Why Choose a GE Dishwasher?
GE appliances have long been considered workhorses designed for high output that facilitates every household chore. When it comes to GE dishwashers, that means quality dish care and premium user features that make after-dinner cleanup a matter of loading and pressing start. With over a century of innovation and manufacturing experience, the brand has earned its favorable reputation. GE manufactures dependable and hard-wearing dishwashers made to withstand heavy-handed use.
Top GE Dishwasher Recommendations
1. GE Top Control Dishwasher with Sanitize and Dry Boost
Dependable and durable, the best GE dishwashers are cleaning workhorses made for busy kitchens. Our favorite, the GE Top Control Dishwasher with Sanitize and Dry Boost, manages to combine all these factors. It not only has the stylish fingerprint-resistant exterior finish, the tub is stainless steel too. This has the advantage of added durability, and better heat retention so it can wash hotter. The assistance of Dry Boost technology means it will also dry more quickly. There’s a lot of attention to detail when cleaning dishes and other food items. A removable 3rd rack adds versatility. In addition to 5 cleaning cycles it has 4 specific bottle wash jets. There are also deep clean silverware jets that make short work of any stuck-on foods on the contents of the cutlery basket.
2. GE Profile UltraFresh Dishwasher
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 view, these extras combined with great performance and a price hovering around $1,000 are enough to qualify it as our Best Value pick. 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.
3. GE Profile Series 39 dBA Dishwasher
With the three-level wash system, absolutely everything in this dishwasher gets the sparkling clean treatment. Enjoy spotless dishes with extra cleaning power. This dishwasher uses a light beam to detect how dirty dishes are. If they’re especially soiled, the dishwasher will up its cleaning power; if they’re lightly soiled, the dishwasher will use less energy. For best results, this dishwasher has a built-in food disposer that works like a garbage disposal. Water flushes away food debris before the stainless steel blade grinds it at 3,600 RPM. This ensures clean dishes and minimal clogging.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a GE Dishwasher
The first step in this process is to identify what to look for in your dishwasher models. This can help you sort through the marketing materials of each brand so you can see which products are actually the best.
- Features: Quality dishwashers typically provide multiple options and features that make the user experience easy and satisfactory. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to washing dishes and you need to be able to adjust your settings, so having more options is often associated with a dishwasher that is more reliable.
- Capacity: Most dishwashers are actually the same size but some have more capacity than others. While the average household might only need 12 place settings, more is better. Additionally, higher-end dishwashing machines commonly come with adjustable racks and a third utensil tray for greater loading flexibility, which many users associate with a higher satisfaction rating.
- Noise Level: The average dBA for dishwashers falls between 45 dBA and 48 dBA, which means most GE’s washers will sound like a soft, soothing whisper. If you have soft sleepers, small children, or a tiny home, we recommend heading towards the lower end of sound decibels.
- Energy Efficiency: By replacing a dishwasher manufactured before 1994 with an ENERGY STAR® qualified dishwasher, you can save $35 a year on your utility bills. And a new, ENERGY STAR® qualified dishwasher will save, on average, 1600 gallons of water over its lifetime.
Advantages of GE Dishwashers
- Reliability: GE is considered one of the top dishwasher brands. In a report, GE ranked as the top dishwasher brand for customer satisfaction. “Twenty-four percent of U.S. consumers prefer GE dishwashers over other brands, making it one of the top choices in the market.”
- Variety: On top of a substantial catalog of front control and top control models, shoppers also have a choice between towel bar handles or pocket handles, plus a range of color options, including black, white, stainless steel, and slate. GE offers three ways to enjoy its great dishwashing technologies with compact 18-inch dishwashers, 24-inch built-in dishwashers, and portable dishwasher models, plus Spacemaker dishwashers that sit flush beneath the sink.
- Innovative Features: Select upgraded dishwashers from GE also come with AutoSense Cycle, a 1-Hour Wash option, an adjustable upper rack, bottle jets, and Wash Zone technology capable of running a half load of dishes.
Disadvantages of GE Dishwashers
- Drying Performance: Plastic items are among the most difficult to dry, and these dishwashers were good, not great, at drying—meaning some water droplets remained on the plastic.
- Cycle Time: Each dishwasher used 6 gallons of water to wash our test load and took 150 to 155 minutes (some models in our tests take as little as 95 minutes).
- Reliability Concerns: Purchased our dishwasher under a month ago 10/6/2024. The control panel started making choices on its own. It locked and went on a delay that could not be changed. Called and spent over an hour trying to fix the issue on the phone. Nothing they suggested worked, we agreed that the panel may need replaced.
User Experiences
Customers have good things to say about the dishwasher’s quiet operation, excellent cleaning performance, and the convenient third rack. Many appreciate its ease of use and the added benefit of bottle jets. However, some users note that the wash cycles are lengthy, and a few have expressed concerns about the control panel’s sensitivity and the door’s sturdiness. Overall, the positive feedback on cleaning and features outweighs the negative comments on cycle time and controls.
Overall I’ve been very happy with this product. You can hear it while working but it isn’t terribly loud. I’ve decided I’m not a fan of controls at the top of door but it was my choice to try this model. I found I need to dry on high setting otherwise dishes are still very wet but other than that it’s a great machine. Liking the 3rd rack as well. Also-had a great experience with Best Buy! Purchase and installation process went very smoothly.
In-Depth Analysis
GE dishwashers strike a balance between affordability and performance, making them a solid choice for many households. The brand’s focus on features like the Piranha Hard Food Disposer and Dry Boost technology addresses common pain points like food residue and wet dishes. However, the longer cycle times and occasional reliability issues suggest that GE may not be the best fit for those prioritizing speed or absolute dependability. Compared to competitors like Bosch, which is praised for its impeccable cleaning and quieter operation (see Consumer Reports), GE offers more budget-friendly options but may lag in drying efficiency. For those willing to spend more, the GE Profile line provides a premium experience with advanced features like Microban coating, which reduces bacterial growth and odors, a feature not commonly found in standard models.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do GE dishwashers typically last?
GE dishwashers generally have a lifespan of around 10 years with proper maintenance. Regular cleaning of filters and avoiding overloading can extend their durability.
2. Are GE dishwashers quiet enough for open-plan homes?
Yes, most GE dishwashers operate between 39-50 dBA, which is comparable to a soft whisper. Models like the GE Profile Series 39 dBA are ideal for open-plan spaces.
3. Do GE dishwashers require pre-rinsing?
No, features like the Piranha Hard Food Disposer and AutoSense Cycle handle food residue effectively, reducing the need for pre-rinsing.
4. Are GE dishwashers energy-efficient?
Many GE models are ENERGY STAR® certified, saving approximately $35 annually on utility bills and 1,600 gallons of water over their lifetime.
5. What’s the difference between GE and GE Profile dishwashers?
GE Profile is a premium line with advanced features like Microban coating, quieter operation, and smart technology, while standard GE models focus on affordability and basic functionality.