Modern dishwashers have evolved significantly, offering powerful cleaning, energy efficiency, and quiet operation. In 2025, standout models from brands like Bosch, Miele, and Samsung dominated the market due to their innovative features, reliability, and performance in rigorous lab tests. This guide compiles detailed insights from expert reviews, customer feedback, and testing data to highlight the top dishwashers for efficient cleaning. Whether you prioritize sparkling dishes, eco-friendliness, or smart features, these picks cater to various needs and budgets.
Top Dishwasher Picks for 2025
Bosch 300 Series SHP53CM5N – Best Overall
After hours of testing, we found Bosch’s 300 Series dishwasher to be the best overall. We loved the amenities, features, and style along with the below-average price tag. It’s also highly rated by consumers. Bosch’s 300 Series dishwasher is among the most highly rated dishwasher across several major retailer sites, coming in just below average in price for the number of amenities it offers. Its large capacity holds up to 16 place settings, it includes a desirable third rack, and it offers an adjustable middle rack to accommodate larger items, as well as adjustable tines in the lower rack for even more versatile loading. You have five wash cycle options available: Heavy, auto, normal, rinse and hold, plus a speedy one-hour cycle. The highly sought dishwasher also features four additional modes, such as delay start, half load, sanitize, and extra dry.
- Pros: Spacious with 16 place settings, quiet at 44 dBA, Energy Star certified, flexible racks.
- Cons: Drying performance on plastics could be better without extra dry mode.
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Miele G5008 – Best for Premium Performance
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. This entry-level Miele model delivers sparkling-clean dishes, and it’s quiet and easy to use. Modern dishwashers tend to be very efficient. Our top pick, the Miele G5008, is Energy Star–certified under the new standards. In almost any scenario, whether or not they are Energy Star–certified, dishwashers save significant amounts of water and energy compared with hand-washing dishes, which guzzles between 9 and 27 gallons of water (depending on your wash style) and up to double the water-heating energy.
- Pros: Exceptional cleaning, quiet at 40 dBA, built to last 20 years.
- Cons: Premium price tag, fewer smart features compared to competitors.
Samsung Top Control Dishwasher – Quietest Operation
The Samsung Top Control Dishwasher is our top choice for the best dishwasher for its impressive capacity that handles large loads, exceptional cleaning power, and low noise level. This model scored a whopping 99 out of 100 on our scorecard, and stands out from competitors thanks to its quiet operation at only 39 dBA, AquaBlast linear wash system, and flexible third rack. In addition, it includes Wi-Fi compatibility that allows you to remotely monitor and control the dishwasher from your smartphone. It has a unique sliding spray bar that ensures total coverage of dirty dishes, AquaBlast jets that clean from corner to corner, and a Zone Booster option that provides an extra water stream at the bottom left of the appliance for that harder-to-tackle cookware.
- Pros: Ultra-quiet at 39 dBA, smart features, auto-open door for better drying.
- Cons: Higher price, some users report longer cycle times.
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GE Profile UltraFresh – Best Value
What GE did to tackle stinky washing machine odors it’s now doing with dishwashers. This GE Profile UltraFresh model has handles, controls, a filter, a flatware basket, and more, all treated with Microban to help keep these high-touch areas clean and germ-free. In addition, fresh air and water circulate inside the tub between cycles to help purge the dishwasher of stagnant water and food odors. In our tests, this GE model did a very good job on our cleaning evaluations and was quiet and easy to use. We liked the discreet but informative front display.
- Pros: Affordable at around $1,000, Microban treatment, good cleaning performance.
- Cons: Slightly noisier at 46 dBA, limited smart features.
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Testing Scenarios and Performance
In our Cleaning Lab tests, this dishwasher loaded, cleaned, and dried like a dream and it has a great capacity. Prior to testing the cleaning performance of various cycles, we uniformly apply, then bake-, dry-, and burn-on mac and cheese, hamburger, oatmeal, egg yolk, milk, and more to cookware and 10 five-piece settings of dishes, glassware, cups, saucers, and flatware. We even “kiss” each coffee cup with lipstick, a stain that many dishwashers struggle to completely remove. 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. We test multiple cycles on each machine, including any special options and the app if the machine works with one. We follow the manufacturer’s loading guidelines and use the same detergent in each machine to wash our dirty loads. Post-cleaning, we look for and note water spots left after drying, and we examine and score every item for any specks of soil that remain.
CR’s dishwasher tests now consider how clean a machine gets dishes on both the top and bottom racks. In our labs, we put each dishwasher through around 30 hours of tough trials to evaluate its performance on both counts. To evaluate each model’s cleaning prowess, our testers apply a consistent amount of starchy goop to 12 white ceramic plates. 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.
Key Findings from Testing
- Bosch 300 Series: Aced cleaning tests, removing baked-on egg yolk and lipstick stains effectively. Drying performance improved with extra dry mode.
- Miele G5008: Sparkling results across all cycles, particularly on glassware, with minimal water spots.
- Samsung Top Control: Excelled in heavy-duty cycles, tackling greasy cookware with ease. Auto-open door reduced moisture buildup.
- GE Profile: Strong performance on normal cycles, though some residue remained on intensive stain tests.
Comparison Table of Top Dishwashers
| Model | Price (USD) | Noise Level (dBA) | Capacity (Place Settings) | Energy Star Certified | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 300 Series SHP53CM5N | 850 | 44 | 16 | Yes | Third rack, adjustable tines, sanitize cycle |
| Miele G5008 | 1,200 | 40 | 14 | Yes | AutoDos detergent dispensing, quiet operation |
| Samsung Top Control | 1,100 | 39 | 15 | Yes | Wi-Fi, AquaBlast jets, auto-open door |
| GE Profile UltraFresh | 1,000 | 46 | 14 | Yes | Microban treatment, odor prevention |
Buying Guide for Dishwashers in 2025
Dishwashers have a pretty simple task: getting dishes clean. But you should expect a little more from the best dishwashers. Here are some of the most important qualities:
- Powerful Cleaning: A good dishwasher should thoroughly clean your dishes and leave them decently dry. A lot of dishwashers have a hard time getting things fully dry—especially plastic items, which are tougher to dry than glass or ceramic—but your appliance shouldn’t leave them dripping wet.
- 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.
Key Features to Consider
- Third Rack: Many dishwashers now come with three racks — the usual two and a shallow top tray that often replaces the traditional flatware basket for utensils, small bowls, and other items. Using it frees up space in the bottom rack and ensures everything has enough room to get fully clean.
- Flexible Racks: Racks with fold-down shelves for stacking cups or fold-down or removable tines to better accommodate large or oddly-shaped items, stemware clips, and even pop-up holders for vases and decanters can mean you can fit more things in easily.
- Stainless Steel Tub: The two most popular materials used inside the dishwasher are stainless steel and plastic. Both can be durable, but our vote here goes to stainless steel. Once reserved only for the most expensive models, stainless steel tubs are common on virtually all but the most inexpensive machines these days.
- Smart Features: An increasing number of brands are building WiFi connectivity into their dishwashers so that you can monitor the machine or even start a cycle remotely by downloading an app to your phone.
Tips for Choosing the Right Dishwasher
- Budget: Less than $500: It’s possible to find a pretty decent machine on a tight budget, but dishwashers under $500 are rarer than they used to be. Those that are still available typically have plastic tubs, which don’t resist stains as well as stainless steel tubs. $500 to $1,000: Many models in this price range earn our top ratings for cleaning performance as well as predicted reliability. More than $1,000: Dishwashers above this price have elevated style and are fully loaded with special features.
- Size: There’s a standard size, but not all kitchens can accommodate a full-size dishwasher. For smaller spaces, consider slimline models (45cm wide) or countertop dishwashers like the Danby DDW631SDB, which can handle six place settings.
- Capacity: A dishwasher with 12 “place settings” could wash all the kitchenware from 12 meals for one, or all the kitchenware from three meals for four people. Larger models can handle up to 16 place settings, ideal for big families or frequent entertaining.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
You should also switch on the self-clean cycle every 10 days or so or you should clean it yourself. It’s as simple as running a normal cycle with distilled white vinegar in your empty dishwasher, followed by an empty hot load with baking soda (and a little lemon juice, if you like) sprinkled in the bottom of the tub. Most modern dishwashers come with a filter located at the bottom of the tub. It is a good idea to clean the filter under running water to make sure it is clear of food particles. High-end dishwashers will have an indicator to prompt you with the task, but it is a good idea to perform this simple task every three months or so. Scrape off food prior to placing your dishes in your dishwasher. You do not need to rinse the dishes in the sink. Modern dishwashers come with a turbidity sensor that will figure out how to prep the wash mode.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most reliable dishwasher brand in 2025?
Bosch and Miele consistently rank as the most reliable brands, with LG also noted for excellent customer service. Bosch’s 300 and 800 Series and Miele’s G5008 series are frequently praised for durability and minimal need for repairs.
Are Energy Star-certified dishwashers worth it?
Yes, Energy Star-certified dishwashers, like the Bosch 300 Series and Miele G5008, use 12% less energy and 30% less water than standard models, saving you money and reducing environmental impact over time.
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
Clean your dishwasher every month using a dishwasher cleaner or a DIY vinegar and baking soda method. Additionally, clean the filter every three months to prevent clogs and maintain performance.
Do smart dishwashers offer real benefits?
Smart dishwashers, like the Samsung Top Control, allow remote monitoring and cycle control via apps, which is convenient for busy households. However, they may not be essential if you prefer manual operation.
Can dishwashers handle tough stains like dried egg or lipstick?
Top models like the Bosch 300 Series and Miele G5008 excel at removing tough stains, including dried egg and lipstick, especially when using heavy or sanitize cycles, as shown in lab tests.
Conclusion
The best dishwashers of 2025 combine powerful cleaning, quiet operation, and energy efficiency. The Bosch 300 Series SHP53CM5N offers the best balance of performance and value, while the Miele G5008 excels in premium reliability. For ultra-quiet operation, the Samsung Top Control stands out, and the GE Profile UltraFresh provides excellent value. By considering your budget, kitchen size, and desired features, you can choose a dishwasher that simplifies your cleaning routine while delivering spotless results. For more insights on kitchen appliances, check out Consumer Reports or Good Housekeeping.