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When you’re in the market for a new dishwasher, buying from a trusted brand is a must. Whirlpool consistently rates as one of the top brands on the market for dishwashers, and they sell a variety of models ranging from compact dishwashers that fit in narrow kitchens to heavy-duty models that can hold a high number of place settings. Typically, you can expect to spend anywhere between $500–$1,500 on a new dishwasher, depending on the make and model, and Whirlpool’s prices generally align with other top brands.
To help you find the best dishwasher for your needs, the This Old House Reviews team created this guide for the best Whirlpool dishwashers available. Overall, we recommend the Whirlpool Top Control Built-in Dishwasher and the Whirlpool 18” Front Control Built-in Dishwasher as our top picks. The Whirlpool Front Control Portable Dishwasher is our top choice for portable models.
Top 5 Whirlpool Dishwashers
- Best Overall: Whirlpool Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
- Best Capacity: Whirlpool Top Control Built-In Dishwasher with 3rd Rack
- Best for Small Kitchen: Whirlpool 18” Front Control Built-In Dishwasher
- Best Portable: Whirlpool Front Control Portable Dishwasher
- Best Design: Whirlpool 24″ Front Control Built-In Dishwasher
Compare Top Whirlpool Dishwashers
| Product | Type | Size | Finishes | Noise Level | Third Rack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whirlpool Top Control Built-In Dishwasher | Built-in | 24 inches | Stainles steel | 41 dBA | Yes |
| Whirlpool Top Control Built-In Dishwasher with 3rd Rack | Built-in | 24 inches | Black stainless, stainless steel, black, biscuit | 47 dBA | Yes |
| Whirlpool 18” Front Control Built-In Dishwasher | Built-in | 18 inches | Stainles steel | 50 dBA | No |
| Whirlpool Front Control Portable Dishwasher | Portable | 24 inches | White, black | 64 dBA | No |
| Whirlpool 24″ Front Control Built-In Dishwasher | Built-in | 24 inches | Panel-ready | 49 dBA | No |
| Product | Type | Size | Finishes | Noise Level | Third Rack |
Best Overall
Whirlpool Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
- $1,062
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Large families looking for a large, high-quality dishwasher that can fit lots of dishes and cleans thoroughly.
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who left a positive review for this dishwasher liked that it had an adjustable third rack for fitting extra dishes. Others commented on how quietly it ran and its ability to leave dishes fully clean. However, there were some reviewers who felt this dishwasher didn’t fully dry dishes each time and sometimes left pools of water in cups. Others had issues with it leaking out water.
Best Capacity
Whirlpool Top Control Built-In Dishwasher with 3rd Rack
- $840
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Customers looking for a large-capacity dishwasher with a third rack and various other ways to create more space.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who were satisfied with this dishwasher loved that it had easy-to-use controls, a large capacity, and a sleek, stylish design. However, there were several complaints about this dishwasher not fully drying dishes. Others also felt that it was not as durable as they were anticipating.
Best for Small Kitchens
Whirlpool 18” Front Control Built-In Dishwasher
- $943
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Customers looking for a compact dishwasher that still delivers high-quality performance.
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who gave this product a positive review liked that it fit well into small kitchens but still offered high performance. Others commented on how quietly it ran. On the other hand, negative reviews mentioned that this dishwasher’s silverware holder was too small, and others said it was sometimes difficult to maneuver the racks.
Best Portable
Whirlpool Front Control Portable Dishwasher
- $900
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Customers in need of a portable dishwasher that doesn’t want to sacrifice capacity or performance.
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who liked this Whirlpool dishwasher said that it had easy installation and straightforward controls. Others said that it was durable and cleaned dishes well. However, some customers who left mixed reviews said this product had flimsy racks, and several were disappointed in the capacity of the silverware rack.
Best Design
Whirlpool 24″ Front Control Built-In Dishwasher
- $927
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Homeowners looking for a panel-ready design that will fit in with the rest of their kitchen cabinetry.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who gave positive reviews for this dishwasher praised its integrated design and simple operation. Others liked that it operated quietly. However, there were some concerns from other reviewers who said this product had less capacity than anticipated, and others said it often pooled excess moisture in the back panel.
Buying Guide for Whirlpool Dishwashers
Not all Whirlpool dishwashers are the same, and there are some important things to consider when choosing the best model for your needs. To select a dishwasher, consider first if you are looking for a built-in or portable unit. From there, you should take time to think about what other factors matter most to you, such as capacity, finish and design, extra racks, noise level, and cycle options. Read our guide below for more information about choosing a Whirlpool dishwasher.
Built-In vs. Portable
Most dishwashers from Whirlpool are built-in, meaning they are installed directly into your kitchen cabinetry and are stationary. This is recommended if you will be staying in your home long-term and don’t need to move the dishwasher from place to place. Portable models typically don’t have the same level of performance as built-in models, but they do provide increased flexibility that allows you to move it around your kitchen when needed, and they can be brought with you when you move with minimal hassle.
Capacity
Dishwasher capacity is typically measured by place settings. One place setting typically consists of a dinner plate, dessert plate, bowl, glass, tea cup and cutlery (one knife, two forks, and two spoons). So, if a dishwasher says it can fit eight place settings, it means it can fit eight full sets of the items listed above.
If you have a large family that often eats dinner together, you may want to focus on dishwashers with at least 8-10 place settings. If you live alone and don’t do dishes as often, look for smaller models with 4-8 place settings.
Design/Finish
Most Whirlpool dishwashers come in stainless steel, which seamlessly blends in with any kitchen design. However, some models are also available in other finishes, such as black, white or bisque. Some dishwasher designs also vary in their handle design and location. Whirlpool models often come with fingerprint-resistant designs, meaning they won’t smudge and will maintain a glossy finish for years to come.
Noise Level
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.
Extra Features
Whirlpool offers a wide variety of extra features in their dishwashers, but not all models include everything. Some examples of additional features include:
- 1-hour wash cycle
- Adjustable racks
- Child locks
- Delayed start features
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Folding tines
- Heated drying
- High-temperature cleaning
- Leak detection system
- Third rack
How To Install a Dishwasher
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. To remove an older dishwasher, turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker and remove the front access control panel. You’ll also want to remove the wiring connections, drain hose, and water supply line. Then, you’re ready to remove the screws that anchor the dishwasher and pull the appliance out carefully.
- Route the new supply line: Next up is routing the new supply line through the hole between the sink cabinet and where you’re setting up the dishwasher. Before you do that, though, be sure to disconnect the old supply line from the shut-off valve. Once that is done and the supply line is in place, you can attach the new water supply line to the valve.
- Slide the dishwasher in place: Now it’s time to slot your Whirlpool dishwasher into place and carefully connect the lines to the appliance. If you measured the space in advance to match the measurements of your new appliance, you shouldn’t have any difficulty fitting it into the open space.
- Connect the water supply line: Once the dishwasher is in place, it’s time to connect the new water supply line with pliers. After it’s connected, turn the supply line on to check for any potential leaks. Then, connect the drain hose and finish any additional connections listed in the Whirlpool product instructions.
- Turn on the circuit breaker: Now that the water supply line is connected, turn the device on at the circuit breaker and make sure it’s running correctly.
- Secure it in place: Assuming it’s running without issue, you can now finish up by securing the dishwasher in place and replacing the front access panel.
FAQ About Whirlpool Dishwashers
How long do dishwashers last?
With proper care, dishwashers from Whirlpool can last at least 10 years, often exceeding that. To prolong the life of your dishwasher, be sure to treat any issues that arise promptly and try to wait until it is completely full to run another cycle. Additionally, you can periodically clean the dishwasher to keep it in peak condition.
Is Whirlpool a good brand for dishwashers?
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 2023 iF Design Awards for its Maxispace Dishwasher model. Whirlpool also offers warranties on their appliances for peace of mind beyond the first year
How do you reset a Whirlpool dishwasher?
If you need to reset your dishwasher that won’t start, first, be sure it is not in sleep or lock mode. If it is not, check the individual product instructions for how to proceed. Some models may require you to unplug the unit from the wall, while others can be reset by holding down the start/reset button for a few moments.
Why is my dishwasher not draining properly?
If you’re having issues with your dishwasher not fully draining, check to make sure there aren’t any clogged filters or food buildup. If that is not the issue, you may have a kinked drain hose or faulty pump, in which case you should call a Whirlpool representative or professional repairperson.
How We Selected the Best Whirlpool Dishwashers
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of Whirlpool dishwashers with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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