Whirlpool is one of the top-rated brands on the market for appliances, including dishwashers, washers and dryers, refrigerators, ranges, and more. Whirlpool has won numerous awards for its innovative kitchen appliances, including the 2025 iF Design Awards for its Maxispace Dishwasher model. Whirlpool also offers warranties on their appliances for peace of mind beyond the first year.
Why Choose a Whirlpool Dishwasher?
Here are 7 reasons why Whirlpool dishwashers continue to be one of the most popular dishwasher brands on the market today:
- Double up on wash performance with this stainless steel dishwasher that features independent spray arms for the upper and lower rack.
- For more durability and superior drying, this model is also crafted with a stainless steel tub, which can resist higher temperatures than plastic tub dishwashers, resulting in dishes that are drier.
- Need more clearance for tall or bulky dishes? No problem-simply adjust the upper rack to gain a couple of inches overhead for tall dishes and utensils.
- If you’re searching for the highest rated Whirlpool dishwasher on the market, this model is tough to beat with more than 3,000 5-star reviews.
- The idea of a dishwasher that blends into its surroundings is appealing, but prices for panel ready dishwashers can dramatically skyrocket depending on the brand. Whirlpool offers price-friendly alternatives such as this model, which can be customized to match cabinetry finishes.
- It’s also one of Whirlpool’s quietest dishwashers with decibel ratings as low as 49 dBA, all while performing with dual spray arms, heated drying, and multiple specialty cycles for delicate dinnerware and more.
- Whirlpool is a major appliance brand and manufacturer of appliances such as Whirlpool dishwashers, as well as products from Maytag, KitchenAid, and JennAir. Overall, Whirlpool dishwasher ratings are typically high, although the brand is still considered an entry-level manufacturer.
Top 10 Whirlpool Dishwashers for 2025
1. Whirlpool WDTA50SAKZ
Of the dishwashers we tested that typically cost under $700, the Whirlpool WDTA50 cleaned the best, and it even beat several more-expensive dishwashers at cleaning crusty casserole dishes, cake-batter-smeared spatulas, and glasses coated in Bloody Mary mix. It was also the easiest to load in its price category. For the price, its features cannot be beat. This model has a full stainless steel tub (a hallmark of a quality dishwasher-most cheap models have plastic tubs). Its third and middle racks are height-adjustable. The middle and lower racks have collapsible and adjustable tines, which allow for easy loading. Its shortest cycle is not as effective as that of our other picks, and its best wash cycles are long-often more than three hours. The WDTA50 does not have an interior light, and it is not Wi-Fi–enabled. Shop on Amazon
2. Whirlpool WDT730PAHZ
Listed just under $699 (price varies during brand’s promotional cycles), this dishwasher offers all of Whirlpool’s standard features. While its 51 dB noise rating isn’t considered quiet and the plastic tub certainly isn’t as luxurious as stainless steel, it does clean well. The unique silverware basket attaches to the inside of the door as an option. Will give you more room in the bottom rack. Comes with heating element to achieve bone-dry results. You should be careful with plastics in the bottom rack, otherwise great drying. Shop on Amazon
3. Whirlpool WDT970SAKV
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. We also like the neat cutlery basket design which sits flat against the side of the rack. And it also has three 5-inch cup shelves on the top rack, which can be folded down when not needed. Shop on Amazon
4. Whirlpool WDF540PADM
Often, a budget pick depicts low quality or performance. In this case, you’ll get a great dishwasher with amazing wash power at an extremely affordable price. We love appliances that offer you all the features you need in a budget-friendly package. You’re able to load more with the convenient, largest capacity third rack, minimizing the need for double loads. Hard-to-fit utensils or measuring spoons fit well on this third rack, freeing up more space for dishes below. Shop on Amazon
5. Whirlpool WDT710PAHZ
While the price point is low, it doesn’t look cheap making it the perfect choice for house flippers or rentals. The unique silverware basket attaches to the inside of the door as an option. Will give you more room in the bottom rack. Comes with heating element to achieve bone-dry results. You should be careful with plastics in the bottom rack, otherwise great drying. At 51 dB this dishwasher is loud. Shop on Amazon
6. Whirlpool WDF520PADM
If you have to be on a very tight budget and still need a reliable dishwasher, consider the WDF520PADM. It is loud and the interior design is not the best, but has a reliable service history. On the inside, you’ll get a plastic tub, not stainless steel. While stainless interior looks nicer and tends to do a better job reducing odors, the plastic tub here saves money and is what allows Whirlpool to hit this crazy low price point, and we’ve found that Whirlpool interiors don’t stain too easily. Shop on Amazon
7. Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ
This dishwasher can hold up to 14 place settings per load, and it has a higher-than-average upper rack height that accommodates bulky pots and pans on the lower level. The heated dry cycle ensures your dishes come out as dry as possible, and the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior resists smudges and streaks for a pristine appearance. While not the quietest model available, it still operates at a low enough volume that won’t disturb your day-to-day activities. Shop on Amazon
8. Whirlpool WDTA80SAKZ
Easy to load as well as quiet when running, this dishwasher features a deep third rack which can hold cups and glassware – ideal for saving more space below. With collapsible tines, it can accommodate larger items, such as pots and pans. Features are abundant too. Shop on Amazon
9. Whirlpool WDT530HAMM
This affordable Whirlpool dishwasher offers the basics of what you’ll need, with 5 wash cycles and 2 dry cycles. There’s also ample space in the lower rack for taller items, but it’s a reduced capacity compared to others, and there’s no delay start or glassware cycle. Shop on Amazon
10. Whirlpool WDF330PAHW
This dishwasher allows you to load more and run fewer loads. The third rack with extra wash action provides targeted cleaning for bowls, mugs, and utensils that you’d normally load in the lower racks, making extra space for the rest of the day’s dishes. In the same rack, you can securely load extra silverware and flat utensils in the removable tray, helping to avoid overcrowding in the lower silverware basket. Shop on Amazon
Comparison Table of Top Whirlpool Dishwashers
Model | Price Range | Noise Level (dBA) | Place Settings | Key Features | Drawbacks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
WDTA50SAKZ | Under $700 | 50 | 14 | Stainless steel tub, adjustable racks, third rack | Long wash cycles, no Wi-Fi |
WDT730PAHZ | ~$699 | 51 | 12 | Door-mounted silverware basket, heated dry | Plastic tub, loud |
WDT970SAKV | Budget-friendly | 47 | 12 | Hidden controls, spacious tub | Smaller capacity |
WDF540PADM | Budget | 53 | 13 | Third rack, affordable | Loud, basic features |
WDT710PAHZ | ~$699 | 51 | 12 | Door-mounted basket, heated dry | Loud, plastic tub |
WDF520PADM | Budget | 55 | 12 | Reliable, low cost | Loud, plastic tub |
WDT750SAKZ | Mid-range | 47 | 14 | Fingerprint-resistant, heated dry | Limited cycle options |
WDTA80SAKZ | Mid-range | 47 | 14 | Deep third rack, quiet | Higher price |
WDT530HAMM | Budget | 50 | 12 | Basic cycles, spacious lower rack | No delay start |
WDF330PAHW | Budget | 55 | 13 | Third rack, extra wash action | Loud, basic design |
Pros and Cons of Whirlpool Dishwashers
Pros
- Affordability: Whirlpool has always been known for affordable dishwashers. A dishwasher that cost $500 two years ago now rings up closer to $700. That’s still relatively low, but it’s quite a jump.
- Attractive door styling usually adds to the cost of a dishwasher. Whirlpool has the sleek pocket-style dishwasher handles and fingerprint-resistant finishes found on high-end brands like Bosch and Miele dishwasher at a much lower price point.
- Whirlpool provides a decent level of clean but it does not have features such as a water softener to get rid of calcium deposits.
- While the price point is low, it doesn’t look cheap making it the perfect choice for house flippers or rentals.
Cons
- At 51 dB this dishwasher is loud. If you could consider a dishwasher under 48 db.
- The plastic tub is prone to discoloring and odors.
- According to our experience, the lifespan of this product is around 5-7 years.
- Some people obsess over spotless dishes or wine glasses. Whirlpool provides a decent level of clean but it does not have features such as a water softener to get rid of calcium deposits.
Testing Scenarios and Performance
We’ve stress-tested more than 30 dishwashers, and we recommend the Whirlpool WDTA50 for its strong cleaning performance, features, and reliability for the price. We’ve evaluated reliability data, including from our own 2025 appliance survey, which asked nearly 1,500 homeowners about their dishwashers (among other appliances). We’ve analyzed thousands of customer reviews, using FindOurView, an AI-driven tool. The WDTA50 cleaned the best, and it even beat several more-expensive dishwashers at cleaning crusty casserole dishes, cake-batter-smeared spatulas, and glasses coated in Bloody Mary mix. It was also the easiest to load in its price category.
Buying Guide for Whirlpool Dishwashers
- Noise Levels: Dishwasher noise levels are measured in decibels (dBA). The higher the dBA rating of the dishwasher, the more noisy it will be when it is running. Models with a 44 or lower dBA rating will be the quietest, while dishwashers that exceed 52 dBA are above the industry standard.
- Features: Whirlpool offers a wide variety of extra features in their dishwashers, but not all models include everything. Some examples of additional features include: Sensor Cycle, 1-Hour Wash Cycle, adjustable racks, and third racks.
- Installation: Installing a dishwasher is likely best left to the professionals for most people. However, if you are an experienced DIYer with the right tools, you can do it yourself. Here is a step-by-step guide for installing a dishwasher at home:
- Remove the old dishwasher: If you are replacing an old dishwasher, you’ll first need to remove that one before setting up your new Whirlpool appliance.
- Turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker and remove the front access control panel.
- Warranty: Whirlpool also offers warranties on their appliances for peace of mind beyond the first year. Check the individual product instructions for warranty details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average lifespan of a Whirlpool dishwasher?
The average lifespan of a Whirlpool dishwasher is typically 5-7 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Regular cleaning of filters and proper loading can extend its life.
Are Whirlpool dishwashers energy-efficient?
Many Whirlpool dishwashers are Energy Star certified, meaning they use less water and electricity compared to non-certified models. Look for the Energy Star label when shopping.
Can I install a Whirlpool dishwasher myself?
While experienced DIYers can install a dishwasher, it’s recommended to hire a professional to ensure proper electrical and plumbing connections, avoiding potential leaks or damage.
How do I maintain my Whirlpool dishwasher?
- Clean the filter monthly to prevent clogs.
- Use a dishwasher cleaner every few months to remove buildup.
- Check the spray arms for blockages and clear them if needed.
Do Whirlpool dishwashers have smart features?
Some mid-range and high-end Whirlpool models offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor and control the dishwasher via a smartphone app. Check the model specifications for smart features.
Conclusion
Whirlpool dishwashers offer a balance of affordability, reliability, and modern features, making them a top choice for many households in 2025. Whether you need a budget-friendly model like the WDF520PADM or a feature-rich option like the WDTA50SAKZ, there’s a Whirlpool dishwasher to suit your kitchen’s needs. For more information on dishwasher maintenance, check out Consumer Reports or explore Whirlpool’s official site at Whirlpool.com.