Consumer Reports has rigorously tested hundreds of dishwashers, evaluating cleaning performance, noise levels, energy efficiency, and reliability. Their 2025 rankings highlight standout models from brands like Bosch, Miele, and LG, offering options for various budgets and preferences. This article compiles their findings, detailing the best dishwashers, their pros and cons, testing scenarios, and a buying guide to help you choose the perfect model for your home.
Best Dishwashers Ranked by Consumer Reports
Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N: Best Overall Dishwasher
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. It features powerful cleaning capabilities, with eight cleaning cycles and ample interior space, including a third rack for bowls, utensils, and other cookware. It’s quiet to run, has a generous capacity and a third rack. Plus, this Bosch dishwasher is Energy Star certified and you could claim a rebate from your local utility company.
- Pros: Quiet at 44 decibels, Energy Star-certified, adjustable racks, third rack for utensils.
- Cons: Stainless steel exterior prone to fingerprints, higher price point compared to budget models.
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Miele G5008: Best High-End Dishwasher
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. Miele is known for its reliability, durability, and owner satisfaction. It has the best initial warranty of any dishwasher we tested, and owners love it. Miele dishwashers, including the G5008, come with a two-year warranty for parts and labor; most dishwashers have only one-year warranties. At 44 decibels, which is as hushed as a library, the G5008 is one of the quietest dishwashers we’ve tested.
- Pros: Exceptional cleaning, ultra-quiet at 44 dB, two-year warranty, Energy Star-certified.
- Cons: Less flexible rack design, premium price tag.
LG LDP6810SS: Best Budget-Friendly Option
You don’t have to spend a bundle to have a dishwasher to lighten your load. Although this model is no frills, reviewers rave about its prowess at getting dishes clean. And isn’t that the main reason you’re buying a dishwasher? It has fewer cycles than some machines, but you do get a one-hour Turbo setting as well as options to increase the water temperature for sanitizing and add extra drying time. At 52 dBAs you’ll be able to hear it when it’s running, but it shouldn’t interfere with homework or after-dinner conversation. Surprisingly, even at this low price, you get a durable stainless-steel tub.
- Pros: Affordable, stainless steel tub, reliable cleaning, Turbo cycle option.
- Cons: Noisier at 52 dB, lacks third rack, fewer cycle options.
Testing Scenarios: How Consumer Reports Evaluates Dishwashers
We spend 28 hours evaluating each dishwasher in our lab. Our testers load each machine with 12 white ceramic dishes with baked-on food and run the normal cycle or its equivalent. Afterward, they use a photo-imaging machine to determine precisely how clean each dish is. While in previous years we assessed how well dishwashers wash dishes only on the lower rack, we’ve now expanded our testing to include the dishes on the upper rack. To evaluate each model’s cleaning prowess, our testers apply a consistent amount of starchy goop to 12 white ceramic plates.
Noise levels are measured using an app to capture decibels at various points in a cycle. Dishwashers with stainless steel tubs are typically quieter than those with plastic or hybrid tubs. Energy efficiency is assessed by checking water and energy consumption, with Energy Star-certified models meeting strict EPA standards of using less than 240 kWh per year and 3.2 gallons of water per cycle.
Pros and Cons of Top Dishwasher Brands
| Brand | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bosch | Quiet operation, excellent cleaning, reliable, innovative features like Zeolite drying. | Higher price, fingerprint-prone stainless steel. |
| Miele | Superior cleaning, durable, quiet, long warranty. | Expensive, less flexible racks. |
| LG | Affordable, reliable, smart features, good customer service. | Noisier, fewer advanced features in budget models. |
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Dishwasher
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. A lot of dishwashers have a hard time getting things fully dry-especially plastic items, which are tougher to dry than glass or ceramic-but your appliance shouldn’t leave them dripping wet.
- 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.
- The 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.
Price Ranges and What to Expect
- Less than $500: It’s possible to find a pretty decent machine on a tight budget, but dishwashers under $500 are rarer than they used to be. Those that are still available typically have plastic tubs, which don’t resist stains as well as stainless steel tubs. Consumer Reports’ tests have also found that these dishwashers are relatively noisy.
- $500 to $1,000: Many models in this price range earn our top ratings for cleaning performance as well as predicted reliability, which are two factors we weigh heavily in our ratings overall. They also often have at least a few convenient features, like adjustable racks, a third rack, and quiet operation.
- More than $1,000: Dishwashers above this price have elevated style and are fully loaded with special features, so you don’t have to pick and choose.
Size and Capacity Considerations
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. You’ll often see the number of standard five-piece place settings a dishwasher can hold on product listings, though it isn’t the best metric for measuring capacity. Think about your biggest dishes, and compare their size with the height of the drawers. For small kitchens, an 18-inch dishwasher like the Honeywell 18-inch model is a solid choice. Its slim design doesn’t hog cabinet space. Yet it still packs in features you’d expect from larger models.
Energy and Water 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. 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.
Common Features Across Top Models
- Adjustable Racks: Allow flexibility for oversized items like pots and platters.
- Third Rack: Provides extra space for utensils and small items.
- Smart Features: Wi-Fi connectivity for cycle monitoring and maintenance alerts.
- Sanitizing Cycle: Kills bacteria with high-heat rinse, certified by NSF.
- Delay Start: Runs the dishwasher during off-peak energy hours.
Comparison Table of Top Dishwashers
| Model | Price Range | Noise Level (dB) | Energy Star | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N | $800-$1,000 | 44 | Yes | Third rack, Zeolite drying, 8 cycles |
| Miele G5008 | $1,000-$1,500 | 44 | Yes | AutoDos system, 2-year warranty, 12 cycles |
| LG LDP6810SS | $400-$600 | 52 | Yes | Turbo cycle, stainless steel tub |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most reliable dishwasher brand?
Based on Consumer Reports’ surveys of over 59,000 members, Bosch, Miele, and LG are among the most reliable brands, with fewer reported issues in the first five years. Reliability varies by model, so check specific ratings.
Are expensive dishwashers worth the cost?
Paying more doesn’t always guarantee better reliability or performance. Mid-range models ($500-$1,000) often offer similar cleaning power and features like adjustable racks and quiet operation, making them a cost-effective choice for most households.
How long should a dishwasher last?
A quality dishwasher typically lasts about 10 years with proper maintenance. Brands like Bosch and Miele are known for durability, but regular cleaning and avoiding misuse can extend any model’s lifespan.
Do dishwashers really save water?
Yes, Energy Star-certified dishwashers use as little as 3 gallons per cycle, compared to 20-27 gallons for hand-washing, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. They also save energy by heating water efficiently.
Should I pre-rinse dishes before loading?
Scraping off excess food is enough for most modern dishwashers. Pre-rinsing wastes water and isn’t necessary, as models with soil sensors adjust cycles to handle tough messes.
Additional Resources
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Dishwasher
The Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N stands out as the best overall choice for its balance of performance, quiet operation, and features. For those seeking luxury, the Miele G5008 offers premium cleaning and durability, while the LG LDP6810SS is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on essentials. Consider your household size, kitchen space, and priorities like noise or eco-friendliness when choosing. With Consumer Reports’ rigorous testing as a guide, you can confidently select a dishwasher that keeps your dishes sparkling and your kitchen efficient.