Selecting a dishwasher that balances affordability, reliability, and performance is no small feat. In 2025, the market offers a range of models from trusted brands like Bosch, Miele, LG, and Whirlpool, each catering to different budgets and household needs. This guide compiles insights from rigorous testing and consumer feedback to highlight the top 10 dishwashers that deliver exceptional value for the price. From quiet operation to energy efficiency, these models stand out for their cleaning prowess, durability, and user-friendly features.
Top 10 Best Dishwashers for the Price in 2025
1. Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N
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. This dishwasher delivers across the board and is the choice of Mike Prospero, our U.S. Editor. It’s quiet to run, has a generous capacity and a third rack. Plus, this Bosch dishwasher is Energy Star certified and you could claim a rebate from your local utility company.
- Pros: Quiet at 44 dB, flexible third rack, Energy Star certified.
- Cons: Some users report rack design feels slightly cheap, occasional redeposit issues.
2. Miele G5008
This entry-level Miele model delivers sparkling-clean dishes, and it’s quiet and easy to use. 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. Miele consistently delivers premium products, and this dishwasher is no exception. Designed for longevity, many Miele owners I spoke to have owned their dishwashers for over 10 years. The experts I spoke to say the brand are renowned for lasting up to 15 years, which I think is fantastic value for money. This model received high praise in customer reviews for the easy, intuitive loading and the ‘literally squeaky clean’ results.
- Pros: Long lifespan (10-15 years), intuitive loading, excellent cleaning.
- Cons:
3. LG QuadWash Pro Smart Dishwasher
The LG consistently leaves everything sparkling clean and dry. Most dishwashers use humid air at the end of a cycle to air dry dishes. The LG QuadWash Pro, on the other hand, uses a powerful and efficient blower system similar to a convection oven that circulates the air at the end of the wash cycle to ensure your dishes are dry every time. From the dishwasher’s interior light to a removable cutlery basket with flip-down lids, you can open it in case your larger utensils won’t fit in the third rack-LG thought of almost everything. Our only complaint is some of its smart features aren’t always well… smart.
- Pros: Superior drying with blower system, sleek design, quiet at 42 dB.
- Cons: Smart features can be unreliable, higher price point.
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4. Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ
The Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ provides a good performance at a reasonable price, covering the basics of what a dishwasher should offer. It features the core settings you need, including Heavy, Boost and Normal cycles as well as two dry settings. Plus, extras include Quick Wash and High Temperature options, for added flexibility. Although, it is worth flagging that there’s no delay start and no fragile or glassware cycle, so if you often rely on those, you’d be best to check out one of the other dishwashers in this guide. But, otherwise the performance is reliable as well as constant – removing all traces of food in a single cycle.
- Pros: Budget-friendly, reliable cleaning, stainless steel finish.
- Cons: No delay start, noisy at 55 dB, plastic tub.
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5. Samsung Smart Linear Wash Dishwasher
What our editors say: Deputy editor Rebekah Lowin raves about this dishwasher, which she calls an ¡°outstanding, reliable model¡± she’d recommend to anyone. She tells us: ¡°The exterior looks just as sleek and polished in real life. I like that the third rack has an angled area that can accommodate coffee mugs and other slightly larger items. It’s also virtually silent, which we appreciate-we live in a one-bedroom apartment with a baby, so we’re particularly concerned about noise. We can run this overnight and during naps without waking him.¡±
- Pros: Ultra-quiet at 39 dB, smart connectivity, sleek design.
- Cons: Expensive, occasional connectivity issues.
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6. Beko DUT25401X
After testing the best affordable dishwashers, our evaluation found that the Beko DUT25401X offers the most value for its price by a large margin. It gets dishes spotless, but it won’t clean out your bank account. The Beko DUT25401X dishwasher features convenient racks that flip down for larger kitchen utensils. The Beko DUT25401X offers excellent, energy-efficient performance and an incredibly low price tag.
- Pros: Affordable, energy-efficient, strong cleaning performance.
- Cons: Limited brand recognition, fewer advanced features.
7. KitchenAid KDTM604KPS
Shop KitchenAid 24″ Top Control Built In Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher with 3rd Rack, Fan Enabled ProDry, 44 dBA Stainless Steel products at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Price Match Guarantee. Some of the quietest models, like the Kitchenaid KDFE204KPS, have advanced technology to keep the machine as quiet as 39 decibels when running.
- Pros: Quiet at 44 dB, third rack, reliable brand.
- Cons: Higher price, slower cycle times.
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8. GE Built-In Tall Tub Dishwasher
Best Value Dishwasher: 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. This dishwasher offers homeowners a quieter operation and a more durable stainless steel tub compared to Whirlpool’s plastic one.
- Pros: Affordable, durable stainless steel tub, good cleaning.
- Cons: No Energy Star certification, noisier at 50 dB.
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9. Frigidaire 24-Inch Front Control Dishwasher
Coming in with the most affordable price tag on this list, the Frigidaire 24-inch front control dishwasher offers two wash cycles, heated drying, and enough space to wash up to 14 place settings at once. Positive reviews often noted easy-to-use controls and programming, the space-saving silverware holder on the door, and a pleasingly sleek visual design.
- Pros: Very affordable, simple controls, decent capacity.
- Cons: Limited cycles, noisy, plastic tub.
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10. Hotpoint HIC3B19C
You really don’t have to break the bank in order to get a quality integrated dishwasher. Consider the Hotpoint HIC3B19C. This high-performing appliance offers a great choice of settings, user-friendly controls, and superb cleaning performance, all for less than half the price of some of the other dishwashers we’ve tested. The one major downside to the HIC3B19C is its energy efficiency rating: a lowly F grade.
- Pros: Budget-friendly, good cleaning, user-friendly controls.
- Cons: Poor energy efficiency, limited features.
Shop Hotpoint HIC3B19C on Amazon
Comparison Table of Top Dishwashers
| Model | Price Range | Noise Level (dB) | Capacity (Place Settings) | Energy Star Certified | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N | $800-$1,000 | 44 | 16 | Yes | Quiet operation, third rack |
| Miele G5008 | $1,000-$1,500 | 45 | 14 | Yes | Long lifespan, intuitive loading |
| LG QuadWash Pro | $1,200-$1,600 | 42 | 15 | Yes | Superior drying system |
| Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ | $400-$600 | 55 | 12 | No | Budget-friendly, reliable |
| Samsung Smart Linear Wash | $1,000-$1,300 | 39 | 15 | Yes | Ultra-quiet, smart features |
| Beko DUT25401X | $500-$700 | 48 | 14 | Yes | Affordable, energy-efficient |
| KitchenAid KDTM604KPS | $900-$1,200 | 44 | 16 | Yes | Quiet, third rack |
| GE Built-In Tall Tub | $500-$800 | 50 | 14 | No | Durable stainless steel tub |
| Frigidaire 24-Inch | $300-$500 | 52 | 14 | No | Very affordable, simple controls |
| Hotpoint HIC3B19C | $400-$600 | 49 | 10 | No | Budget-friendly, good cleaning |
Test Scenarios and Performance Insights
When we test dishwashers, we challenge them with dirtier loads than you would ever have at home. And, we never pre-rinse anything before loading it in. Plus we assess the capacity and flexibility of all the racks, trays and baskets and evaluate how easy each dishwasher is to use, load and program. Prior to testing the cleaning performance of various cycles, we uniformly apply, then bake-, dry- and burn-on mac and cheese, hamburger, oatmeal, egg yolk, milk and more to cookware and 10 five-piece settings of dishes, glassware, cups, saucers and flatware. CR’s dishwasher tests now consider how clean a machine gets dishes on both the top and bottom racks. In our labs, we put each dishwasher through around 30 hours of tough trials to evaluate its performance on both counts.
Key Test Observations
- Bosch 500 Series: Handled baked-on lasagna and crusted mac and cheese with ease, leaving no residue.
- Miele G5008: SaniWash cycle excelled at removing tough stains like egg yolk, ideal for families.
- LG QuadWash Pro: Dried plastics flawlessly, a standout in tests compared to humid-air drying models.
- Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ: Performed consistently on normal cycles but struggled with heavy pots without pre-rinsing.
- Samsung Smart Linear Wash: Quietest in tests, barely audible even in open-plan kitchens.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Dishwasher
When you’re looking for a dishwasher, there are a few questions you should ask yourself that will determine the model that’s right for you. Most dishwashers measure 24 inches wide and 24 inches deep. If you have a small kitchen, you might consider an 18-inch-wide dishwasher that’s 24 inches deep. Measure your space, and don’t forget to account for the adjustment of the leveling feet.
Key Considerations
- Budget: There are dishwashers to fit every budget. You could get a basic model with only a few cycles in a standard finish for less than $500. What you likely won’t get is a model with a wide assortment of cycles, stylized controls, flexible racks, a front panel that matches your cabinets or one that’s noticeably quiet.
- Noise Level: Most modern dishwashers are pretty quiet, reaching only 40 or 50 decibels. Some of the quietest models, like the Kitchenaid KDFE204KPS, have advanced technology to keep the machine as quiet as 39 decibels when running.
- Energy Efficiency: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Energy Star-certified dishwashers cost about $50 per year to operate and can save approximately 5,800 gallons of water over their lifetime.
- Features: The EPA recommends choosing a dishwasher with multiple wash cycle options. Models with soil sensors can automatically detect how dirty your dishes are and adjust water usage accordingly, ensuring clean dishes while conserving water.
- Reliability: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should a dishwasher last?
A well-maintained dishwasher typically lasts 9-13 years, depending on usage, water hardness, and build quality. Premium brands like Miele may last up to 20 years with proper care.
2. Is pre-rinsing dishes necessary?
No, modern dishwashers are designed to handle soiled dishes without pre-rinsing. Scraping off large food particles is usually sufficient, saving water and time.
3. What’s the benefit of a third rack?
A third rack provides extra space for utensils, small bowls, or coffee mugs, increasing capacity and flexibility, especially for larger households.
4. Are Energy Star-certified dishwashers worth it?
Yes, they use less water and energy, saving approximately $50 annually and 5,800 gallons of water over their lifetime, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective.
5. How can I maintain my dishwasher?
Clean the filter monthly, wipe the door seal, clear spray arms of debris, and run an empty cycle with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner every few months to prevent odors and limescale buildup.
Conclusion
The dishwashers highlighted in this guide offer a balance of affordability, reliability, and performance, making them top choices for 2025. Whether you prioritize quiet operation, advanced drying, or budget-friendly options, models like the Bosch 500 Series, Miele G5008, and LG QuadWash Pro cater to diverse needs. By considering factors like noise level, energy efficiency, and capacity, you can find a dishwasher that simplifies your kitchen routine while delivering sparkling results. For further insights, check out Consumer Reports’ Dishwasher Guide or Good Housekeeping’s Testing Reviews.