In 2025, the demand for quiet dishwashers has surged, driven by open-plan living spaces where kitchen noise can disrupt conversations, TV viewing, or sleep. Modern dishwashers combine silent operation with powerful cleaning and energy efficiency, making them a must-have for households prioritizing peace and performance. This guide highlights the best quiet dishwashers of 2025, focusing on models with low decibel ratings (dBA), exceptional cleaning, and eco-friendly features. We’ve compiled insights from rigorous testing, customer reviews, and expert evaluations to help you choose the perfect model.
Why Choose a Quiet Dishwasher?
The importance of a quiet dishwasher extends beyond mere convenience. In homes where the kitchen is the heart of daily activities, a noisy appliance can be more than just an annoyance-it can disrupt conversations, interrupt TV viewing, or even disturb sleep if your bedrooms are near the kitchen. For those with open floor plans, the need for quiet home appliances becomes even more critical, as sound travels freely through these spacious layouts. A quiet dishwasher can be a game-changer for many households. From enjoying after-dinner conversation in the kitchen to homes where the living room or bedrooms are in close proximity to the kitchen, a quiet dishwasher gives households the flexibility to run the dishwasher at any time without noisy interruptions.
Understanding Decibel Ratings
Decibel Rating: Measured in A-weighted decibels, the decibel level refers to the sound generated by the dishwasher while in operation. Decibel ratings around 40 are considered quiet, comparable to the sound of someone typing on a keyboard. The decibel scale is logarithmic, so 50 dBA is twice as loud as 40 dBA. Manufacturers report a model’s noise level in decibels, averaging the readings over the dishwasher’s full cycle. You can’t hear a dishwasher at 44 decibels. If you buy a dishwasher strictly for its low noise level, you do not need a dishwasher with a sound level below 44 decibels.
Top Picks for Quiet Dishwashers in 2025
Below are the standout quiet dishwashers for 2025, selected for their silent operation, cleaning prowess, and user-friendly features. Each model has been tested in real-world scenarios to ensure reliability and performance.
Bosch 800 Series SHPM88Z75N – Best Overall Quiet Dishwasher
The best quiet dishwasher is the Bosch 800 Series SHPM88Z75N. It offers excellent, reliable cleaning, can remove difficult food remnants, and will deliver dry dishes after its wash cycles. This Bosch with PrecisionControl lets you select a light, medium or heavy wash in each quadrant of the lower rack so now, you can place items where they fit best and still get safe, effective cleaning. In our Cleaning Lab tests, this dishwasher loaded, cleaned and dried like a dream and it has a great capacity. At the end of the cycle, a hidden chamber of minerals draws in the moist air, dries it and emits it back into the dishwasher as heat for better drying performance, even on plastics – making it a recent 2025 Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning & Organizing Award winner. It clocks in at an ultra quiet 40 dB in sound tests. It incorporates all of the key Bosch technologies, including the CrystalDry feature for a bone-dry finish.
- Pros: Exceptional cleaning, whisper-quiet 40 dBA, CrystalDry for superior drying, spacious third rack.
- Cons: Premium price, no water softener included.
Shop Bosch 800 Series on Amazon
Miele G 7566 SCVi SF – Premium Silent Performer
The Miele G 7566 SF is capable of some impressive cleaning power and it does it all at an incredibly quiet 40 dBA. In our lab testing, we found it’s able to clear away nearly 100% of food stains from dishes-it was shy of a perfect score by a fraction of a percent. The G 7566 also features an automatic detergent dispenser that works with a proprietary PowerDisk detergent pod, and after a wash cycle, the dishwasher automatically pops open to help air dry your dishes. The cleaning performance was outstanding – even on the QuickIntenseWash cycle with our toughest messes – as all items emerged squeaky clean and noticeably shiny. Plus, we found the controls easy to navigate and the racks easy to load and adjust.
- Pros: Near-perfect cleaning, AutoDos detergent system, ultra-quiet 40 dBA, durable build.
- Cons: High cost, proprietary detergent pods add expense.
GE Caf¨¦ CDT875M5NS5 – Quiet and Stylish
The GE Caf¨¦ CDT875M5NS5 does a lot of things right. It looks amazing, has good cleaning capabilities, feels easy and intuitive to use, dries well, and has a ton of extras we love, like a third rack, smart features, and bottle jets. It’s also one of the quietest dishwashers we’ve ever tested, falling at a whisper-quiet 39 dBA. This makes it one of the quietest dishwashers we’ve ever tested. In testing, this thorough cleaner consistently and easily erased the messiest soils, including baked-on grease, burned milk, and a range of difficult stains (including oatmeal and avocado) from cutlery.
- Pros: 39 dBA noise level, excellent cleaning, stylish design, smart features.
- Cons: Inconsistent cleaning on some stains, expensive.
Shop GE Caf¨¦ CDT875M5NS5 on Amazon
Samsung Top Control Dishwasher – Best for Large Households
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.
- Pros: 39 dBA, large capacity, Wi-Fi connectivity, effective cleaning.
- Cons: Drying performance inconsistent, longer cycle times.
Shop Samsung Top Control on Amazon
KitchenAid KDFE204KPS – Best Budget Quiet Option
The KitchenAid KDFE204KPS keeps noise to a minimum without sacrificing performance. At 39 dBA, it’s a joint second in quiet operation. Thanks to its noise-reducing triple filtration system, it’s a great candidate for an open-plan kitchen. It doesn’t disappoint cleaning-wise. The ProWash cycle stands out, with nifty sensors detecting the level of dirt and adjusting the wash accordingly. It makes drying a breeze, with the Heat Dry option giving dishes a final blast of heat.
- Pros: Affordable, 39 dBA, reliable cleaning, smudge-resistant finish.
- Cons: Rack layout less flexible, shorter warranty.
Shop KitchenAid KDFE204KPS on Amazon
Comparison Table of Top Quiet Dishwashers
| Model | Noise Level (dBA) | Key Features | Price Range | Energy Star Certified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 800 Series SHPM88Z75N | 40 | CrystalDry, PrecisionControl, third rack | $1,300-$1,500 | Yes |
| Miele G 7566 SCVi SF | 40 | AutoDos, PowerDisk, auto-open door | $2,000-$2,500 | Yes |
| GE Caf¨¦ CDT875M5NS5 | 39 | Smart features, bottle jets, third rack | $1,600-$1,900 | Yes |
| Samsung Top Control | 39 | Wi-Fi, AquaBlast, flexible third rack | $1,000-$1,200 | Yes |
| KitchenAid KDFE204KPS | 39 | ProWash cycle, triple filtration, Heat Dry | $800-$1,000 | Yes |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
To evaluate these dishwashers, experts conducted rigorous lab tests simulating real-world conditions. Dishes were soiled with tough stains like baked-on grease, burned milk, oatmeal, and avocado. Testers used photo-imaging software to compare before-and-after photos to determine cleaning effectiveness. Drying performance was assessed by checking water residue, especially on plastic items, which are harder to dry. Noise levels were measured across full cycles, accounting for spikes from detergent doors or drain pumps. Energy efficiency was evaluated by measuring water and energy consumption during standard cycles. For example, the Bosch 800 Series cleaned over 99% of stains in tests, while the Miele G 7566 was just shy of a perfect score. The GE Caf¨¦ excelled in drying but showed slight inconsistencies with certain stains.
Real-World User Feedback
Happy Samsung customers said that this dishwasher was remarkably quiet, effective at cleaning, and convenient to use with its mobile app. Positive reviews praised the KitchenAid dishwasher for its near-silent operation, sturdy construction, and thorough cleaning. Conversely, some critical reviewers felt that the design of the racks was cumbersome and limiting. The Miele G 7566 received praise for its shiny, squeaky-clean results, though some users noted the cost of proprietary detergent pods as a drawback. The Bosch 800 Series was lauded for being so quiet that a red dot indicator is needed to show it’s running.
Buying Guide for Quiet Dishwashers
Choosing the right quiet dishwasher involves weighing multiple factors like size, features, noise level, and price. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make an informed decision:
- Assess Noise Level: Look for models below 44 dBA for near-silent operation. Check for Quiet Mark certification for verified low noise.
- Evaluate Cleaning Performance: Prioritize dishwashers with soil sensors and adjustable wash cycles for thorough cleaning.
- Check Drying Capabilities: Features like auto-open doors or fan-assisted drying (e.g., Bosch CrystalDry) ensure dry dishes.
- Consider Capacity: Full-size models fit 12-15 place settings, while slimline models handle 8-10 for smaller households.
- Look for Energy Efficiency: Energy Star-certified models use less water (3.5 gallons/cycle) and energy, saving costs over time.
- Budget and Features: Models under $1,000 offer quiet operation and solid performance, while premium models add smart features and sleek designs.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
- Clean Filters Regularly: Modern dishwasher filters are designed to be really efficient with energy and water, so are more sensitive than older ones.
- Keep Salt Topped Up: Salt is used to clean the water softener, so without it the dishwasher will get scaled up, causing elements to burn out.
- Be Gentle with Controls: Make sure you don’t press the buttons too hard as it can bend the printed circuit board (PCB) behind.
For more maintenance tips, visit Consumer Reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the quietest dishwasher available in 2025?
The GE Caf¨¦ CDT875M5NS5 and Samsung Top Control Dishwasher both operate at 39 dBA, among the quietest tested in 2025, with excellent cleaning and drying performance.
Are quiet dishwashers less effective at cleaning?
Not at all. Many of the quietest dishwashers, like the Bosch 800 Series and Miele G 7566, are also top performers, using advanced spray arms and sensors to ensure thorough cleaning.
How much should I spend on a quiet dishwasher?
Quiet dishwashers range from $800 (KitchenAid KDFE204KPS) to over $2,000 (Miele G 7566). For most households, models around $1,000-$1,500 offer a great balance of silence, performance, and features.
Do quiet dishwashers use more energy?
No, many quiet dishwashers are Energy Star-certified, using minimal water and energy. For example, the Bosch 800 Series and Samsung Top Control use about 3.5 gallons per cycle, saving water compared to hand-washing.
How can I tell if a dishwasher is running if it’s so quiet?
Many quiet models, like the Bosch 800 Series, feature indicator lights or project cycle status onto the floor. Some, like the Samsung, notify you via a smartphone app or even your TV.
Conclusion
The best quiet dishwashers of 2025 combine silent operation with powerful cleaning and energy efficiency. Whether you prioritize premium features (Miele G 7566), stylish design (GE Caf¨¦ CDT875M5NS5), or budget-friendly performance (KitchenAid KDFE204KPS), there’s a model to suit your needs. Use our buying guide and comparison table to find the perfect dishwasher for your home, and enjoy sparkling dishes without the noise.