Dishwashers have become one of the key features in any modern cooking space. The first dishwashers were hand-turned, with the device patented in 1850. Dishwashing has come a long way since then. In what’s perhaps a bit of a surprise, 67.5% of American households in 2015 had a dishwasher, and more recently the trending notion of installing two dishwashers in the kitchen has hit the airwaves. With two, proponents argue that putting dishes away becomes a relic of old times, and the dishwashers can instead act as washing units and cabinets, all in one. Whether you’re hip to the idea of installing a second dishwasher or content with a solo installation, replacement will eventually become necessary. When you set out to find a new dishwasher, key features like cleaning power, reliability, and running cost will all factor heavily.
Top 10 Dishwashers for Sparkling Clean Dishes
1. Miele G5008
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. Of the dishwashers we tested, the Miele G5008 offers the best combination of cleaning power, usability, and reliability. It consistently delivered sparkling dishes, no matter which dishwasher detergent we used. Its roughly hour-long Quick wash cycle ranked among the best of the hour-long cycles we tested; only our upgrade pick cleaned better in such a short amount of time. The G5008 features a third rack and a height-adjustable middle rack. Its roomy bottom rack has a grid layout and a section with collapsible tines, allowing more flexibility for oddly shaped or large items, like big pots. (One quirk: You load the plates facing toward you, rather than toward the sides of the machine.) Shop Miele G5008 on Amazon
2. Bosch 800 Series
Bosch stood out as a dishwasher brand, followed by Miele and LG. Our trusted guide to the best dishwashers we’ve lab tested, with winners from Miele, Bosch 800 Series and Beko. Special Features: While all of the features in the world can’t make a bad dishwasher better, they can really add the finishing touch to a model that does a killer cleaning job. Adjustable upper racks are helpful when dealing with oddly shaped cups and bowls. Third racks are great for utensils that don’t seem to fit other places, and they often offer another option for loading cutlery and flatware. Most of the dishwashers we tested had the option for a delayed start, and all of them had stainless steel tubs, which are quieter than dishwashers with plastic ones. The ability to detect soil levels also is helpful with getting dishes sparkling clean. Shop Bosch 800 Series on Amazon
3. LG QuadWash Pro
Tests found that the one-hour cycle on this washer can even get the dirtiest of dishes sparkling clean thanks to its numerous high-pressure jets that spray your dishes from multiple angles. It also uses steam and bubbles to break down stubborn food residue. Not only does it clean fantastically (even when you load it to the brim) the QuadWash Pro has everything you’d want in a modern-day dishwasher. It has adjustable racks, fold-down tines, and a third rack for utensils, making it easy to load and unload dishes of all shapes and sizes. 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. Shop LG QuadWash Pro on Amazon
4. Whirlpool WDF520PADM
The third item to make the list of best dishwashers is the Whirlpool WDF520PADM. This simple unit comes in a few different finishes and is touted by experts for its affordability and performance. “The Whirlpool WDF520PADM has an unbeatable price but will still get your dishes sparkling clean and hey, that’s why you’re buying a dishwasher. It’s a nice-looking unit, especially if you opt for the stainless-steel finish,” writes Tom’s Guide. Many very good dishwasher options are available in the $500-to-$600 range, but for less than $500 for a full-size appliance, Whirlpool offers a reliable, no-frills model with over five figures of positive ratings, that still includes many of the amenities of the popular Bosch dishwasher above. Shop Whirlpool WDF520PADM on Amazon
5. Samsung Series 11 DW60A8060FS
Best freestanding dishwasher: Samsung Series 11 DW60A8060FS, £549. Updating your kitchen kit? We’ve talked to white goods experts to reveal the best dishwashers for all budgets, featuring Bosch, Beko, Samsung and more. Topping up the rinse aid will help to rinse the water off your dishes and glasses and give them a sparkling finish. You’ll also want to ensure your dishwasher has enough salt to remove the hardness from the water, which you can buy from Amazon and other major supermarkets. Shop Samsung Series 11 DW60A8060FS on Amazon
6. Bosch Series 6 SMV6ZCX10G
Best integrated dishwasher: Bosch Series 6 SMV6ZCX10G, £749. With room for 14 place settings and three drawers, this integrated dishwasher is cavernous in comparison to many – and it still fits into a standard sized bay. Testers liked the way it shines a light onto the floor so you can easily see that it’s running, and were fans of the soil level sensor, which adjusts the length of the cycle to suit the crockery that’s being cleaned. Shop Bosch Series 6 SMV6ZCX10G on Amazon
7. Café Double-Drawer
Cleaning Performance: Café’s double-drawer dishwasher consistently gets great reviews. The unique design makes cleaning small and large loads easy, with a powerful spray action that reaches all areas. Dishes come out sparkling clean, removing tough stains and food residues. The ability to run separate loads in each drawer is convenient, accommodating a wide range of dish types and soil levels. Drying Performance: Users generally like how well the Café dishwasher dries dishes. They say they come out mostly dry with minimal moisture left behind. The advanced drying technology ensures good results, even with plastic items. Shop Café Double-Drawer on Amazon
8. Honeywell 18-Inch
This 18-inch dishwasher is a solid choice for small kitchens or tight spaces. We found the Honeywell 18-inch dishwasher to be a great fit for compact kitchens. Its slim design doesn’t hog cabinet space. Setting it up was a breeze. We connected it to our kitchen faucet in minutes. The dishwasher has 8 wash cycles. We love the speed cycle for quick cleanups. It only takes 45 minutes to get dishes sparkling clean. This little powerhouse can wash up to 70 pieces of tableware. That’s enough for 2-3 people. Shop Honeywell 18-Inch on Amazon
9. GE Profile
KitchenAid, GE Appliances and Bosch are among the top brands we tested to find which dishwashers have the best cleaning performance. Our Cleaning Lab experts tested and recommend the best dishwashers from LG, GE, Bosch and others to get clean, dry, spot-free dishes, glassware and more. Shop GE Profile on Amazon
10. Beko
Our trusted guide to the best dishwashers we’ve lab tested, with winners from Miele, Bosch 800 Series and Beko. This sturdy dishwasher has a stainless steel tub and an effective wash system. It was the best dishwasher we tested that routinely goes on sale for less than $700. But its most effective cycles are longer than those of our other picks. Shop Beko on Amazon
Comparison Table of Top Dishwashers
| Model | Price Range | Key Features | Cleaning Performance | Drying Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miele G5008 | $$$ | Third rack, adjustable middle rack, Quick wash cycle | Excellent, sparkling clean | Good, enhanced by auto-open door |
| Bosch 800 Series | $$$ | Adjustable racks, third rack, soil sensor | Excellent, consistent | Very good |
| LG QuadWash Pro | $$$ | High-pressure jets, steam cleaning, blower drying | Outstanding, even with heavy loads | Excellent, spot-free |
| Whirlpool WDF520PADM | $ | Basic features, stainless steel finish | Very good, reliable | Good |
| Samsung Series 11 | $$ | Rinse aid system, quiet operation | Very good | Good |
| Bosch Series 6 | $$$ | Soil sensor, light indicator, 14 place settings | Excellent | Very good |
| Café Double-Drawer | $$$ | Double-drawer design, powerful spray | Excellent, versatile | Good, minimal moisture |
| Honeywell 18-Inch | $ | 8 wash cycles, compact design | Very good for small loads | Good, extra drying function |
| GE Profile | $$ | Advanced cleaning cycles | Very good | Good |
| Beko | $$ | Stainless steel tub, effective wash system | Good, longer cycles | Good |
Pros and Cons of Top Dishwashers
Miele G5008
- Pros: Exceptional cleaning, quiet operation, durable, high owner satisfaction
- Cons: Plates load facing forward, higher price point
Bosch 800 Series
- Pros: Reliable brand, adjustable racks, quiet stainless steel tub
- Cons: Premium pricing, some cycles lengthy
LG QuadWash Pro
- Pros: Powerful cleaning with steam, excellent drying, flexible loading
- Cons: Higher cost, complex features may overwhelm some users
Whirlpool WDF520PADM
- Pros: Affordable, reliable, good performance for price
- Cons: Lacks advanced features, basic design
Testing Scenarios for Dishwashers
To evaluate each model’s cleaning prowess, our testers apply a consistent amount of starchy goop to 12 white ceramic plates. (The recipe is a secret, but cocoa is involved.) Then they bake each plate until it’s crusty, load the plates into the dishwasher without prerinsing, and run the default cleaning cycle. Afterward, our imaging software compares before and after photos of each plate to precisely analyze how much gunk remains. The Miele G5008 cleaned very well in our tests, regardless of what detergent we used. The Quick cycle (which uses sensors to determine the size of the load and set the time) is one of the most effective hour-long cycles we tested, making quick work of baked egg, stubborn grease splatter, and tomato juice.
Buying Guide for Dishwashers
- Consider Space: Measure your kitchen space. Standard dishwashers are 24 inches wide, but compact models like the Honeywell 18-inch are ideal for smaller kitchens.
- Check Capacity: Look for place settings (e.g., Bosch Series 6 holds 14). Larger families need higher capacity.
- Evaluate Features: Adjustable racks, third racks, and soil sensors enhance usability. Models like LG QuadWash Pro offer steam cleaning for tough stains.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for Energy Star certification, as seen in some Bosch and Miele models, to save water and electricity.
- Noise Level: Quiet models (e.g., Miele G5008, Bosch 800 Series) operate below 50 dB, ideal for open-plan homes.
- Budget: Entry-level models like Whirlpool WDF520PADM offer value, while premium models like Miele provide advanced features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable dishwasher brand?
Bosch, Miele, and LG consistently rank high for reliability based on consumer reviews and lab tests, with Miele often leading in owner satisfaction.
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
Clean your dishwasher every 1-2 months. Run a cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack to neutralize odors and remove buildup.
Do I need to pre-rinse dishes before loading?
Most modern dishwashers, like the LG QuadWash Pro, don’t require pre-rinsing. Scraping off large food particles is usually enough.
What’s the benefit of a third rack?
A third rack, found in models like the Miele G5008 and Bosch 800 Series, provides extra space for utensils and small items, improving organization and cleaning efficiency.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dishwasher depends on your kitchen size, budget, and cleaning needs. From the premium Miele G5008 to the budget-friendly Whirlpool WDF520PADM, these top 10 models deliver sparkling clean dishes with varying features to suit every household. For more information on maintaining your dishwasher, visit Consumer Reports.