A high-quality dishwasher is one of the best investments that you can make for your home, offering benefits that extend far beyond basic convenience. In addition to eliminating the tedious task of hand-washing dishes, today’s best models use advanced technology to save you money on water and energy. Modern dishwashers deliver consistently spotless results thanks to advanced features like soil sensors, efficient drying systems, multiple wash zones, adjustable racks, and energy-saving cycles. For instance, these machines can clean a full load of dishes using just a few gallons of water-significantly less than the 20+ gallons it takes to wash dishes by hand, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. This article highlights the top 10 dishwashers of 2025, compiled from rigorous lab tests and expert reviews, to help you find the perfect model for spotless dishes.
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. This model sits just below Bosch’s most premium dishwasher – and honestly, it gives you 95% of the features for a much better value. You get the essentials that matter most: a stainless-steel interior, 3rd rack, CrystalDry for bone-dry plastics, and whisper-quiet operation at just 42 dB. Shop on Amazon.
- Pros: Smart sensors for better cleaning, special drying technology for plastics, very quiet at 42 dB, smooth-gliding racks.
- Cons: Washing system is fairly standard, racks not as adjustable as Miele.
2. Miele G 5266 SCVi SFP
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. The range of cycle settings perform exceptionally well in the real world. The SaniWash and IntenseZone cycles are highly praised, especially by families, for reaching high temperatures and tackling tough stains. One reviewer mentioned that even after a lasagna night, dishes showed no signs of baked-on cheese and grease. The QuickIntenseWash cycle is another favorite, taking just under an hour to get your everyday dishes sparkling and dry.
- Pros: Built to last 20 years, whisper-quiet at 40 dB, flexible racks, AutoDos detergent dispensing, auto-open door for drying.
- Cons: High price, PowerDisks are pricey after free 6-month supply.
3. KitchenAid KDFE204KPS
Most standard dishwashers run in the 50- to 60-decibel range, which is just below the noise level of normal, indoor conversation. Many models now include additional technology that helps bring the noise level down to a very quiet 40 to 50 decibels, but this KitchenAid model achieves an almost whisper-quiet level at only 39 decibels. In addition to being able to take a nap while the dishwasher is running, this high-end model also includes a third rack, ProWash soil sensors that automatically adjust the cycle for the soil level of the dishes and an extended heat dry option that can even evaporate the most determined drops on your plasticware. This model reminded me of the Bosch SHEM63W55N inside and out with its slick, modern design.
- Pros: Whisper-quiet at 39 dB, third rack, ProWash soil sensors, extended heat dry.
- Cons: Pods may not fully dissolve at times.
4. Samsung Smart Linear Wash
Users love the touch-sensitive controls and clear LED display, which make selecting cycles and settings easy. It has a third rack perfect for utensils and smaller items, and it’s quiet with a 39dBA rating, so even open-plan homes won’t notice it. Cleaning Performance: Samsung dishwashers are excellent for cleaning, with many people praising them for being able to handle tough, baked-on food residues. Users appreciate the linear wash feature for providing thorough coverage, ensuring dishes come out spotless. There are many cycle options, too, so you can pick one that fits your needs. Drying Performance: Many like how the Samsung AutoRelease Dry Smart Dishwasher dries dishes. The AutoRelease Dry feature, which opens the door at the end of the cycle, is often hailed as an essential feature that promotes better air circulation and more effective drying.
- Pros: Quiet at 39 dB, linear wash feature, AutoRelease Dry, smart features.
- Cons: Some users report moisture on plastics.
5. LG LDPH7972S
The LG LDPH7972S features LG’s “QuadWash Pro” wash arm system, which uses rotating high-pressure jets to clean dishes from multiple angles. This model includes a steam generator up front to help loosen tough stains. Steam is also part of LG’s “Dynamic Drying” system, which uses heat, steam, and a fan to dry plastics more effectively. In our tests, this LG dishwasher performed excellently, though it was slightly outperformed by the more expensive Bosch and Miele models. Operating at 42 decibels, the LDPH7972S meets the industry standard for quietness, so you won’t hear it running in the next room. Shop on Amazon.
- Pros: QuadWash Pro cleaning, steam cleaning, Dynamic Drying, quiet at 42 dB.
- Cons: Racks less adjustable than Bosch or Miele.
6. Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ
Control Panel and Usability: The Whirlpool dishwasher’s control panel is praised for its simplicity and user-friendly layout. People love the straightforward buttons and clear labels, which make setting up wash cycles easy. The dishwasher is easy to use and runs quietly, so it’s excellent for open-concept homes. Reviews say it’s pretty efficient and caters to all cleaning needs. Cleaning Performance: There are lots of good reviews for the Whirlpool 24″ Tall Tub Dishwasher, from lightly soiled to heavily baked-on residues. Besides an intensive setting for tough stains, the dishwasher has multiple cycles to handle different cleaning needs. Users can load bigger pots and pans with a spacious interior and adjustable racks. Shop on Amazon.
- Pros: User-friendly controls, multiple cycles, spacious interior.
- Cons: Mixed reviews on drying performance, some plastics retain moisture.
7. GE Profile ENERGY STAR 18″ ADA Compliant
Just because you live in an apartment or have a tiny kitchen doesn’t mean you can’t have a dishwasher. This model is only 18 inches wide so takes up less space than standard models. While it will wash fewer dishes, it does have a sensor cycle to deliver the same great performance as a full-size dishwasher in two hours or less. In the upper rack, jets spray water directly into these hard-to-clean items to make sure they come out spotless. GE also promises that its drying system will get everything, including plastics dry, so you can put everything away straight from the dishwasher.
- Pros: Compact 18-inch size, sensor cycle, effective drying.
- Cons: Smaller capacity, louder at 45 dB.
8. JennAir JDAF5924RL
If you own other JennAir appliances and want another: We tested the flush, fully integrated JennAir JDAF5924RL, which was a delight to operate. (JennAir is the luxury division of Whirlpool Corporation.) It’s a great cleaner, it runs at a whisper-quiet volume of 38 decibels (the quietest of all the dishwashers we tested), and it has a floor light that counts down cycle time. It also opens automatically when cycles finish, which helps expedite drying. But at around $2,200, this dishwasher is expensive, and it’s really worth considering only if you’d prefer that your kitchen appliances match, or if you’re getting it for a deal with other JennAir appliances.
- Pros: Quietest at 38 dB, auto-open door, sleek design.
- Cons: Expensive, best for matching JennAir appliances.
9. Hotpoint H7FHP33UK
Those with big families or who just tend to entertain often will appreciate the amount of space the Hotpoint HF7HP33UK has to offer, however it’s definitely not the cheapest to run for its more intensive cycles. With 15 place settings making it one the biggest dishwashers available, an accompanying smart app and a thoughtful design – all at an affordable asking price – the Hotpoint H7FHP33UK is a great-value dishwasher. There’s even a useful Active Dry option which automatically opens the door once a wash has finished, releasing steam and helping to air dry the dishes.
- Pros: Large 15 place settings, Active Dry, smart app.
- Cons: Intensive cycles costly to run.
10. Beko BDEN38640FG
The Beko BDEN38640FG has a stainless steel finish and a neat LCD screen that displays the time remaining on a wash, giving it a sleek and stylish appearance. The actual controls can be found on top of the drawer, including a second screen that shows the estimated run-time. The dishwasher includes all the standard cycles, as well as an AquaFlex everyday mode and an auto 40-65¡ãC mode that detects how soiled dishes are. This model also features a CornerIntense arm that pivots around the tub for better corner-to-corner coverage compared to a fixed spray arm.
- Pros: Sleek design, CornerIntense arm, auto soil detection.
- Cons: Less flexible racks compared to larger models.
Comparison Table of Top Dishwashers
| Model | Noise Level (dB) | Place Settings | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N | 42 | 16 | CrystalDry, 3rd rack, smart sensors | $999 |
| Miele G 5266 SCVi SFP | 40 | 16 | AutoDos, auto-open door, SaniWash | $1,800+ |
| KitchenAid KDFE204KPS | 39 | 14 | ProWash sensors, extended heat dry | $1,200 |
| Samsung Smart Linear Wash | 39 | 15 | Linear wash, AutoRelease Dry | $1,000 |
| LG LDPH7972S | 42 | 15 | QuadWash Pro, Dynamic Drying | $1,100 |
| Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ | 47 | 14 | User-friendly controls, adjustable racks | $600 |
| GE Profile 18″ ADA | 45 | 8 | Compact size, sensor cycle | $900 |
| JennAir JDAF5924RL | 38 | 14 | Auto-open door, countdown light | $2,200 |
| Hotpoint H7FHP33UK | 43 | 15 | Active Dry, smart app | $700 |
| Beko BDEN38640FG | 44 | 16 | CornerIntense arm, LCD screen | $800 |
Test Scenarios and Performance
Testing Methodology
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we rate each dishwasher on its performance across a standard, economy and intensive cycle. To do this, we stain a range of glassware, crockery, cutlery, pots and pans using common and notoriously difficult-to-remove substances – think lipstick on a glass and burnt pasta sauce on a pyrex dish – to judge how well each appliance cleans. Each stain is weighed and precisely applied, and we use the same detergent for every cycle to ensure consistent results. For normal and economy cycles, we make sure the dishwasher can fit the maximum number of place settings suggested by the manufacturer, while we use fewer in intensive programmes. We record the water and energy consumption for every cycle, before finally considering the controls, settings, design and instructions in our overall score.
Real-World Performance
In Consumer Reports’ labs, testers load each of our dishwasher candidates with 12 dirtied ceramic plates and run a regular cleaning cycle. Our experts also assess how well each model can dry dishes-and they take an especially close look at plastic items, which dishwashers tend to have more trouble drying. For noise, a panel of judges listens to an entire dishwasher cycle to identify ¡°any annoying noises,¡± as Larry Ciufo, who oversees dishwasher testing at CR, puts it. The dishwashers that make the least racket throughout the cycle receive the highest scores for noise. We also incorporate feedback from the tens of thousands of Consumer Reports members who take our annual dishwasher survey.
Buying Guide for Dishwashers
Key Features to Consider
- Soil Sensors: 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.
- Drying Systems: Dishwashers rely on different methods to dry your dishes to ensure they aren’t damp when you finally unload them. Some dishwashers use a heating feature that raises the temperature to evaporate moisture from the dishes. Other methods include using a fan to circulate air inside the unit or relying on the heat generated from the clean, hot dishes to dry the dishes.
- Noise Level: When considering prospective models, make sure to check the model’s decibel level (dB). For reference, a dB of 31 to 50 is considered average room noise, while 30 and below is on the level of whispering or rustling leaves.
- Capacity: Full-size dishwashers typically have the capacity to hold 14 to 16 place settings. Loading a dishwasher can be an art, and it’s the instigating factor of many post-meal arguments.
Types of Dishwashers
There are a few styles of dishwashers available today, including standard built-in or integrated models, as well as portable and countertop dishwashers. The latter two options offer more flexibility for those who live in smaller homes because the appliances are moveable and don’t require permanent connections in your kitchen. However, they tend to be louder, smaller, and offer fewer features. Dishwashers come in two common size options: standard 24-inch and compact, or half-size, 18-inch models-which refers to the width of the unit.
Warranty and Reliability
Your dishwasher should last you about 10 years without requiring any major repairs, but a warranty is a good thing to have in case something goes wrong soon after you take it home. Most warranties from the major brands outlined here cover replacement parts and labor for one year from the date you purchased it and are designed to protect you should there be a major manufacturer flaw in your model. It is worth noting that Maytag appliances include a generous, limited 10-year warranty that covers certain replacement parts after the first year warranty expires.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to pre-rinse dishes before loading them?
No, most modern dishwashers with soil sensors can handle dirty dishes without pre-rinsing. Pre-rinsing wastes water and may reduce the effectiveness of some cycles, as sensors adjust based on soil levels.
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
Clean your dishwasher every 1-2 months using a dishwasher cleaner or a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda to remove buildup and maintain performance.
What’s the difference between Energy Star and non-certified models?
Energy Star-certified dishwashers use less water (3.5 gallons or less per cycle) and energy, saving about $55 annually. Non-certified models are still efficient but may not meet the latest strict standards.
Are quiet dishwashers worth the extra cost?
If you have an open-plan home or run the dishwasher at night, a quieter model (below 45 dB) is worth the investment for a peaceful environment.
Can dishwashers dry plastic items effectively?
Models with advanced drying systems like Bosch’s CrystalDry or Samsung’s AutoRelease Dry excel at drying plastics, unlike older models that may leave moisture.
Conclusion
The best dishwashers of 2025 combine powerful cleaning, efficient drying, and quiet operation to make kitchen cleanup effortless. Whether you prioritize longevity with the Miele G 5266, value with the Bosch 500 Series, or compact design with the GE Profile, there’s a model for every household. Use this guide to match your needs with the right dishwasher, ensuring spotless dishes and long-term savings. For more appliance insights, check out Consumer Reports or Good Housekeeping.