Dishwashers have a pretty simple task: getting dishes clean. But you should expect a little more from the best dishwashers. A good dishwasher should thoroughly clean your dishes and leave them decently dry. The quietest dishwashers 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. An energy-efficient machine is gentle on the environment and can save you money, too. The best dishwasher features for you will depend on your needs and preferences, but a few things are desirable for just about anyone. A stainless steel interior tub is better than plastic because it’s more durable and stainproof.
Top Dishwasher Picks for 2025
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. Until recently, many dishwashers qualified as Energy Star–certified, which means that, on average, they use 12% less energy and 30% less water than standard dishwashers. New qualification criteria for dishwashers were released in July 2025, and many dishwashers no longer qualify for Energy Star certification. Our top pick (the Miele G5008), upgrade pick (the Miele G7216), and best-for pick (the Caf¨¦ CDT888) are all Energy Star–certified under the new standards.
Miele G5008: Best Overall Dishwasher
This entry-level Miele model has quiet and effective cycles, an easily navigable control panel, and powerful cleaning ability. Miele is known for its reliability and durability. It delivers sparkling-clean dishes, and it’s quiet and easy to use. In our most recent round of testing, we evaluated standard-size, 24-inch built-in dishwashers. The G5008 consistently performed well, leaving dishes spotless even with tough stains like peanut butter and baked-on pasta.
Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N: Best for Quiet Performance
Bosch has a reputation for high-end performance, and it doesn’t disappoint with the Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N dishwasher. It’s the personal pick of our U.S. Editor, Mike Prospero, who was amazed at how quietly the dishwasher runs. He says it’s so quiet that he can hardly hear it, even in the kitchen. He often has to check the InfoLight below the handle to ensure it’s on, which he says is a good visual indicator, and is especially welcome for something that runs so quietly. He even tested it to check the decibel level, which he registered at between 47-50 dB, slightly higher than the 44 decibels claimed by Bosch. With an overall rating of 4.6/5 stars out of 9,760 reviews at Lowes, consumers are generally thrilled with this dishwasher’s cleaning performance and reliability, noting that it’s exceptionally quiet in use. Plus, the third rack and the flexibility of rack height and foldable tines are especially appreciated. Shop Bosch 500 Series on Amazon.
Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ: Best Budget Option
This affordable Whirlpool dishwasher offers the basics of what you’ll need, with 5 wash cycles and 2 dry cycles. For less than $500 for a full-size appliance, Whirlpool offers a reliable, no-frills model with more than five figures of positive ratings, which still includes many of the amenities of more expensive models. An in-door silverware rack creates additional space in the basin, which can store up to 14 place settings. For your savings, you still get a stainless steel finish, as well as heavy, normal, high-temperature, and one-hour wash cycle options with sanitized and heated dry options. At 55 decibels, this Whirlpool model is well within the range of the average noise level for dishwashers. This model wasn’t as aesthetically pleasing in person but it offered well-organized racks and was roomy inside. Shop Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ on Amazon.
Midea MDT24H3AST: Best Value for Features
The Midea MDT24H3AST is one of those rare finds that offers many of the high-end features above while still being affordable. In fact, the dishwasher is available for under $500, making it an ideal option for first-time homeowners and anyone else on a budget. The Midea ticks all the boxes: It features an adjustable upper rack that’s also removable, a stainless steel interior, an interior light, and a removable silverware basket. It’s also spacious enough for 16 place settings, allowing you to fit an array of dishes, pots and pans, and other cookware. There’s also a third track for utensils, spatulas, and measuring cups. In addition to a cleverly designed interior, the Midea is very quiet. More affordable dishwashers tend to be noisier – look around and you’ll see a lot of options rated at 50 dBA and above. This model boasts a sound rating of 45 dBA, which is on par with more expensive options. Shop Midea MDT24H3AST on Amazon.
Testing Methodology and Scenarios
When we test dishwashers, we get things dirty-very dirty. For our most recent round of testing, we loaded a dozen dishwashers with piles of gunk-smeared dishes and ran more than a hundred cleaning cycles to find the best machines for the job. Testing a dishwasher isn’t the same as running a load after a dinner party. Our assessments are designed to challenge a dishwasher and push it to its limits. (And no, we don’t prerinse the dishes.) We test each dishwasher with an average load of a five-person household, including plates, bowls, silverware, glasses, and mugs. Determining what to dirty the dishes with is the next challenge. We want to see how a dishwasher handles broad categories of foods, like starches, fats, leafy greens, and baked-on fare. We also target specific troublemakers suggested by our readers and experience, including avocado and peanut butter.
We test multiple foods at a time on each of our five large dinner plates. We paint each section of a plate with a different food-typically jam, peanut butter, creamed spinach, egg yolk, a mixture of tomato and rice, or mashed-up pasta with red sauce. Some of the plates are left out to air-dry overnight. Others are microwaved for three minutes to really bake on the substances. We call these ones the impossible plates-most dishwashers struggle to clean them. After we finish prepping dinner plates, the insides of cereal bowls get a light layer of oatmeal, yogurt, or jam. We smear salad plates with either ranch dressing and greens, soy sauce, or microwaved beans and cheese. Every load includes a casserole dish with baked-on cheesy pasta and red sauce. Every test load includes five place settings covered in a stubborn mess.
Using Wirecutter’s spreadsheet method, we keep track of every speck, splotch, and streak of leftover goop remaining on the dishes. We place each item onto a white tray and snap a photo before taking detailed notes about what we see. When testing wraps, we tally the results and assign each dishwasher a score, which helps guide our final decisions.
Pros and Cons of Top Picks
| Model | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Miele G5008 | Exceptional cleaning, quiet operation (42 dBA), Energy Star-certified, durable stainless steel tub | Higher price point, limited cycle customization |
| Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N | Extremely quiet (44-50 dBA), third rack, flexible tines, Energy Star-certified | Inconsistent cleaning in some tests, slightly pricier than budget options |
| Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ | Affordable, reliable, 14 place settings, multiple cycle options | Louder (55 dBA), less aesthetically pleasing, plastic tub |
| Midea MDT24H3AST | Budget-friendly, quiet (45 dBA), 16 place settings, stainless steel interior | Fewer advanced features, less brand recognition |
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Dishwasher
Key Features to Consider
- Cleaning Performance: A good dishwasher should thoroughly clean your dishes and leave them decently dry. Models with soil sensors can automatically detect how dirty your dishes are and adjust water usage accordingly, ensuring clean dishes while conserving water.
- Noise Level: The quietest dishwashers we recommend keep the noise level to a minimum. Look for models rated at 45 dBA or lower for near-silent operation.
- Energy Efficiency: Most modern dishwashers are efficient, even if they aren’t Energy Star certified. The agency announced new standards in 2025, so models that were previously certified may no longer meet the latest standards. Check the EnergyGuide label for annual energy consumption estimates.
- Capacity and Racks: Consider the number of place settings and whether the dishwasher has a third rack or adjustable tines for flexibility. Larger households may need 14-16 place settings.
- Durability: A stainless steel interior tub is better than plastic because it’s more durable and stainproof. A plastic tub is a reliable sign that your dishwasher wasn’t built to last.
Types of Dishwashers
In general, dishwashers can be broken down into two main categories: built-in dishwashers and portable dishwashers, such as countertop dishwashers. In recent years, the drawer dishwasher has taken on popularity for its sleek appearance, compact nature, and efficiency. The drawer dishwasher is installed beneath your countertop and it’s ideal for small spaces and households with minimal dishwashing needs. If you can’t install a dishwasher, you aren’t necessarily doomed to hand-washing duty. A portable dishwasher clamps to a faucet when you need it and can roll away (and turn into extra counter space) when you don’t.
Budget Considerations
- 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. These dishwashers are relatively noisy.
- $500 to $1,000: Many models in this price range earn our top ratings for cleaning performance as well as predicted reliability. They also often have at least a few convenient features, like adjustable racks, a third rack, and quiet operation.
- More than $1,000: Dishwashers above this price have elevated style and are fully loaded with special features, so you don’t have to pick and choose.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Dishwasher
- Avoid Prerinsing: This advice may sound blasphemous to some, but in our many years of reporting, all of the experts we’ve spoken with have emphasized the pointlessness of prerinsing dishes. Our dishwasher testing has also confirmed this: Even mediocre dishwashers can clean unrinsed dishes.
- Use Quality Detergent: A generic dishwasher detergent has far fewer and weaker ingredients than a pod like Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs, the top pick in our guide to dishwasher detergent. Before you stock up on dishwasher detergent, make sure it contains enzymes, which are the key ingredients in modern detergents.
- Clean the Filter: Dishwashers have filters to catch any chunks of food that are big enough to jam the system. You’ll just need to clean the filter periodically. Scraping instead of prerinsing also saves water.
For more tips, check out Wirecutter’s guide to using your dishwasher.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I clean my dishwasher?
You should clean your dishwasher’s filter every 1-3 months, depending on usage. Run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner like Affresh every 6 months to remove buildup and maintain performance.
2. Are Energy Star-certified dishwashers worth the extra cost?
Energy Star-certified models, like the Miele G5008 or Bosch 500 Series, save 12% on energy and 30% on water compared to standard models, which can lower utility bills over time. If your budget allows, they’re a smart investment.
3. Can I use regular dish soap in my dishwasher?
No, regular dish soap creates too much foam and can damage your dishwasher. Use dishwasher-specific detergents, preferably pods or powders with enzymes, for the best results.
4. What’s the difference between a plastic and stainless steel tub?
Stainless steel tubs are more durable, resist stains, and improve drying performance. Plastic tubs are cheaper but less reliable and prone to wear, which can affect cleaning over time.
5. How long should a dishwasher last?
A quality dishwasher, especially from brands like Miele or Bosch, can last 10-20 years with proper maintenance. Cheaper models with plastic tubs may only last 5-7 years.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dishwasher in 2025 comes down to balancing performance, features, and budget. The Miele G5008 stands out for its reliability and cleaning power, while the Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N offers near-silent operation. For budget-conscious buyers, the Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ and Midea MDT24H3AST deliver impressive value without sacrificing essential features. By considering factors like noise level, energy efficiency, and tub material, you can find a model that fits your household’s needs. Regular maintenance and quality detergent will ensure your dishwasher performs at its best for years to come.