Investing in a dishwasher is meant to save time and effort, but choosing the wrong brand can lead to frustration, frequent repairs, and poor performance.
Dishwasher Brands to Avoid
Samsung
The overall consensus on forums, consumer reviews, and among service pros is that Samsung is one of the least reliable dishwasher brands. The most common complaints are leaks, lousy customer service, and limited parts availability. Samsung’s smart dishwashers connect to the brand’s SmartThings app, which can monitor cycles and allow remote control, but the sheer volume of sales in some markets does not match the capabilities of its service network. Customers frequently report breakdowns within a few years, with some experiencing issues like water leakage and inconsistent cleaning performance.
LG
Although two of the 15 service pros recommended LG, three others said it’s an unreliable brand you should avoid. According to Yale Appliance, LG appliances tend to need less servicing compared to some brands, but customer feedback paints a different picture. Buyers report issues like poor drying performance and difficulty sourcing replacement parts. One user on X noted, “The servicer told me they aren’t meant to last past 5 years,” reflecting a sentiment that LG dishwashers may not be built for longevity.
Haier
Issues are sadly a common experience for Haier dishwasher owners. Some Haier dishwashers do an average job of washing and drying, but this seems to be the brand’s performance ceiling. Buyers have reported a notable level of breakdowns in the first few months of ownership—a problem that speaks to poor build quality or a lack of quality control—and inconsistencies abound in models that do continue working. Drying effectiveness is hit or miss among even the stronger performers, and cleaning is equally spotty, making this a brand to avoid. The Wi-Fi-connected Haier HDW15F2S1, for instance, prioritizes remote control over consistent cleaning results.
Amana
This appliance brand has been part of the American appliance industry since 1934. However, its products have plateaued in recent years and the company can’t keep up with other brands. Many Amana dishwashers are made for budget shoppers and don’t have basic features that are common in most models. They’re perfectly fine if you have minimal dishwashing demands and don’t run it too much, but every day dishwashing has shown to quickly wear these dishwashers out.
Kenmore
The Kenmore brand is a household name, coming into focus alongside Sears, but it is frequently rated among the worst brands. Since the demise of the Sears brand, Kenmore has become less prominent in the appliance marketplace, but its products can still be found at big box stores and even online. Kenmore isn’t a manufacturer, though. Others make Kenmore appliances, specifically water-based appliances like washing machines and dishwashers, rolling off Whirlpool production lines. Cleaning dishes seems to be a particularly weak point in the Kenmore dishwasher lineup, making the device unsuitable to the task it was literally designed to accomplish. Similarly, mechanical failures and lackluster customer service round out a generally poor experience for owners. Leaks are common.
Fisher & Paykel (Select Models)
Fisher & Paykel does make some good dishwashers, but unfortunately, models like the DD60SCX9 aren’t one of them. If you’re looking for a single-drawer machine, we suggest you look elsewhere. Expensive to run, relatively noisy, and only just OK at cleaning your dishes: there’s not a great deal to like about this dishwasher. It’s pretty good at drying your dishes, but that doesn’t count for much when it doesn’t do a great job of washing them in the first place. And if there are bits of food still left on your plates after the wash, the heat from the drying process could just bake them on further, making them even harder to remove when you’re putting them away.
Artusi
The 45cm-wide Artusi ADW4501X lacks even basic features such as an anti-flood/anti-burst hose, time-remaining display, rinse-only program, and half-load option. Plus, it has a painfully long cycle time of nearly three hours! Since you’ll be paying a premium for a petite machine regardless, we suggest you don’t put your money towards this one. The difference between this Artusi and its diminutive peers is that all of them performed better—even the cheapest model.
Omega
This pint-sized Omega gives benchtop models a bad name. The worst performer in our test overall, this half-size benchtop model does about half the job we’d hoped for. It earned the lowest washing score of all models and performed very poorly for drying too, meaning you’ll be reaching for that tea towel once its long cycle has finally finished.
Pros and Cons of These Brands
Samsung
- Pros: Smart connectivity via SmartThings app, sleek designs, some models feature bottle jets for specialized cleaning.
- Cons: Frequent leaks, poor customer service, limited parts availability, unreliable performance.
LG
- Pros: Some models offer advanced features like QuadWash technology, relatively low service rates per Yale Appliance.
- Cons: Short lifespan (around 5 years), poor drying, hard-to-source replacement parts.
Haier
- Pros: Affordable, Wi-Fi connectivity in some models.
- Cons: Frequent breakdowns, inconsistent cleaning and drying, poor build quality.
Amana
- Pros: Budget-friendly, simple designs for minimal use.
- Cons: Lacks modern features, wears out quickly with daily use, poor cleaning performance.
Kenmore
- Pros: Widely available, some models benefit from Whirlpool’s manufacturing.
- Cons: Weak cleaning, frequent leaks, poor customer service, mechanical failures.
Fisher & Paykel (Select Models)
- Pros: Good drying in some models, innovative drawer designs.
- Cons: Noisy, poor cleaning, expensive to run, food residue issues.
Artusi
- Pros: Compact size for small kitchens.
- Cons: Long cycle times, missing basic features, poor performance compared to competitors.
Omega
- Pros: Compact benchtop design.
- Cons: Lowest washing and drying scores, long cycles, requires manual drying.
Buying Guide: Choosing a Reliable Dishwasher
When shopping for a dishwasher, prioritize reliability, performance, and features that match your needs. Here are key factors to consider:
- Reliability: Look for brands with low service rates and high customer satisfaction. Check recall histories on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.
- Material Quality: Stainless steel tubs are more durable and eco-friendly than plastic. Smooth-gliding racks and sturdy filtration systems enhance longevity.
- Features: Soil sensors, adjustable racks, and energy-efficient cycles (like Eco or Auto) improve performance. Wi-Fi connectivity is optional but useful for remote monitoring.
- Energy Efficiency: Choose Energy Star-certified models to save water and electricity. Check the Energy Guide label for annual operating costs.
- Noise Level: Aim for 44 dBA or lower for quiet operation, especially in open-plan kitchens. Refer to Quiet Mark for noise ratings.
- Size: Standard dishwashers are 24 inches wide, but 18-inch or compact models suit smaller spaces. Measure your kitchen carefully.
- Warranty: Opt for brands offering at least a two-year warranty. Extended warranties provide added peace of mind.
Best Dishwasher Recommendations
To avoid the pitfalls of unreliable brands, here are three top-rated dishwashers from trusted manufacturers:
Bosch 800 Series SHPM88Z75N
Bosch is widely recognized for making good, reliable dishwashers. They are known for their efficiency, quiet operation, and innovative features that enhance cleaning performance. This model uses a tablespoon of powder dishwasher detergent, very little water, gets dishes super clean, and is so quiet you can’t tell if it’s running. It features CrystalDry technology for spotless results and a third rack for utensils. Shop on Amazon
Miele G 7191 SCVi AD 125 Ed
Miele consistently delivers premium products, and this dishwasher is no exception. Designed for longevity, many Miele owners have owned their dishwashers for over 10 years. This model received high praise in customer reviews for the easy, intuitive loading and the ‘literally squeaky clean’ results. The SaniWash and IntenseZone cycles tackle tough stains, and it’s whisper-quiet at 42 dBA. Shop on Amazon
KitchenAid KDTM604KPS
Four out of 15 service pros praised KitchenAid’s reliability, a sentiment backed by Yale’s 2023 and 2022 reports showing a low service ratio of 6.2% and 5.5%, respectively. This model features a fan-forced ProDry system, 30+ wash jets, and a third-level utensil rack. It’s quiet at 44 dBA and highly rated for cleaning efficiency. Shop on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some dishwasher brands have poor reliability?
Brands like Samsung, LG, and Haier often prioritize smart features or low prices over durable components. Poor build quality, inadequate quality control, and limited service networks contribute to frequent breakdowns and customer dissatisfaction.
Are budget dishwashers worth buying?
Budget dishwashers, like those from Amana, can work for light use but often lack modern features and durability. Investing in a mid-range model from Bosch or KitchenAid typically offers better long-term value.
How can I check if a dishwasher model has been recalled?
Visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission website and search for the brand and model number. Checking customer reviews on retail sites can also reveal recurring issues.
What features should I prioritize in a dishwasher?
Focus on stainless steel tubs, adjustable racks, soil sensors, and Energy Star certification. A quiet operation (below 44 dBA) and a strong warranty are also critical for a hassle-free experience.
How long should a dishwasher last?
A reliable dishwasher from brands like Bosch or Miele can last 8-15 years with proper maintenance. Lower-quality brands may only last 3-5 years before needing repairs or replacement.