6 Best Dishwashers (2024 Guide)

Whether you have decided to gut-renovate your kitchen or you’re just replacing a single workhorse, looking for a dishwasher is a big investment in a major appliance you’ll be using regularly. Even if you consider yourself brand loyal and want to match your dishwasher with your refrigerator, or oven, there are dozens of options to choose from online at a range of price points. Budget options are available for around $300, while top-of-the-line appliances can cost $2,000 or more. Keep in mind that you will need to budget about $100 to $300 for installation costs as well.

We have carefully combed the bestselling and top-performing built-in dishwashers across several major retailers, read hundreds of customer reviews, identified the standout features of each product, and arrived at the top dishwasher of 2024 in each category. Our top pick overall is the Samsung DW80R9950 Top Control Dishwasher thanks to its high capacity, thorough cleaning performance, and ultra-quiet operation.

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What’s the Best Dishwasher of 2024?

Overall, our pick for the top dishwasher is the Samsung Top Control Dishwasher. This model scored a whopping 99 out of 100 on our scorecard, and stands out from competitors thanks to its quiet operation at only 39 dBA, AquaBlast linear wash system, and flexible third rack. In addition, it includes Wi-Fi compatibility that allows you to remotely monitor and control the dishwasher from your smartphone.

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How Do the Top Dishwashers Compare?

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What Are the Best Dishwashers of 2024?

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Reviews of the Best Dishwashers

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What Should You Look for When Shopping for a Dishwasher?

Before you zero in on the dishwasher that fits your household’s needs, it’s important to do your research. When you’re informed about the average price range, most reliable brands, different types of dishwashers, and the industry standards for quietness, you’ll be less overwhelmed with the shopping process.

Average Price Range

Dishwashers can range from as low as $250 to as much as $2,000, depending on the features you’re looking for. Basic, standard dishwashers may require you to spend more time pre-rinsing your dishes to get the maximum effect, while a high-end dishwasher may provide smart features such as using your phone as a remote control, increased place setting capacity, and more variety in available finishes.

It’s also important to factor in the cost of installation, which is typically about $200 when budgeting for a new dishwasher.

Types of Dishwashers

In general, dishwashers can be broken down into two main categories: built-in dishwashers and portable dishwashers, such as countertop dishwashers. In recent years, the drawer dishwasher has taken on popularity for its sleek appearance, compact nature, and efficiency. The drawer dishwasher is installed beneath your countertop and it’s ideal for small spaces and households with minimal dishwashing needs.

For this article, we’ve focused our top picks on built-in dishwashers, some of which are smart dishwashers with app integration. Smart dishwashers pair with your smartphone, which can allow you to monitor the progress of a wash cycle, troubleshoot, and control the appliance remotely.

Smart-Home Integration

Several high-end dishwashers, such as the Samsung 24-inch Top Control Dishwasher feature smart-home integration, which allows you to monitor and control your dishwasher’s features directly from a smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet. From here, you can turn your dishwasher on, check the status of a wash cycle, toggle features on or off, and pause a cycle when needed. Some dishwashers also include smart voice control through platforms like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Energy Efficiency

Per ENERGY STAR’s website, a standard-sized dishwasher that’s certified by the platform can help save you as much as $55 per year and about 3,850 gallons of water over its lifetime, according to its website. Models with features such as soil sensors, efficient jets, enhanced water filtration, and dish rack designs that reduce water consumption can help reduce your overall energy usage.

Finishes

Kitchen appliances typically come in black, white, and stainless steel finishes. In recent years, black stainless steel, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, and novelty colors have increased in popularity.

Additional Features

The basic function of your dishwasher is to wash and dry dishes and glassware so that you can spend less time hunched over the sink and more time doing the things you love. In addition to that basic process, many dishwashers offer additional features during the wash cycle to customize their performance. Some of these features include:

Noise Level

Many modern dishwashers are rated in decibels (dBA) to communicate the noise level of a dishwasher’s cycle. The quietest dishwashers will have an average rating of 38 dBA, but any model rated lower than 44 dBA is considered a quiet dishwasher. The average dishwasher is about 52 dBA, according to industry standards.

Size

The larger your dishwasher is, the more dishes you’ll be able to clean at once. Built-in dishwashers, particularly those with a third rack, give you the most space on average. Countertop and drawer dishwashers are typically smaller and are a better fit for households with less space.

Standard dishwashers measure 24 inches wide, whereas compact built-in models measure around 18 inches wide.

Water Temperature

Dishwashers should run at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the dishes are being fully cleaned, but not more than 150 degrees Fahrenheit, as that could risk heat damage. Most dishwashers operate between 130–140 degrees. It’s also important to ensure when setting up a dishwasher that it is connected to your hot water line instead of your cold-water line.

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Who Are The Best Dishwasher Brands?

While many different brands make dishwashers, some are more trusted than others.

Brands such as Bosch, Frigidaire, GE, KitchenAid, LG, Maytag, Miele, Samsung, and Whirlpool are known for making high-quality dishwashers. Buying a dishwasher from a different brand doesn’t necessarily mean it will be of poor quality, but you should take extra time to research the product to ensure it’s the right fit for your home.

Since most major appliances are investments, the best dishwasher brands will offer optional an extended appliance warranty.

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Should You DIY vs Professional Dishwasher Installation?

When it comes to plumbing in and running electricity to your dishwasher, This Old House always recommends hiring trained professionals. Hiring the right pros helps mitigate extreme safety risks, prevent potential fire and water damage from faulty installation, and save you from expensive reinstallation or repair services later on. Appliance repair costs can be pricey. The average dishwasher repair costs between $100-$300.

For more detailed instructions on how to install a dishwasher, check out the video below. 

How Much Does It Cost To Install a Dishwasher?

Typically, the labor cost to replace an old dishwasher with a new one is between $100 and $500, depending on the size of the dishwasher and how difficult the installation is.

Installing a brand-new dishwasher where there is no existing hookup typically costs between $500 to more than $1,000 since preparing your kitchen with all-new dishwasher hookups requires a professional electrician and plumber.

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Does Your Dishwasher Have To Match the Rest of Your Appliances?

There is no rule that says that your dishwasher needs to match the rest of your appliances. However, some people dislike the mismatched look that comes from replacing appliances at different times. Here are some tips for getting a new dishwasher that will blend in with the rest of your appliances, such as your refrigerator and your range:

• If you’re purchasing a new dishwasher, look for appliance bundle sales that will allow you to upgrade all of your appliances at once for a lower amount than you would pay if buying appliances separately. Holidays such as President’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Black Friday are great times to look for appliance sales.
• If you’re not ready to upgrade everything, consider painting the older appliances the same color as your new appliances until it’s time to replace them. Make sure you research how to paint appliances, as it’s a little more complicated than painting a shelf.
• Purchase your new dishwasher in the finish that you would want all of your appliances to be once you upgrade everything. While you may need to live with mismatched appliances for a period of time, you will eventually get to live with the finish you want. Alternatively, if you buy a new dishwasher that’s the same color as your existing appliances now, you’ll be stuck keeping that same finish when it’s time to upgrade the other appliances.

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What Is the Best Dishwasher for Your Home?

We recommend the Samsung 24-inch Top Control Dishwasher as the best dishwasher overall due to its smart technology and whisper-quiet operating volume, the Bosch 300 Series 24 in. Dishwasher for its large capacity and suite of special dishwasher features, and the Whirlpool 24-inch Dishwasher for its relative affordability and brand reputation.

We have carefully evaluated each dishwasher in this review according to This Old House’s stringent review standards. Those standards take into account factors like the number of features offered, whether or not the product offers smart technology, the average verified buyer rating and other important aspects.

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FAQs About Buying a Top Dishwasher

What dishwasher should I buy in 2024?

Though the Samsung 24-inch Top Control dishwasher earned our top-rated dishwasher seal, the best dishwasher for your home will depend on your budget, space, must-have features, and personal style.

Other important factors to consider in making your decision include whether a dishwasher meets the U.S. Department of Energy’s efficiency standards and the length of its appliance warranty coverage.

What brand of dishwasher is most reliable?

A few manufacturers can be considered among the most reliable dishwasher brands.

Whirlpool and Bosch both have reputations for needing fewer repairs than their competitors. According to Bosch, fewer than 10% of Bosch dishwashers sold in the last five years required service during that time.

KitchenAid also has a strong brand reputation, and its dishwashers are known for their cleaning performance.

What are the top three rated dishwashers?

According to our evaluation, the three top-rated dishwashers are the Samsung 24-inch model, the Bosch 300 Series model, and the LG 24-inch model. Our research and selection process involved thoroughly evaluating dozens of dishwashers from a variety of brands.

What dishwasher is best for a family?

Families will likely use a lot of dishes and need a dishwasher with a lot of extra space. The Bosch 300 Series dishwasher can hold up to 16 place settings, making it an excellent choice for families due to its large capacity.

How do you clean a dishwasher?

To deep clean your dishwasher, you can follow these general steps:

1. Clean the filter. Remove the dishwasher’s filter and clean it thoroughly with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse the filter with water if necessary.
   For more details on this step, see the “How do you change a dishwasher filter?” FAQ below.
2. Wipe down the interior. Using a damp cloth or sponge, wipe down the interior of the dishwasher, paying special attention to any areas with buildup or stains.
3. Check the spray arms. Make sure the dishwasher’s spray arms are free from any debris or buildup. Use a toothpick, q-tip, or a small brush to clean debris out of the nozzles.
4. Run a cleaning cycle. Run a dishwasher cleaning cycle with a cleaning solution specifically designed for dishwashers. Alternatively, you can place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a cycle.
5. Deodorize the dishwasher. To deodorize your machine, place a bowl of baking soda or a dishwasher-specific deodorizer on the top rack of the dishwasher and run a short wash cycle.

As always, we recommend consulting the owner’s manual for detailed cleaning instructions. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines will also help you avoid using cleaning solutions that could damage your machine.

For additional tips, visit our How to Clean a Dishwasher page.

How do you change a dishwasher filter?

Changing the filter in a dishwasher is an important part of maintaining its performance and prolonging its lifespan. To change the filter, follow these steps:

1. Locate the filter. Depending on the model, your dishwasher filter may be located at the bottom or in the back of the tub.
2. Remove the filter. Removing the filter may involve twisting or turning it or gently releasing any fasteners holding it in place.
3. Clean the filter. To clean your dishwasher filter, use a soft brush or sponge to rid it of debris or buildup, then soak it in warm and rinse off any remaining particulate.
4. Replace the filter. Finally, put the filter back into place and secure it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

It is important to consult the owner’s manual for your specific dishwasher model for detailed instructions on changing the filter. You can also search for tutorial videos that are specific to your dishwasher model.

Learn more about dishwasher maintenance at our How to Maintain Your Dishwasher page.

Does home warranty cover dishwasher repairs?

One option to protect yourself from your dishwasher wearing down is purchasing a home warranty with high-end appliance coverage. Home warranty companies like SquareTrade offer a coverage cap on appliances that goes towards the cost of repairs or replacements.

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Our Rating Methodology

Our review team is committed to providing thoroughly researched recommendations and insight into the categories we cover. We seek to earn and keep your trust by practicing ongoing transparency about the process of our reviews and the factors we take into account.

Our 100-point rating system accounts for six key factors. We scored the dishwashers featured in this article in the following way:

• Features (up to 40 total points): This category accounts for the most commonly sought-after dishwasher features, such as a third rack, stainless steel internal components, quick wash cycles, ENERGY STAR certification, and more.
• Finishes (up to 1 point): Products that came in more than one finish were rated higher than products with only one finish option.
• Average customer rating (up to 15 points): Each product received a score from zero to 15, depending on its average customer rating. We rounded up decimal ratings to the nearest whole number.
• Smart technology (up to 5 points): If a product included app integration or Wi-Fi compatibility, it received five points.
• Manufacturer’s warranty (up to 25 points): We researched each product’s manufacturer’s warranty and awarded each product 25 points if it came with any kind of warranty or guarantee.
• Customer service (up to 14 points): We researched the customer service options available to homeowners after they’ve purchased their items. Each product received points if its manufacturer offered phone, chat/text, or access to replacement parts.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.