Choosing the right built-in dishwasher can transform your kitchen experience, saving time, water, and energy while delivering sparkling clean dishes. After extensive research, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the best-rated built-in dishwashers of 2025, drawing from trusted sources like Consumer Reports, Wirecutter, and Good Housekeeping. This article highlights top models, their features, pros and cons, a buying guide, and answers to common questions to help you make an informed decision.
Top Picks for Built-In Dishwashers
1. Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N
The Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N is a near-perfect dishwasher. It scrubbed out every stain we threw at it, in record time, and has great smart features. This model scored a whopping 99 out of 100 on our scorecard, and stands out from competitors thanks to its quiet operation at only 42 dBA, CrystalDry technology for bone-dry plastics, and flexible third rack. In addition, it includes Wi-Fi compatibility that allows you to remotely monitor and control the dishwasher from your smartphone. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Exceptional cleaning performance, whisper-quiet at 42 dB, CrystalDry technology for superior drying, adjustable racks, smart home connectivity.
- Cons: Premium price point, no Energy Star certification listed.
2. Miele G5008
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. Miele is known for its reliability, durability, and owner satisfaction. 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. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Built to last 20 years, quiet at 40 dB, AutoDos detergent dispensing, flexible loading for delicate items.
- Cons: High initial cost, AutoDos PowerDisks are pricey after the free 6-month supply.
3. Samsung Top Control Dishwasher
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 dishwasher features a large capacity, which can accommodate as many as 15 table settings. When our team examined this product in person, we were impressed with the flexible positioning of its racks. The second rack features adjustable angle tines for positioning mugs and glassware, while the third rack, despite being on the smaller end, was ideal for positioning flatware. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Ultra-quiet at 39 dBA, smart technology with Wi-Fi, large capacity, auto-release door for drying.
- Cons: Some users report redeposit issues, third rack is smaller than competitors.
4. LG QuadWash Pro 24-Inch Smart Dishwasher
With new technology and a focus on efficiency, the LG QuadWash Pro 24-inch Smart Dishwasher aims to help those looking to spend more time doing the things they love and less time worrying about the dishes. LG dishwashers stand out for their smart features, modern design, and slightly quieter operation. They offer Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, voice commands, and LED interior lighting. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Smart home integration, stylish design, quiet operation, effective cleaning.
- Cons: Heated-dry cycles run long, racks less user-friendly than Bosch or Miele.
5. GE Built-In Tall Tub Dishwasher
Dimensions: 33.9 x 23.6 x 23.8 inches | dBA: 50 | Capacity: 14 place settings | Finishes: 3 | Racks: 3 | Energy Star certified: No. While this dishwasher doesn’t have an Energy Star certification listed, it does use PureDry technology, a closed drying system that doesn’t use a heating element (a bonus for your plastics). Plus, there’s a half-load cycle option for smaller loads. The icing on the cake is its streamlined look, from the front control panel to the recessed handle to the fingerprint-resistant finish that keeps smudges at bay. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Affordable, reliable performance, fingerprint-resistant finish, PureDry technology.
- Cons: Louder at 50 dB, no Energy Star certification.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Built-In Dishwasher
Buying a new dishwasher is a highly personal choice, one that depends on factors like the size of your household, your noise tolerance, and how often you prefer unloading your dishwasher. Below, a breakdown of key factors to keep in mind.
Capacity
Many dishwashers offer capacity in terms of place settings, helping you to figure out how many people or meals you can serve before you’ll need to wash up. On average, built-in models can tackle about 12 place settings in a single cycle, whereas large-capacity machines can accommodate 14 to 16 place settings. Multiple models on this list, including GE’s Built-In Tall-Tub Dishwasher, our best value pick, can hold 14 settings.
Noise Level
In our experience, dishwashers that fall around 45 decibels on average are practically silent (unless you’re standing right next to them). Noise starts to get bothersome at around 55 decibels. Dishwashers with stainless steel tubs are typically quieter than those with plastic or hybrid (plastic and stainless steel) tubs. Noise levels can also differ between cycles, such as Gentle or Heavy.
Energy Efficiency
Farook Member, Director & Kitchen Appliance Expert at QS Supplies, advised me to look for dishwashers with an Energy Star rating, which certifies that the machine uses at least 12% less energy and 30% less water than standard models. The latest dishwasher models tend to be much more energy efficient. If you opt for one which is Energy Star certified, it will only cost about $35 a year to run, saving on overall water and energy consumption.
Features
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. Adjustable racks, automatic open-door drying, and smart connectivity are also worth considering. Ian Palmer-Smith, an appliance repair expert at Domestic & General, recommended: ‘avoiding dishwashers with plastic interiors. Flimsy racks are also worth avoiding as they will fall apart much quicker than sturdy ones.’
In-Depth Analysis and User Experience
In Consumer Reports’ labs, testers load each of our dishwasher candidates with 12 dirtied ceramic plates and run a regular cleaning cycle. Our experts also assess how well each model can dry dishes—and they take an especially close look at plastic items, which dishwashers tend to have more trouble drying. For noise, a panel of judges listens to an entire dishwasher cycle to identify “any annoying noises,” as Larry Ciufo, who oversees dishwasher testing at CR, puts it. The dishwashers that make the least racket throughout the cycle receive the highest scores for noise. We also incorporate feedback from the tens of thousands of Consumer Reports members who take our annual dishwasher survey. This data helps us predict which brands may be the most reliable and which ones owners would recommend to friends and family members.
I read over 1,000 customer reviews, interviewed cleaning and repair experts, and visited five showrooms to find the best dishwasher for your kitchen. As a cook and keen host, I want something spacious and efficient, with plenty of adjustability for my whisks, tall blender pitchers, and best air fryer baskets. I also need a quiet dishwasher, as I have an open-plan dining space, and I’d like to run cycles at night.
Bosch became very successful in N. America because they innovated the market with how quiet their DW’s were. And they still are. One of the ways they did this was with increased insulation but also with a design that include filters to clean the water. Unlike American style DW’s that often used food eviscerators (food choppers) to help clean food waste from the water, Bosch designs eliminated that source of noise. Point being, the American style DW’s were almost always louder (50 dcbl or higher) and Bosch set a new bar for quiet which was super important as trends in house plans moved away from closed kitches to open style where noise can really create problems with enjoying meals and/or entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to pre-rinse dishes before loading them into the dishwasher?
A: Modern dishwashers, especially those with soil sensors like the Bosch 800 Series or Samsung models, are designed to handle food residue without pre-rinsing. Scraping off large food scraps is sufficient. Pre-rinsing can waste water and reduce the effectiveness of some detergents.
Q: How often should I clean my dishwasher?
A: Clean your dishwasher every 3-6 months to prevent buildup of grease, limescale, and odors. Run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of vinegar, and regularly clean the filter and spray arms.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors worth the extra cost?
A: Yes, stainless steel interiors are more durable, resistant to stains, and often quieter than plastic tubs. They also improve drying performance, making them a worthwhile investment for long-term use.
Q: What’s the benefit of smart features in dishwashers?
A: Smart features, like those in LG and Samsung models, allow you to monitor cycles, receive maintenance alerts, and start the dishwasher remotely via an app. They’re convenient for busy households but may not be essential for everyone.
Q: How long should a dishwasher last?
A: A quality dishwasher from brands like Bosch or Miele can last 10-20 years with proper maintenance. Miele models, in particular, are engineered for a 20-year lifespan.