When it comes to dishwashers, the price range can be staggering, from budget models under $300 to high-end machines exceeding $1,500. A common assumption is that a higher price tag guarantees superior cleaning performance. But is this true?
Cleaning Performance Across Price Points
While expensive dishwashers may be more durable and sport more features, they generally don’t do a better job cleaning your dishes than cheap models. It’s not difficult to find an affordable dishwasher that works just as well as those expensive ones to get your dishes clean. Take Bosch’s most expensive dishwasher, the Benchmark Series, which retails for around $1600. Since the Bosch 100 Series comes in at under $600, what are you paying for with the more expensive model? Both machines promise to remove “up to 99.9% of bacteria,” according to Bosch. The Benchmark does come with a host of luxury features, like a third rack, advanced wash cycles, and premium drying capability — but that doesn’t mean it will get your dishes cleaner. The YouTube Channel FixDotCom posted a short in which they compared the cleaning power of four dishwashers ranging in price from $400 to $1,000. Although the three more expensive machines had more “advanced” spray arms and hardware, all four had equal results in removing pasta sauce from dishes.
The difference between more expensive and cheaper dishwashers is not that one washes better than the other. The difference is how long they last. Cheaper dishwashers are designed to break down in a few years, and when they do, you are supposed to buy another one. More expensive dishwashers are designed to last 10 years, or even longer. A good dishwasher costs about $400. That’s what I recommend in Consumer Reports’ Annual Buying Guide. To save money, you can buy one for less than $300. A couple of models cost less than $200, but they generally don’t clean as well or hold as many dishes as higher-priced models do.
In our cleaning test, the cheaper Haier actually outperformed the more exxy Asko. The Asko does boast more sophisticated bells and whistles, such as an anti-flood feature, fan-assisted drying, internal light and more wash programs (eight programs compared with the Haier’s six). When comparing price versus performance, this cheaper Westinghouse cleans up nicely against the $2000-plus Smeg dishwasher. In terms of washing prowess, it got the exact same score in our tests, despite the Smeg’s much higher price tag. The cheaper Westinghouse was also more efficient for water use and energy use, which means you’ll save money on running costs as well as the purchase price. Our experts estimate that over 10 years, the Smeg will cost you $1201 to run compared with $765 for the Westinghouse.
Features and Technology in High-End Models
Naturally, even a $300 entry-level appliance will get your dishes clean, with settings such as normal wash, pots and pans, and rinse (useful between cycles to save you the trouble of hand-rinsing everything). But when you spend more, you get even better or more efficient cleaning technologies, such as steam-prewash, which powers off crustiness. One of the more obvious differences, at least to the untrained consumer eye, is that pricier machines (like in pretty much every other appliance category) are finished in stainless steel. And in the case of dishwashers, you’ll typically find this prized material in higher-end models both outside and inside, with stainless racks instead of more standard-issue PVC. Speaking of those racks … if not stainless steel, those pricier machines probably have sturdier nylon racks (instead of PVC). These racks usually have more customizable arrangements with tines that fold down, special tray-like compartments for flatware, and other features to help fit in awkward-shaped items.
For example, the KitchenAid KDTM704ESS has a motorized Dynamic Wash Arm, the company’s powerful Clean Water Wash system, and dedicated bottle wash jets. Bear in mind that many washing-related features can be found on middle-tier dishwashers, so you don’t necessarily have to spend this much money to get a more enjoyable dishwashing experience. However, if you want to impress your guests with a custom front panel or other eye candy, you’ll want to go premium. Spending a little more will get you amenities like a stainless steel interior and a third rack. Manufacturers with proprietary dishwasher tech, such as Kenmore’s 360° PowerWash spray arm or KitchenAid’s Clean Water Wash filtration system, will always incorporate that technology on their flagship model, but they’ll sometimes show it off in midrange models as well.
The Miele G7000 series dishwashers are among the newest, and within that category there are a few different models with slight differences. I opted for the G7156, which is more affordable than the G7566 with its “PowerDisk”—something to do with a smart detergent dispenser, but I just want to use Great Value pods and get on with my life. It’s extremely spacious. The design of the racks, with a third rack up top for silverware, means I can fit in stacks of plates, shallow bowls, cereal bowls, and wine glasses without having to worry about that bulky box of forks getting in the way. The racks can also shift—this video shows ya—so if you have something tall in the bottom (like a juice pitcher), you can adjust the middle rack to make room for it. My Miele dishwasher cleaned a pot coated with burned caramel. Need I say more?
Reliability and Longevity
The survey results show that no brand is free of problems—and it’s worth noting that a brand’s quality can vary over time with changes in design and production. But some of the brands that rose to the top for predicted reliability were Bosch, Gaggeneau, Miele, and Thermador. Just behind these in reliability scores were Beko, Ikea, LG, Maytag, Signature Kitchen Suite, Whirlpool, and Hotpoint. The most common problems members had with dishwashers were machines that failed to clean and dry well, followed by those that failed to drain away water and dish racks and control panels that broke or stopped working properly.
I finally settled on a top-rated Miele model at the top of this list. It is eye-wateringly expensive, but I have been reassured by the experts it will last between 10-15 years, and my parents have proved the stat (they’ve had their Miele machine for 10 years and haven’t spent a single day regretting their decision). Cleaning experts and kitchen professionals agree: Miele is the top dishwasher brand. This model is designed for effortlessness. Customers love the effective 60 minute cycles and the intuitive, adjustable racks which can fit large, awkward dishes and bottles. It’s super quiet, too.
Cost-Effectiveness and Energy Efficiency
Using a dishwasher can save you about 230 hours per year compared with washing and drying by hand, according to Energy Star. It’s not an appliance you want to do without for long if it dies. And in addition to saving time, Energy Star estimates that hand-washing your dishes costs $431 more in water and energy than using a dishwasher that’s Energy Star certified. That’s over the lifetime of the dishwasher, which Energy Star says is 10 years on average.
The typical modern dishwasher can use between 13-30 litres of water per load; however, hand-washing dishes can use significantly more. Using a dishwasher can help reduce the amount of water used – as well as the energy needed to heat it up – which can save you money in the long run. Additionally, a great benefit of using Finish® detergents with your dishwasher is that you won’t need to waste any water pre-rinsing your dishes. You could save water, energy and money by skipping the pre-rinse altogether. Instead, scrape excess food off before loading the machine, use Finish® Quantum UltimateTM, and let the machine do all the hard work for you.
FAQs
Do expensive dishwashers clean better than cheaper ones?
Not necessarily. Multiple tests, such as those by FixDotCom and CHOICE, show that budget models from brands like Haier and Westinghouse can match or even outperform pricier models from Asko or Smeg in cleaning tests. The main difference often lies in durability and additional features rather than cleaning power.
What extra features do expensive dishwashers offer?
High-end dishwashers typically include features like stainless steel interiors, adjustable racks, third racks for utensils, steam-prewash, specialized wash cycles, and smart connectivity (e.g., Wi-Fi for remote control). These enhance convenience and aesthetics but don’t always improve cleaning performance.
Are expensive dishwashers more energy-efficient?
Many modern dishwashers, regardless of price, are designed to be energy-efficient, especially Energy Star-certified models. However, premium models may offer eco-friendly cycles or advanced water-saving technologies. Over time, these can reduce running costs, as seen with the Westinghouse model costing $765 to run over 10 years compared to $1201 for a Smeg.
How long do expensive dishwashers last compared to cheaper ones?
Expensive dishwashers, such as those from Miele or Bosch, are often built to last 10-15 years, while cheaper models may break down within a few years. Brands like Miele are praised for their longevity, with some users reporting over a decade of reliable use.
Is it worth investing in a high-end dishwasher?
It depends on your needs. If you value durability, quiet operation, and premium features like adjustable racks or smart technology, a high-end model may be worth it. However, if your priority is simply clean dishes, a budget or mid-range dishwasher can perform just as well at a lower cost.
Conclusion
The notion that more expensive dishwashers clean better is largely a myth. Budget models can match the cleaning performance of high-end machines, as evidenced by tests comparing brands like Haier, Westinghouse, and Bosch. The premium price often reflects durability, advanced features, and aesthetics rather than superior cleaning power. For most households, a mid-range dishwasher offers the best balance of performance, efficiency, and value, while high-end models cater to those prioritizing longevity and luxury.