Consumer Reports rigorously tests dishwashers to evaluate cleaning performance, drying efficiency, noise levels, and energy consumption. In 2025, their lab tests highlighted standout models that excel in these areas, offering reliable options for various budgets and preferences. Below, we dive into the top 10 dishwashers, their features, pros and cons, and a detailed comparison to help you choose the right one for your kitchen.
1. Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N
Bosch dishwashers have a strong reputation for providing unmatched cleanliness and top-tier performance. This Bosch model is not only exceptionally quiet but offers options like the quick Speed60 setting to wash and dry a load in roughly one hour and flexible tines that can accommodate larger pots and pans. Its large capacity holds up to 16 place settings, it includes a desirable third rack, and it offers an adjustable middle rack to accommodate larger items, as well as adjustable tines in the lower rack for even more versatile loading. You have five wash cycle options available: Heavy, auto, normal, rinse and hold, plus a speedy one-hour cycle. With a quieter-than-average decibel level of 44, this is the best overall dishwasher to buy for what it offers.
- Pros: Quiet operation at 44 dB, large capacity, adjustable racks, reliable brand.
- Cons: Stainless steel finish prone to fingerprints, smart home app issues reported by some users.
Shop Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N on Amazon
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 Miele model has the same wash programs and virtually all the same features as the model we tested in the Lab but at a significantly lower price. The cleaning performance was outstanding — even on the QuickIntenseWash cycle with our toughest messes — as all items emerged squeaky clean and noticeably shiny. It’s Energy Star–certified under the new standards, ensuring efficiency.
- Pros: Excellent cleaning, energy-efficient, reliable brand, quiet at 45 dB.
- Cons: Higher price point, no child lock on controls.
3. Bosch Benchmark SHP9PCM5N
The Consumer Reports team currently recommends the Bosch Benchmark SHP9PCM5N as their top pick. The Benchmark is the step-up series from our top pick, the Bosch 800 Series. For around $400 extra, the Benchmark buys you quieter cycles, a different rack configuration, and interior lights. It delivers across the board and is the choice of Mike Prospero, our U.S. Editor. It’s so quiet that he can hardly hear it, even in the kitchen, registering at 47-50 dB.
- Pros: Ultra-quiet at 42 dB, interior lights, flexible rack design.
- Cons: Expensive, some users report rack durability concerns.
Shop Bosch Benchmark SHP9PCM5N on Amazon
4. Miele G7216
This Miele dishwasher is an excellent all-round appliance and is rated the highest for energy efficiency by Energy Star. Apart from 16 place settings, it also offers 12 wash cycles, has three flexible racks, and it’s super quiet when running. You can also monitor the electricity and water consumption of each cycle. The dishwasher features an AutoDos system that senses and dispenses the optimal amount of detergent for whatever you are washing.
- Pros: Energy-efficient, 12 wash cycles, quiet at 43 dB, AutoDos system.
- Cons: Expensive, requires Miele-specific detergent for AutoDos.
5. JennAir JDAF5924RL
Inside this sleek JennAir dishwasher, you’ll notice unique racks and nice extras to accommodate the oversized utensils, cutlery, and prep bowls that home chefs rely on. In our GH Cleaning Lab tests, a similar model to this dishwasher plowed through our dirtiest loads with ease, and at 38 dBA, was super quiet. It also opens automatically when cycles finish, which helps expedite drying.
- Pros: Whisper-quiet at 38 dB, auto-open door, excellent cleaning.
- Cons: Very expensive at $2,200, best for matching JennAir appliances.
Shop JennAir JDAF5924RL on Amazon
6. Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ
The Whirlpool is a part of the brand’s Eco Series line, which uses less water and energy than the average dishwasher to tackle all types of dirty jobs. This dishwasher comes with three 5-inch cup shelves that fold down to create extra space for your other dishes. It also comes with a presoak and a pre-rinse cycle for those hard-to-remove grime stains, along with extended soak, boost, quick wash, sani rinse, heated dry, and extended dry cycles.
- Pros: Budget-friendly, energy-efficient, multiple cycle options.
- Cons: No Wi-Fi connectivity, noisier at 51 dB.
Shop Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ on Amazon
7. GE Profile PDT715SYVFS
Over at Reddit’s BIFL, the top comments also recommend Bosch or Miele, but there’s a loud call for dishwashers with food grinders, like the GE Profile PDT715SYVFS, at Costco. It has a built-in hard food disposer and steel blades that rotate at 3,600 RPM to pulverize and wash away food particles. It also self-adjusts cycle time by monitoring soil levels and water temperature.
- Pros: Hard food disposer, adjustable cycles, reliable brand.
- Cons: Noisier at 46 dB, food disposers prone to clogging.
Shop GE Profile PDT715SYVFS on Amazon
8. Samsung Smart Linear Wash
For efficient, hands-free dish cleaning that’s there when you need it, Samsung’s Smart Linear Wash is our quietest pick—and endorsed by one of our editors who uses it in her home. With its rating of 39 decibels, it’s ultra-quiet. The brand’s AquaBlast and Stormwash features provide impressive jet performance that helps pots and pans come out looking beautiful.
- Pros: Ultra-quiet at 39 dB, powerful jets, smart features.
- Cons: Higher price, some report maintenance issues.
Shop Samsung Smart Linear Wash on Amazon
9. KitchenAid KDTM404KPS
This KitchenAid model is a good dishwasher for those who prioritize the noise level of the machine. Shop KitchenAid 24″ Top Control Built In Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher with 3rd Rack, Fan Enabled ProDry, 44 dBA. It uses a tablespoon of powder dishwasher detergent, very little water, gets dishes super clean, and is so quiet you can’t tell if it’s running.
- Pros: Quiet at 44 dB, efficient detergent use, excellent cleaning.
- Cons: Some report issues with food grinders in older models.
Shop KitchenAid KDTM404KPS on Amazon
10. Café CDT888
Our top pick (the Miele G5008), upgrade pick (the Miele G7216), and best-for pick (the Café CDT888) are all Energy Star–certified under the new standards. This model offers strong cleaning performance and smart features, making it a great choice for modern kitchens.
- Pros: Energy-efficient, smart connectivity, good cleaning.
- Cons: Premium price, limited rack adjustability.
Comparison Table of Top 10 Dishwashers
| Model | Noise Level (dB) | Capacity (Place Settings) | Energy Star Certified | Price Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N | 44 | 16 | Yes | $1,000-$1,500 | Speed60 cycle |
| Miele G5008 | 45 | 16 | Yes | $1,200-$1,800 | QuickIntenseWash |
| Bosch Benchmark SHP9PCM5N | 42 | 16 | Yes | $1,500-$2,000 | Interior lights |
| Miele G7216 | 43 | 16 | Yes– | $1,800-$2,500 | AutoDos system |
| JennAir JDAF5924RL | 38 | 14 | No | $2,000-$2,500 | Auto-open door |
| Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ | 51 | 12 | Yes | $500-$800 | Eco Series |
| GE Profile PDT715SYVFS | 46 | 16 | Yes | $900-$1,200 | Hard food disposer |
| Samsung Smart Linear Wash | 39 | 15 | Yes | $1,200-$1,600 | AquaBlast jets |
| KitchenAid KDTM404KPS | 44 | 16 | Yes | $1,000-$1,400 | Fan-enabled ProDry |
| Café CDT888 | 45 | 16 | Yes | $1,300-$1,800 | Smart connectivity |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
Consumer Reports Testing Methodology
Our testers load each dishwasher with 10 place settings of white ceramic dishes with baked-on food, plus some plastic items in the top rack, then run the load through a standard cycle. Once the cycle is done, they use photo-imaging software to compare before-and-after photos of the dishes to determine how clean they are. To assess drying performance, our testers look at how much water remains on the dishes at the end of the cycle—and they take an especially close look at the plastic items, which dishwashers have a harder time drying than ceramic or glass. For energy efficiency, our testers measure how much water and energy are consumed in a standard cycle.
Good Housekeeping Institute Lab Tests
To evaluate the cleaning performance of the steady stream of new dishwashers we have coming and going in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab, we meticulously soil multiple place settings of plates, bowls, cups and saucers, glassware and cookware with our standard greasy, starchy messes and make sure everything we’ve applied is dry and baked on (and yes, we skip the pre-rinse!). We also evaluate capacity, ease of use and loading and assess drying performance, energy consumption, sound and more.
Wirecutter Stress Tests
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. In our most recent round of testing, we evaluated standard-size, 24-inch built-in dishwashers. We’ve analyzed thousands of customer reviews, using FindOurView, an AI-driven tool.
Buying Guide for Dishwashers
Key Features to Consider
Your dishwasher should wash and dry dishes really well—that’s a given. But which of its dozens of extra features are right for you? Our comprehensive buying guide will help you choose the right appliance for your home. Here are some of the most important qualities:
- Powerful Cleaning: A good dishwasher should thoroughly clean your dishes and leave them decently dry.
- Quiet Operation: The quietest dishwashers we recommend keep the noise level to a minimum. You won’t find a totally silent dishwasher, but the ones that score the best for noise in our tests keep the clanging and whooshing to a minimum.
- Eco-Friendliness: A good dishwasher is energy-efficient and uses minimal water to get things clean and dry. An energy-efficient machine is gentle on the environment and can save you money, too.
- Right 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.
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. These machines use modern features like soil sensors, improved filtration, efficient jets, and optimized rack designs to reduce water and energy consumption. You’ll know a product is certified if it has a blue, square label.
Noise Levels
Dishwashers are traditionally noisy, which is why low decibel (dB) ratings have become such an important selling point. The good news is modern dishwashers are remarkably quiet compared to older models. In fact, many newer ones run so quietly that it’s difficult to tell whether they’re on or not. Dishwashers with a rating of 44 dB or less are ultra-quiet, while 45 to 50 dB produce a soft hum.
Installation Tips
Check the installation requirements before buying a dishwasher, as some will need specialists. The DOE is asking manufacturers to come up with a “normal” cycle that’s able to wrap up cleaning and drying in less than an hour. Manufacturers have embraced this suggestion, and we expect many to release a new set of products with shorter normal wash cycles soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable dishwasher brand?
Based on Consumer Reports’ member surveys, Bosch and Miele consistently rank as the most reliable brands, with fewer reported issues in the first five years compared to others like Whirlpool or Samsung.
Are Energy Star-certified dishwashers worth it?
Yes, Energy Star-certified models use at least 12% less energy and 30% less water, saving about $50 annually and 5,800 gallons of water over their lifetime, making them cost-effective and eco-friendly.
How long should a dishwasher last?
Most dishwashers last 10-12 years with proper maintenance, such as cleaning filters and seals. High-end brands like Miele may last up to 15-20 years with careful use.
Do I need to pre-rinse dishes before loading?
Modern dishwashers with soil sensors or powerful jets, like the Bosch 800 Series or GE Profile, don’t require pre-rinsing. Scraping off large food particles is usually sufficient.
What’s the benefit of a third rack?
A third rack, found in models like the Bosch 800 Series and KitchenAid KDTM404KPS, provides extra space for utensils, small bowls, or lids, increasing capacity and improving organization.
This comprehensive guide to the top 10 dishwashers of 2025, based on Consumer Reports’ rigorous testing, offers a clear path to finding the perfect model for your kitchen. Whether you prioritize quiet operation, energy efficiency, or powerful cleaning, these options deliver exceptional performance.