Finding a reliable dishwasher that fits your budget and lifestyle can be daunting. Reddit users, known for their candid feedback, share experiences that highlight the best dishwashers for 2025. From cleaning performance to durability, this article compiles unfiltered insights from online communities, paired with expert reviews, to guide your purchase.
Why Reddit Loves Bosch Dishwashers
Bosch consistently dominates Reddit discussions for its reliability and performance. Users praise its quiet operation and effective cleaning. One user noted, “I’ve had about 5 or 6 different dishwashers. All had their perks and some left me with horror stories. Then I got a Bosch. Will never buy any other kind again. Quietest, best performing dishwasher I’ve ever had. And no issues (that I didn’t cause myself) at all.” Another shared, “Bought our Bosch when we bought our house 14 years ago, never had a problem with it. Recently redid our kitchen and the dishwasher is the only appliance we didn’t replace.”
Bosch’s 800 series, like the Bosch 800 Series, is frequently recommended for its CrystalDry technology, ensuring dishes come out dry. A Reddit user explained, “The 800 series with crystal dry is one of the better dries in the industry plus you can wash plastic on the bottom rack without melting.” However, some mention drawbacks, such as the lack of a heating element in lower models, requiring rinse aid for optimal drying. One user cautioned, “Only thing to make sure you know is that, like most euro style dishwashers, there is no heating element. So if you want really dry dishes you need to use jet dry or some other rinse agent.”
Testing Scenarios for Bosch
Bosch dishwashers undergo rigorous lab tests, simulating real-world conditions. Experts soil plates with greasy, starchy messes, ensuring residues are baked on without pre-rinsing. One review described, “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!).” Bosch models, particularly the 500 and 800 series, excel in these tests, cleaning tough stains with minimal water usage.
Miele: The Premium Choice for Longevity
Miele is celebrated for its durability, often lasting 20 years. A Reddit user raved, “If you only wanna buy one more dishwasher in your life then get a Miele. They are pricey but they clean like no tomorrow. I’m constantly amazed at the crap that goes into my Miele and come out spotless.” Another shared, “Miele is the world’s best dishwasher brand, hands down.” The Miele G5008 is a top pick, praised for its AutoDos system, which dispenses detergent automatically.
However, Miele’s high cost and service challenges are noted. One user warned, “No one will service a Miele dishwasher within at least 50 miles of me and from what I’ve read online they’ll tell you to pound sand if you aren’t near a dealer.” Another added, “I will say Miele is not the easiest company to deal with and to get parts/service for if issues come up.”
Miele’s Testing Performance
Miele dishwashers are stress-tested for reliability. Reviews state, “We’ve stress-tested more than 30 dishwashers, and we recommend the Miele G5008 for its strong cleaning performance, features, and reliability for the price.” In tests, Miele handles 120 dish cycles annually, proving its ability to clean heavily soiled loads while remaining quiet at around 45 decibels.
KitchenAid: Quiet and Feature-Rich
KitchenAid earns praise for its whisper-quiet operation and sturdy build. A Reddit user shared, “We’ve had a KitchenAid KDTM604 for almost three years now. Hands down the best dishwasher I’ve ever owned, though I’ve never had an issue with any Whirlpool-built dishwasher in my lifetime. The build quality is fantastic, door feels sturdy and smooth and I love how solid it feels when it pulls itself closed and latched.” The KitchenAid KDTM604 is noted for its 39-decibel noise level and ProWash sensors that adjust cycles based on soil levels.
Yet, some users report reliability issues. One complained, “My KitchenAid dishwasher has quit on me again. Second time in 2025. It’s fewer than five years old.” Another noted, “Stumbled on this thread as I’m researching dishwashers bc my KitchenAid is complete trash – also less than 5 years old.”
KitchenAid Testing Insights
KitchenAid models are tested for noise and cleaning efficiency. Reviews highlight, “This KitchenAid model achieves an almost whisper-quiet level at only 39 decibels. In addition to being able to take a nap while the dishwasher is running, this high-end model also includes a third rack, ProWash soil sensors that automatically adjust the cycle for the soil level of the dishes and an extended heat dry option.” Tests confirm its ability to handle large loads, though drying plastics can be inconsistent without rinse aid.
Comparison Table of Top Dishwashers
| Model | Price Range | Noise Level | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 800 Series | $1,000-$1,500 | 42 dB | CrystalDry, third rack, auto air | Quiet, reliable, excellent drying | No heating element in lower models |
| Miele G5008 | $1,500-$2,000 | 45 dB | AutoDos, adjustable racks | Long-lasting, superior cleaning | Expensive, limited service network |
| KitchenAid KDTM604 | $800-$1,200 | 39 dB | ProWash sensors, third rack | Ultra-quiet, sturdy build | Some reliability concerns |
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Dishwasher
Selecting a dishwasher involves balancing budget, features, and reliability. Here’s how to make an informed choice based on Reddit insights and expert advice:
- Assess Your Needs: Consider household size and dishwashing frequency. A Reddit user advised, “Edit: should also mention we are a family of 5 and use a dishwasher 1-3 times a day, 7 days a week.”
- Check Noise Levels: Look for models under 50 decibels for quiet operation. Reviews note, “Most standard dishwashers run in the 50- to 60-decibel range, which is just below the noise level of normal, indoor conversation.”
- Evaluate Drying Performance: Models with advanced drying, like Bosch’s CrystalDry or Miele’s AutoDos, reduce the need for towel-drying. A user suggested, “Use a rinse aid. Though my older Miele definitely does well cleaning a packed and I mean packed compartment.”
- Inspect Racks: Flexible racks enhance usability. Experts recommend, “When you are shopping, slide the racks in and out to make sure they are sturdy and roll smoothly, and check how easily they adjust.”
- Consider Warranty
: Longer warranties indicate reliability. Reviews state, “We examined the warranties of all the dishwashers we tested. A one-year warranty is standard. We gave extra points to models with longer warranties.”
Pros and Cons of Popular Brands
Bosch
- Pros: Reliable, quiet, energy-efficient, excellent cleaning.
- Cons: Entry-level models lack heating elements, plastic tubs in some models.
Miele
- Pros: Durable, superior cleaning, innovative features.
- Cons: High cost, limited service availability.
KitchenAid
- Pros: Quiet, sturdy racks, smart sensors.
- Cons: Mixed reliability, drying issues with plastics.
Common Issues to Avoid
Reddit users highlight brands to steer clear of, like Samsung and LG, due to poor cleaning and durability. One user warned, “Whatever you buy don’t buy a Samsung. I hate mine.” Another shared, “I redid my kitchen in 2007. I went with all LG appliances. Everyone of them failed in one way or another.” Frigidaire also receives criticism for weak cleaning, with a user noting, “Fridgidaire dishwashers are poor at cleaning and drying. Those round blue wash arms are a joke and spread very little water!”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable dishwasher brand?
Bosch and Miele are frequently cited for reliability, with Bosch offering better value and Miele excelling in longevity. Reddit users and expert reviews, like those from Consumer Reports, back these brands for consistent performance.
Do I need to pre-rinse dishes?
Modern dishwashers, especially Bosch and Miele, handle baked-on messes without pre-rinsing. Scraping off large food chunks is usually sufficient to ensure sparkling results.
How important is noise level?
For open-plan homes, a dishwasher under 50 decibels, like the KitchenAid KDTM604, ensures minimal disturbance. Noise is less critical in closed kitchens.
What features are worth the extra cost?
Third racks, advanced drying options, and adjustable racks enhance convenience. Models like the Bosch 800 Series offer these without breaking the bank.
Final Recommendations
For a balance of performance and value, the Bosch 800 Series is a Reddit favorite, offering quiet operation and superior drying. If longevity is your priority, the Miele G5008 is unmatched, though it comes at a premium. For budget-conscious buyers, the KitchenAid KDTM604 delivers quiet performance and solid features. Explore these models to find the perfect fit for your kitchen, backed by real user experiences and rigorous testing.