The dishwasher is a modern marvel of human ingenuity, revolutionizing our relationship with household chores. Say goodbye (and good riddance) to the days of scrubbing pots and pans until your fingers wrinkle. Instead, you get to live in an era of owning a machine that cleans your dirty dishes at the push of a button. A high-quality dishwasher is one of the best investments that you can make for your home, offering benefits that extend far beyond basic convenience. In addition to eliminating the tedious task of hand-washing dishes, today’s best models use advanced technology to save you money on water and energy. Modern dishwashers deliver consistently spotless results thanks to advanced features like soil sensors, efficient drying systems, multiple wash zones, adjustable racks, and energy-saving cycles. For instance, these machines can clean a full load of dishes using just a few gallons of water—significantly less than the 20+ gallons it takes to wash dishes by hand, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Top Picks for 2025: Best Dishwashers
Miele G5008 – Best Overall
After scouring customer reviews and stress-testing more than 30 models, we recommend the Miele G5008 as the first dishwasher you should consider. This entry-level Miele model delivers sparkling-clean dishes, and it’s quiet and easy to use. Built to last 20 years — double the industry average. Whisper-quiet at 40 dB. Flexible racks and 3rd cutlery tray make loading easy. AutoDos auto-dispenses detergent perfectly every time. Safe for wine glasses, china, and delicate items. This Miele model has the same wash programs and virtually all the same features as the model we tested in the Lab but at a significantly lower price. The cleaning performance was outstanding — even on the QuickIntenseWash cycle with our toughest messes — as all items emerged squeaky clean and noticeably shiny.
- Pros: Exceptional cleaning, quiet operation, reliable for long-term use, energy-efficient.
- Cons: Higher price point, only available in stainless steel, quirky bottom rack design.
Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N – Best for Most People
We found that the Bosch SHP78CM5N is the best dishwasher for most people. It offers excellent, reliable cleaning, can remove difficult food remnants, and will deliver dry dishes after its wash cycles. The 800 Series also has Bosch’s latest dishwasher technology, called PowerControl: To help clean the dirtiest pans and casserole dishes, users can program the path of the dishwasher’s spray arm using the machine’s manual control panel or Bosch’s Home Connect app. It features powerful cleaning capabilities, with eight cleaning cycles and ample interior space, including a third rack for bowls, utensils, and other cookware.
- Pros: Quiet at 42 dB, excellent cleaning, smart features, reliable brand.
- Cons: PowerControl feature inconsistent, smart app issues reported.
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LG QuadWash Pro – Best for Large Households
Yale Appliances named LG the most reliable dishwasher brand in 2025, and praise their excellent and helpful customer service, too, which is worth shouting about. This particular model has some very high-scoring credentials that have earned it a place in this guide. Firstly, it’s smart. The built-in WiFi and SmartThinQ app means you can monitor your cycle status and avoid interrupting the cycle. LG boasts QuadWash technology, which means that they use four spray arms rather than the standard two. It’s effective because users and reviewers think that it delivers better results than competitors. With steam technology to prevent watermarks and help to remove dried-on foods, this produces sparkling dishes.
- Pros: Large capacity, smart technology, reliable, steam cleaning.
- Cons: Louder at 42 dB, premium price.
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KitchenAid KDTE204KPS – Best Value
The KitchenAid KDTE204KPS features a ProWash cycle, an extended cycle with soil-sensing capabilities for more efficient cleaning. At 39 dB, this KitchenAid is nearly silent. KitchenAid’s price has dropped from $1,149 in 2021 to $849 in 2025, making it a great value for its features. This model also includes a light wash cycle, ideal for wine glasses, fine China, or an express wash for faster cleaning.
- Pros: Affordable, quiet, versatile cycles.
- Cons: Limited high-end features.
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Midea MDT24H3AST – Best Budget Option
The Midea MDT24H3AST is one of those rare finds that offers many of the high-end features above while still being affordable. In fact, the dishwasher is available for under $500, making it an ideal option for first-time homeowners and anyone else on a budget. The Midea ticks all the boxes: It features an adjustable upper rack that’s also removable, a stainless steel interior, an interior light, and a removable silverware basket. It’s also spacious enough for 16 place settings.
- Pros: Affordable, spacious, quiet at 45 dB.
- Cons: Less durable, basic drying system.
Shop Midea MDT24H3AST on Amazon
Comparison Table of Top Dishwashers
| Model | Price | Noise Level (dB) | Capacity (Place Settings) | Key Features | Energy Star Certified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miele G5008 | $1,499 | 40 | 16 | AutoDos, QuickIntenseWash, 3rd rack | Yes |
| Bosch SHP78CM5N | $1,399 | 42 | 16 | PowerControl, CrystalDry, Home Connect app | Yes |
| LG QuadWash Pro | $1,299 | 42 | 15 | QuadWash, SmartThinQ app, steam technology | Yes |
| KitchenAid KDTE204KPS | $849 | 39 | 14 | ProWash cycle, third rack | Yes |
| Midea MDT24H3AST | $499 | 45 | 16 | Adjustable racks, stainless steel interior | No |
How We Tested These Dishwashers
To evaluate the cleaning performance of the steady stream of new dishwashers we have coming and going in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab, we meticulously soil multiple place settings of plates, bowls, cups and saucers, glassware and cookware with our standard greasy, starchy messes and make sure everything we’ve applied is dry and baked on (and yes, we skip the pre-rinse!). We also evaluate capacity, ease of use and loading and assess drying performance, energy consumption, sound and more. We test how dry the dishes are 30 minutes after a normal cycle has finished. During this time the doors are left closed to simulate how you’d generally use the dishwasher (unless the dishwasher has an automatic door opening function that activates at the end of the program).
We stain plates with milk, tea, minced meat, eggs, oat flakes, and more. These sit in a heated cabinet for a day to dry before cleaning, so it’s a tough but realistic test. We test multiple cycles on each machine, including any special options and the app if the machine works with one. Between staining, drying and cleaning each load, we spend at least 7 hours testing just one cycle, not counting the time it takes to examine each piece once the cycle is done.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Dishwasher
Key Features to Consider
- Powerful Cleaning: A good dishwasher should thoroughly clean your dishes and leave them decently dry. Look for models with auto wash sensors, which detect the dirt levels in the water and adjust the cycle accordingly to get the best clean.
- Quiet Operation: The quietest dishwashers we recommend keep the noise level to a minimum. You won’t find a totally silent dishwasher, but the ones that score the best for noise in our tests keep the clanging and whooshing to a minimum.
- Eco-Friendliness: A good dishwasher is energy-efficient and uses minimal water to get things clean and dry. An energy-efficient machine is gentle on the environment and can save you money, too.
- Stainless Steel Interior: The best dishwashers have stainless steel tubs rather than plastic. Stainless steel is non-porous and will not retain odors and germs like other surfaces.
- Adjustable Racks: The right machine can solve your biggest dish washing complaints with features like a food grinder, space for oddly shaped utensils and room for oversized bowls.
Types of Dishwashers
There are a few styles of dishwashers available today, including standard built-in or integrated models, as well as portable and countertop dishwashers. The latter two options offer more flexibility for those who live in smaller homes because the appliances are moveable and don’t require permanent connections in your kitchen. However, they tend to be louder, smaller, and offer fewer features. Dishwashers come in two common size options: standard 24-inch and compact, or half-size, 18-inch models—which refers to the width of the unit.
Installation Tips
When it comes to plumbing in and running electricity to your dishwasher, This Old House always recommends hiring trained professionals. Hiring the right pros helps mitigate extreme safety risks, prevent potential fire and water damage from faulty installation, and save you from expensive reinstallation or repair services later on. Appliance repair costs can be pricey. The average dishwasher repair costs between $100–$300.
- Turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker.
- Remove the front access control panel, wiring connections, drain hose, and old water supply line.
- Ensure proper alignment and secure connections for the new unit.
FAQs About Dishwashers
What is the most reliable dishwasher brand in 2025?
LG has been named the most reliable dishwasher brand in 2025 by Yale Appliances, praised for excellent customer service and low breakdown rates. Bosch and Miele also rank highly for reliability.
How long should a dishwasher last?
The National Association of Home Builders states that a dishwasher should last about nine years. However, high-end models like Miele claim up to 20 years with proper maintenance.
Are smart dishwashers worth it?
Smart dishwashers, which connect to Wi-Fi and allow remote control via apps, offer convenience but may not justify the cost for everyone. Basic models often perform just as well for less.
Do I need to pre-rinse dishes?
No, modern dishwashers are designed to handle baked-on food without pre-rinsing. Scraping off large food particles is sufficient to ensure optimal performance.
How can I maintain my dishwasher?
Regularly clean the filter, keep the salt topped up (for water softening), and run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner monthly. Avoid using dish soap, as it can cause foaming and damage.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dishwasher in 2025 depends on your household size, budget, and preferences for features like noise level or smart technology. From the premium Miele G5008 to the budget-friendly Midea MDT24H3AST, there’s a model for every need. For more insights on maintaining your dishwasher, check out Consumer Reports’ guide on dishwasher maintenance.