such as Bosch and Miele; although expensive, models from these brands can be worthy investments. If you're on a tighter budget, there are plenty of great models to explore from brands like Whirlpool, Maytag, and Frigidaire.

If you’re still shopping around, these are the best dishwasher brands on the market.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

Bosch

View On Bosch-home.com

What We Like

Innovative appliances
Many customizable and panel-ready options
Widely available at retailers

What We Don’t Like

Expensive
Lead times can vary

If you’re looking for a premium dishwasher, Bosch should undoubtedly be on your list. This high-end manufacturer is widely known for offering very reliable, hardworking dishwashers with sleek stainless steel exteriors and panel-ready options. They’re also known to last for years to come—a justification for the sky-high price tags.

Bosch dishwashers come equipped with all the latest technology, too. The Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher features an innovative, practical feature that automatically releases the door after a wash cycle to let moisture escape—something that helps to ensure that glasses and dinnerware come out dry and spot-free. And although a luxury brand, Bosch isn’t hard to find. Its appliances are at most major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Best Buy. Just note: Lead times have been lengthy as of late.

LG Smart Top Control Dishwasher with 1-Hour Wash & Dry

View On Lg.com

What We Like

Wide selection from basic to premium models
Well-designed products
Available in stores and online

What We Don’t Like

Price rises steeply on smart models
Repairs can be difficult

If you’re shopping for a dishwasher, chances are you'll come across the LG brand in any showroom you visit. The manufacturer is one of the biggest names in home appliances and has made great improvements in its dishwashers over the last couple of years.

The machines come at a variety of price points, from basic models that get the job done to high-end models complete with innovative features, like the SLDTH7972S Smart Top Control Dishwasher, which can perform a true wash-and-dry cycle in just one hour.

While these innovative features may cost more, they're what the brand is known for. And the cost can be further justified by the smart home compatibility offered by LG. LG's ThinQ app allows you to control compatible smart appliances—such as the SLDTH7972S Smart Top Control Dishwasher and the LDP6810SS Top Control Built-In Smart Dishwasher—via your smartphone.

View On Wayfair View On Mieleusa.com View On Williams-Sonoma

What We Like

Sophisticated designs
Cutting-edge features
Easily serviced

What We Don’t Like

Premium prices
Not as widely available

Miele boasts some of the most high-end dishwashers on the market. Its models are widely known for performance, and they look great, too. Many of the brand's machines are also panel-ready, so you’ll often find these units in sophisticated homes.

While Miele dishwashers are often very sleek-looking, the brand's reputation is about more than aesthetics. Miele dishwashers are known to be exceptionally reliable and efficient—the quality truly matches the investment. There are plenty of bells and whistles to be had, too. One of Miele's most expensive models, the G 7596 SCVi AutoDos, does almost everything automatically—it can shut its door and dispense the right amount of detergent on its own, and it's designed to open with a gentle knock. The brand has great customer service, and its appliances are easily serviceable through qualified retailers.

Café Smart Stainless Steel Interior Dishwasher with Sanitize and Ultra Wash & Dual Convection Ultra Dry

Café Appliances by GE

View On Home Depot View On Best Buy View On Cafeappliances.com

What We Like

Highly customizable
Less expensive than other premium brands
Sleek finishes and accessories available

What We Don’t Like

Can’t preview full custom options in person
Can be difficult to service

GE introduced its Café line in 2018, and it’s quickly become one of the most popular brands on the market, largely thanks to the customization options available. Though expensive, the appliances come with sought-after accessories like brass handles and knobs that make the machines look ultra-sophisticated. Plus, when compared to the most premium brands like Miele and Bosch, Café is still less expensive.

When you shop Café, you can choose from six dishwashers, most of which can be fully customized on the exterior—a great way to match the aesthetic of the rest of your kitchen. The appliances, like the Café Smart Stainless Steel Interior Dishwasher with Sanitize and Ultra Wash & Dual Convection Ultra Dry, which has extremely flexible racks and variable pressure jets to get the job done better. Just note: When you customize, you have to do so online and can't always see your final choice in person.

Lowe's

View On Geappliances.com

What We Like

Innovative designs
Reliable products at a variety of price points
One- or five-year warranty on most appliances

What We Don’t Like

Expensive
Repair fleet not available in all states

GE is a storied brand that has been manufacturing appliances for over 100 years. It knows a thing or two about appliances like dishwashers, and as such, there are plenty of reliable options to choose from. One standout model is the innovative GE Profile UltraFresh System Dishwasher with Microban Antimicrobial Technology. This dishwasher is engineered with a number of features that help it stay fresher and cleaner, including antimicrobial technology from Microban for keeping surfaces clean, and moisture management for reducing unpleasant odors.

The machines come at varying price points, but the more feature-rich appliances do cost more money. Overall value is excellent, though. GE not only manufactures quality dishwashers, but it also has great customer service and warranty packages. Choose one-year or five-year warranty coverage on most appliances, so that you’ll be covered if something breaks. While parts are readily available for service calls, note that the company’s repair fleet isn't available in all states. It’s worth checking whether you'll have access to service calls before making an investment.

The 10 Best Dishwashers of 2023

Whirlpool

View On Whirlpool.com

What We Like

Durable products
Energy-efficient designs
Great value for the price

What We Don’t Like

No major premium features
Maximum one-year warranty on most appliances

If you’re after value, you’ll find it in Whirlpool dishwashers, one of the most common brands in home appliances. The brand's machines are widely known to be very reliable and durable, but they can lack some of the premium features of competitors like LG. Still, you can be sure you’re getting a very suitable, efficient appliance. Take the Whirlpool Top Control 24-in Built-In Dishwasher for example—it has a fan-assisted dry setting that pulls in fresh air when the cycle finishes, to ensure that water evaporates even from plastics, a big challenge with a lot of dishwashers. Some models even offer super-sized tubs yet still fit in the standard 24-inch cabinet opening.

You won’t have any trouble finding these models, either. Whirlpool appliances are readily available at nearly all major retailers or online, and they are priced very well and often have rebates or sales that can save you even more money.

The 10 Best Appliance Brands of 2023

Maytag

View On Maytag.com

What We Like

Fair prices
Excellent value
Widely available online and in stores

What We Don’t Like

Lacks premium features
Limited customization options

As one of the oldest appliance brands in the United States, it may not come as a surprise that Maytag has quality dishwashers among its roster of products. In fact, our editors found the Maytag Front Control 24-in Built-In Dishwasher to be the best overall dishwasher with front controls. The Energy Star-certified unit has four different wash cycles to choose from, including a PowerBlast cycle that removes dried-on foods, and it has a Dual Power filtration system that helps disintegrate food particles.

While undeniably efficient, there are some things you can’t expect from Maytag dishwashers. Namely, customization options and bells and whistles are limited, but if you just need a basic, reliable, and long-lasting appliance at a fair price, you’ll be satisfied with Maytag dishwashers, and you’ll have no trouble finding the units both in stores and online.

The 10 Best Dishwasher Cleaners of 2023

View On Kitchenaid.com

What We Like

Great for bundling
Reasonably priced
Based in the United States

What We Don’t Like

Higher price points
Lacks high-tech options

Though owned by Whirlpool, KitchenAid is just as noteworthy and popular—especially as it relates to kitchen appliances like the dishwasher. The machines may not have quite the same power as workhorses from competitors like Bosch, but they provide excellent overall value.

Because the brand offers a comprehensive suite of products for the kitchen, selling everything from dishwashers and fridges to mixers and toasters, many people turn to KitchenAid for bundling when completing renovations or replacing a full line of appliances.

The brand’s machines do lack some techy features, and some models are pricey—especially considering the lack of customization options—but the mid-range options are a sweet spot for a lot of consumers. Take the KitchenAid PrintShield Built-In Dishwasher, which allows you to customize the layout to accommodate all dishes. Another standout is the KitchenAid FreeFlex Third Rack Dishwasher, which can hold 16 place settings at a time but operates at an extremely quiet 44 decibels.

The 11 Best Dishwasher Detergents of 2023

Frigidaire

View On Frigidaire.com

What We Like

Good prices
Long-lasting products
Energy-efficient designs

What We Don't Like

Basic products
Technology is relatively basic

This appliance brand may be best known for its refrigerators, but Frigidaire also has other products to write home about, including dishwashers. Overall, all of Frigidaire's appliances, including the dishwashers, are known for being relatively basic but affordable and dependable. The brand's units are known to last for years, but it offers plenty of replacement parts in case something breaks.

Frigidaire is also a good choice for apartment living. Frigidaire's FFBD1831UB Front Control Dishwasher measures a compact 18 inches but can still hold up to eight place settings and comes equipped with useful settings like a sanitizing cycle and heated dry system. Frigidaire's machines tend to be energy-efficient as a whole, so you can save money over the course of the product’s lifespan, too.

The 9 Best Bosch Dishwashers of 2023

Noise Level

Dishwasher manufacturers state the average decibels of their machines, but that can be confusing and even misleading because they give an average decibel of all of the machine's cycles, including drying, which is usually silent. On average, machines typically net out at about 50 decibels—the loudest are rated at around 60 decibels, while the quietest are about 38 decibels. To help put it into context, 38 decibels is comparable to the sound level in a library. If noise is important to you, choose a stainless steel tub over a plastic one. That’s because stainless steel can absorb sound to produce less noise than plastic tubs.

Size and Capacity Options

Built-in dishwashers are typically 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 35 inches high, and they are designed to fit into standard spaces. They also have adjustable legs to adjust to varying counter heights for a flush fit. Some manufacturers also offer more compact 18-inch models, and some even offer larger models that are 30 or 36 inches wide. You can also get drawer dishwashers, which tend to be roughly 24 or 36 inches wide and 19 inches tall. Obviously, the smaller options are better-suited for smaller spaces like apartments, but people with large kitchens may like these machines as backup options—particularly for large families.

Speed, Water Temperature, and Cycle Options

Most standard dishwashers have three cycles—light, normal, and heavy—but some higher-end machines have additional specified wash cycles. Some common options include dedicated cycles for pots, pans, and delicate tableware, as well as steam cleaning. These cycles all rely on varying temperatures, and some are faster or slower than others. Pots and pans, for example, typically take longer, since it’s more of a heavy-duty cycle. It’s worth noting: In general, stainless steel tubs can better withstand heat than plastic.

Exterior Finish Options

Door finishes are often available in polished stainless steel, white, black, beige, and/or slate, but many brands also offer panel-ready dishwashers that allow you to customize the unit to match your exact space. Keep in mind that some brands, such as Café, offer customization options that allow you to swap out handles and other hardware for an elevated look.

Cost

On average, a brand-new built-in dishwasher will run you around $600 to $1,000, and there are much more expensive options. A top-of-the-line built-in dishwasher with all the bells and whistles may cost closer to $2,000. And don’t forget to factor in installation fees, which typically cost about $150 to $200.

Where You Can Shop

Shopping in person at an appliance store is a good way to familiarize yourself with the options, so you can better understand what you like in terms of aesthetics and configurations. If you choose to shop online, you'll find more variety and have more opportunities to compare prices across retailers, but it isn't as easy to ask salespeople questions as in person. Either way, make sure you shop at a retailer with a good return policy, in case the appliance isn’t what you expected.

FAQ

How long should a dishwasher last?

In general, you can expect a built-in dishwasher to last about 10 to 15 years. Of course, the extent to which your appliance lasts does hinge on external factors like usage and care. You can extend your dishwasher's lifespan by buying from a reputable brand and performing proper maintenance once per month and necessary repairs.
What are the most common problems with dishwashers?

One of the most common complaints about dishwashers is that they struggle to get glasses and dishes, particularly plastic ones, fully dry. That makes it necessary to air or towel dry your cups and plates afterward, and lingering droplets can cause water spots. Some new and innovative models now have features to try to combat this problem. Take Bosch for example—its Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher has an automatic door release to let moisture escape.
Is it better to have a stainless steel or plastic dishwasher tub?

Stainless steel dishwasher tubs are considered preferable. While these types of dishwashers do tend to cost more, they can retain heat, dry faster, and use less energy. Stainless steel tubs also tend to be quieter than plastic tubs.
What is better: a top-control or front-control dishwasher?

The rather unsatisfying answer is: It depends. Top-control dishwashers have hidden buttons, so you can panel the appliance for a custom look. And even if you don’t opt for a panel, top-control dishwashers can offer a sleeker appearance. You still have to open the door to access the controls on top-control dishwashers, which is particularly annoying when the machine is on. Front-control machines have buttons that are easier to access, but they cannot be paneled.

This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer with nearly 15 years of experience writing about consumer products and home appliances, including dishwashers. To curate this list, Earley scoured all of the most popular retailers to find the best, most highly-rated dishwashers. Brigitt also considered her own experience using dishwashers from multiple brands, including LG, Miele, and Whirlpool. Then, she vetted each, reading all of the specifications and hundreds of reviews to ensure that the final list contained only the most reliable, quality options on the market today.