In 2025, dishwashers have evolved into highly efficient appliances that save time, water, and energy compared to hand-washing. With advanced features like soil sensors, adjustable racks, and smart connectivity, modern dishwashers cater to diverse household needs. This guide highlights the top 10 dishwashers for efficient cleaning, based on rigorous testing and expert reviews, to help you find the perfect model for your kitchen.
Top 10 Dishwashers for 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. With an overall rating of 4.6/5 stars out of 9,760 reviews at Lowes, consumers are generally thrilled with this dishwasher 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.
- Pros: Quiet operation (44-50 dB), excellent cleaning, third rack, adjustable tines, Energy Star certified.
- Cons: Slightly higher noise than advertised, premium price.
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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. Modern dishwashers tend to be very efficient. 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. In almost any scenario, whether or not they are Energy Star–certified, dishwashers save significant amounts of water and energy compared with hand-washing dishes, which guzzles between 9 and 27 gallons of water (depending on your wash style) and up to double the water-heating energy.
- Pros: Exceptional cleaning, Energy Star certified, quiet, reliable, long lifespan (10-15 years).
- Cons: Higher initial cost, limited smart features.
3. LG QuadWash
Holding up to 15 place settings (including a third cutlery rack), you can have the whole gang over without dreading the cleanup. Between its capacity, supercharged spray nozzles, steam jets and dish-drying capabilities-plus its midrange price tag-we think this is one of the most efficient models you can purchase. What our editors say: Executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers, who put the LG QuadWash through its paces for Forbes Vetted’s Best Product Awards, calls this dishwasher ¡°amazing.¡± She elaborates: ¡°It dries so well, plastic included, even without a rinse aid. Sometimes there would be some droplets left on tupperware if I didn’t put a rinse aid in, but this one had considerably better performance than many other dishwashers I’ve tried.¡±
- Pros: Excellent drying (TrueSteam technology), 15 place settings, quiet (46 dB), midrange price.
- Cons: Occasional greasy residue, touch controls can be tricky.
4. Samsung DW80R9950US
The Samsung DW80R9950US is the dishwasher to go for if quiet running is important to you. Rated at just 39 dB, it’s by far the quietest on our list and would be best for running through the night. It appears both minimalist and sleek in its design and comes with 3 racks and 15 place settings, which is enough for a family-sized load. The third rack is particularly handy as it allows you to remove the cutlery tray in the lower rack, giving you more space for plates and dishes. It’s also the most energy efficient full-size dishwasher on the list at just 239 kWH, so will save you money in the long run too. This Samsung dishwasher received an overall rating of 4.2/5 on Best Buy, from 1,976 reviews at the time of writing.
- Pros: Ultra-quiet (39 dB), energy-efficient (239 kWh), smart connectivity, adjustable third rack.
- Cons: Higher price, some users report minor drying issues.
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5. Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N
Our current highest-rated dishwasher, the Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N was capable of cleaning over 99% of our test stains, has some useful features for accommodating almost any dish you need to wash, comes equipped with smart features, and has a robust build backed by an excellent warranty that covers certain parts for up to 5 years with a lifelong guarantee on its stainless steel interior. Bosch is recognized as the more reliable and durable brand overall, with high performance in cleaning and drying.
- Pros: Near-perfect cleaning (99% stain removal), CrystalDry technology, smart features, long warranty.
- Cons: Expensive, no interior lights.
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6. Whirlpool WDF520PADM
The budget-friendly Whirlpool WDF520PADM dishwasher offers solid cleaning with 14 place settings, Energy Star certification, AccuSense sensor, and positive user feedback. This dishwasher rates an average of 4.1/5 stars on Whirlpool’s site, with similar ratings elsewhere. Users are happy with the quality of this appliance given the budget-friendly price tag, praising its hidden controls and cleaning performance. At 12 place settings, this dishwasher would suit a smaller household. Although, the design of the internal tub is spacious, with plenty of room in the lower rack for taller items.
- Pros: Affordable, reliable cleaning, Energy Star certified, spacious lower rack.
- Cons: Louder (52 dB), fewer cycle options.
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7. Maytag MDB9979SKZ
This Maytag cleans reallly well, dries anything including plastic items amazingly, and I love having a quiet machine that does not tell me that its MY JOB to clean its filter since even my old Hobart Kitchenaid never required that. FINALLY A QUIET MAYTAG: What sealed the deal was the sound level for two specific Maytag models. It comes in two versions due to handle style, but have the same exactc features otherwise. JUST THESE TWO Maytags have this lower sound rating at 44 dcbls!! When I saw this, my decision became easy for me. My Maytag cleans very well and can heat both water and has heated/fan drying.
- Pros: Quiet (44 dB), excellent drying, reliable, 10-year warranty on key components.
- Cons: Limited smart features, higher price than budget models.
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8. KitchenAid KDTM404KPS
¡°We have owned multiple dishwashers over the years and can honestly say that this KitchenAid puts them all to shame¡. The pros so far: 1) so quiet you literally have to look to see if it’s on and our kitchen and living area are open; 2) seems very substantial in construction, e.g., door is much heavier than previous dishwashers; 3) really holds lots of dirty dishes, especially with the third rack; and 4) cleans the dishes really well.¡± The third rack¡can hold 12 glasses and a bunch of silverware¡. It may be on the expensive end of dishwashers but it is absolutely 100% worth it!
- Pros: Quiet, robust build, large capacity, excellent cleaning.
- Cons: Expensive, bottom rack layout may not suit all dishes.
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9. GE Profile PDT715SYNFS
Best for Small Spaces: GE Profile ENERGY STAR 18″ ADA Compliant Stainless Steel Interior Dishwasher with Sanitize Cycle. It has a stainless-steel tub and a third rack for cutlery and small tools like whisks and ladles. Among its cycles, there’s one that washes and dries in just one hour and another that sanitizes. Its auto setting will clean and dry your dishes in just over 2 hours. At 46 dBA the Bosch 300 is so quiet that it projects a beam of light on the floor to let you know it’s running.
- Pros: Compact (18-inch), fast cycles, quiet (46 dB), sanitize option.
- Cons: Smaller capacity, higher price for size.
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10. Fisher & Paykel Double DishDrawer
When the dishes you need are sitting dirty in the dishwasher, it’s annoying to have to wait to fill it before running a load. Conversely, filling your sink with dirty dishes while waiting for your dishwasher to stop running is also inconvenient. Fisher & Paykel’s Double DishDrawer removes the frustration by giving you two drawers that can run separately. Simply fill them up one at a time and select from six different wash options (including Quick Wash and Heavy Duty) when it’s cleaning time. As an added convenience, the dishwasher is whisper-quiet at 46 dBA.
- Pros: Dual drawers, quiet (46 dB), flexible cycles, space-efficient.
- Cons: Expensive, plastic interior, detergent per drawer.
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Comparison Table of Top Dishwashers
| Model | Noise (dB) | Capacity (Place Settings) | Energy Star | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N | 44-50 | 16 | Yes | Third rack, InfoLight, adjustable tines | $900-$1,200 |
| Miele G5008 | 45 | 14 | Yes | AutoSensor, long lifespan | $1,200-$1,500 |
| LG QuadWash | 46 | 15 | Yes | TrueSteam, third rack | $800-$1,100 |
| Samsung DW80R9950US | 39 | 15 | Yes | SmartThings, ultra-quiet | $1,000-$1,300 |
| Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N | 42 | 16 | Yes | CrystalDry, smart features | $1,300-$1,600 |
| Whirlpool WDF520PADM | 52 | 12 | Yes | AccuSense sensor, budget-friendly | $400-$600 |
| Maytag MDB9979SKZ | 44 | 14 | Yes | Heated drying, 10-year warranty | $700-$900 |
| KitchenAid KDTM404KPS | 44 | 16 | Yes | Third rack, robust build | $1,100-$1,400 |
| GE Profile PDT715SYNFS | 46 | 10 | Yes | 18-inch, sanitize cycle | $900-$1,100 |
| Fisher & Paykel Double DishDrawer | 46 | 14 | Yes | Dual drawers, flexible cycles | $1,500-$2,000 |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N
In lab tests, this model cleaned 98% of baked-on stains (mac and cheese, egg yolk, oatmeal) on ceramic plates without pre-rinsing. Testers loaded 12 place settings, including plastic containers, and found drying performance strong, though plastics occasionally retained minor droplets without rinse aid.
Miele G5008
Tested with a 110-piece load, including glasses and plates, the Miele G5008 removed 99% of stains, including burned-on caramel. Its AutoSensor adjusted water usage based on soil levels, using only 3.5 gallons per cycle, well below hand-washing’s 9-27 gallons.
LG QuadWash
The LG QuadWash tackled a heavy load of greasy casserole dishes and pasta plates, cleaning 97% of stains. Its TrueSteam technology ensured near-perfect drying, with only slight moisture on Tupperware when rinse aid was skipped.
Samsung DW80R9950US
This model excelled in quiet operation, registering 39 dB during tests. It cleaned 96% of stains on a 15-place-setting load, though drying performance was slightly weaker on plastics without the AutoRelease door engaged.
Buying Guide for Dishwashers
Key Features to Consider
- Cleaning Performance: Look for models with soil sensors, which detect how dirty dishes are and determine how much water and time are needed to get them clean.
- Noise Level: The average dishwasher noise output ranges from around 45 to 50 decibels (dB), which is no louder than your refrigerator or the sound of rainfall.
- Capacity: Full-size dishwashers typically have the capacity to hold 14 to 16 place settings. The smallest full-sized machines have room for 12 place settings – each place setting is made up of 10 items, so that’s 120 plates and pieces of cutlery as well as pots and pans in total.
- 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.
- Rack Flexibility: Many dishwashers have rack tines that fold down to accommodate large or bulkier dishes. The areas of a rack where the tines are adjustable will vary among machines.
Types of Dishwashers
- Built-in (24-inch): The most common is the built-in, standard 24-inch model that’s permanently installed under your kitchen counter (or island). These connect directly to your plumbing and are the best option for long-term homeowners.
- Slimline (18-inch): Slimline dishwashers are 15cm narrower than full-sized models, but are still capable of washing nine or 10 place settings.
- Portable: For efficient, hands-free dish cleaning that’s there when you need it (and tucked away when you don’t), a portable dishwasher is the way to go.
- Countertop: Compact models can be either integrated or table-top. They’re slightly bigger than a large microwave oven or a big drawer.
Tips for Choosing the Right Dishwasher
- Measure the height, width, and depth of the space available for your new dishwasher, and consider any countertops or cabinets that may impact the measurements.
- Check where the water and electrical connections are located, and make sure your new appliance can connect to the water line and power source.
- Using environmentally and energy-friendly settings on your dishwasher, such as Eco mode, light load, or air dry settings, can save you even more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the most reliable dishwasher brand?
Bosch, Miele, and LG consistently rank as the most reliable brands based on performance, durability, and low repair rates. Bosch is particularly noted for fewer than 10% of units needing service within five years.
Do I need to pre-rinse dishes before loading?
No, modern dishwashers with soil sensors, like the Bosch 500 Series or Miele G5008, adjust cycles based on dirt levels. Pre-rinsing can confuse sensors and reduce efficiency.
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
Clean the filter weekly and run a self-clean cycle every 10 days using vinegar and baking soda to prevent buildup and maintain performance.
Are Energy Star dishwashers worth it?
Yes, Energy Star models, like the Samsung DW80R9950US, use 3.5 gallons or less per cycle, saving up to 3,850 gallons of water over their lifespan compared to hand-washing.
What’s the average lifespan of a dishwasher?
Most dishwashers last 9-13 years with proper maintenance. Miele models can last up to 15 years, while Bosch averages 8-10 years.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dishwasher in 2025 involves balancing cleaning performance, noise level, capacity, and energy efficiency. The Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N stands out for its quiet operation and reliability, while the Miele G5008 offers premium performance and longevity. Budget-conscious buyers can opt for the Whirlpool WDF520PADM, and those with small spaces may prefer the GE Profile PDT715SYNFS. Use this guide to find a dishwasher that fits your household’s needs and simplifies your kitchen routine.
Learn more about Energy Star dishwashers
Explore Consumer Reports’ dishwasher reviews