If you’ve suffered through dishwashers that rumbled in the past, you may be looking for quiet models now that you’re shopping for a new dishwasher. Quiet dishwashers come with a variety of anti-noise and anti-vibration features that keep sound levels to a minimum. Many shoppers are surprised to learn that highly-rated dishwashers with quiet features can be found for under $1,000. Based on the special features and design you choose, a typical quiet dishwasher ranges in price from $900 to $1,800.
We carefully reviewed dishwashers being marketed as whisper-quiet appliances to help you select the best quiet dishwasher for your home. Based on its sleek design and 39-dBA sound level, the Samsung Top Control Built-In Dishwasher earned its spot at the top of our list. In addition to this mid-priced all-around favorite, we also chose six other dishwashers that excel in specific categories.
Top 7 Quiet Dishwashers
- Samsung Top Control Built-In Dishwasher: Best Overall
- LG SIGNATURE Top Control Dishwasher: Best Configuration
- Bosch 800 Series Top Control Dishwasher: Best Luxury
- Samsung Smart Dishwasher with StormWash+: Best Value
- KitchenAid Top Control Built-In Dishwasher: Best for Easy Loading
- LG Top Control Built-In Dishwasher: Best Smart Technology
- GE Profile Hidden Control Built-In Dishwasher: Most Powerful
Compare Top Quiet Dishwashers
| Product | Place Settings | Decibel Rating | Smart Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Samsung Top Control Built-In DishwasherCheck Price | 15 | 39 dBA | Yes |
LG SIGNATURE Top Control DishwasherCheck Price | 15 | 40 dBA | Yes |
Bosch 800 Series Top Control DishwasherCheck Price | 15 | 42 dBA | Yes |
Samsung Smart Dishwasher with StormWash+Check Price | 15 | 44 dBA | Yes |
KitchenAid Top Control Built-In DishwasherCheck Price | 13 | 39 dBA | No |
LG Top Control Built-In DishwasherCheck Price | 15 | 42 dBA | Yes |
GE Profile Hidden Control Built-In DishwasherCheck Price | 16 | 39 dBA | Yes |
Terms To Know for Quiet Dishwashers
- Place Settings Capacity: Capacity refers to how many dinner place settings can fit in the dishwasher at one time. A place setting consists of a dinner plate, a dessert plate, a soup bowl, a glass, a tea cup and saucer, cutlery, utensils, and a serving bowl.
- Decibel Rating: Measured in A-weighted decibels, the decibel level refers to the sound generated by the dishwasher while in operation. Decibel ratings around 40 are considered quiet, comparable to the sound of someone typing on a keyboard. The decibel scale is logarithmic, so 50 dBA is twice as loud as 40 dBA.
Best Overall
Samsung Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
Good for: Good for busy households where the dishes are never done.
For families with young kids or those who work from home, this dishwasher is quiet enough not to disrupt nap time or a zoom meeting. It also features a linear cleaning system with Samsung’s unique AquaBlast™ jets that get into every corner. The door also automatically releases at the end of each cycle, circulating air for improved drying performance and helping to keep your appliances fresher. Using Wi-Fi, you can also monitor this dishwasher’s programs and cycles from your phone.
Pros and Cons of Samsung Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
- Has a flexible third rack that creates lots of space for silverware and utensils
- Zone Booster™ adds water streams in the bottom left corner to improve cleaning of pots and pans
- Has a fingerprint-resistant finish
- The top rack’s design causes tines to push inward during loading
- Racks and drawers don’t roll very smoothly in general
What People Are Saying About The Samsung Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
Overall, we found that the quiet performance and roominess of this dishwasher win reviewers over. The recurring complaint is that this dishwasher has a habit of throwing error codes that require a diagnosis before another cycle can be started.
Best Configuration
LG SIGNATURE Top Control Dishwasher
Good for: Good for someone who is using a variety of cookware in different sizes.
LG’s 40-dBA EasyRack™ Plus system adjusts the dishwasher’s interior to different types of loads to ensure optimal performance. A single touch allows you to change the upper rack’s height to one of three levels. The QuadWash™ feature with multi-motion spray arms and a powerful motor helps dishes to get clean from every angle. Plus, it’s easy to control and monitor loads through the SmartThinQ app.
Pros and Cons of LG SIGNATURE Top Control Dishwasher
- LG’s New Glide Rail makes loading and unloading smooth
- Dual zone wash lets you choose two different spray modes for the upper and lower racks
- Is ENERGY STAR certified
- Lack of heating element for drying can leave dishes in need of towel drying
- Many features are dependent on a Wi-Fi connection
What People Are Saying About The LG SIGNATURE Top Control Dishwasher
This dishwasher’s quiet performance leaves many customers pleased. The interior door light is a fan favorite. A few people struggled with what they felt was poor drying performance.
Best Luxury
Bosch 800 Series Top Control Dishwasher
Good for: Good for someone who wants tons of cycle options to protect expensive dishes and cookware.
This 42-dBA Bosch dishwasher integrates concealed touch controls, a sparkling stainless-steel interior and optimized detergent tray. The Bosch RackMatic feature adjusts to three different heights to give you nine different rack positions to accommodate tall stemware, pots, pans and more. There’s also a PrecisionWash feature that uses intelligent sensors to scan and monitor dishes from start to finish.
Pros and Cons of Bosch 800 Series Top Control Dishwasher
- FlexSpace tines allow you to fold down every other tine to accommodate bulky items
- Flexible third rack features expandable wings that accommodate deeper items
- Sanitize Option eliminates up to 99.9% of bacteria
- Not as energy-efficient as comparable models
- Tine placement isn’t intuitive when loading the dishwasher in a standard way
What People Are Saying About The Bosch 800 Series Top Control Dishwasher
In our research, we found that people are thrilled with the quiet performance and elite configuration of this Bosch dishwasher. Many appreciated the red light that shines on the floor to indicate the washer is running since it is so quiet. A few reviewers struggled with the racks, stating that the tine placement was awkward.
Best Value
Samsung Smart Dishwasher with StormWash+
Good for: Good for someone who wants a dishwasher under $1,000 that has high-tech features.
If you’re looking for a dishwasher that will create minimal disturbances but also have a tight budget, this is our recommended pick. It features a quiet 44-dBA operation and uses Samsung’s Stormwash+ technology with dual wash arms to deliver a rotating jet spray that cleans every dish thoroughly. Like other Samsung models, it also includes an auto-release door to circulate air right away and allow your dishes to dry faster.
Pros and Cons of Samsung Smart Dishwasher with StormWash+
- Received the “Most Efficient” mark from ENERGY STAR
- Pre-blast cycle cuts down on the need to prewash dishes
- FlexLoad™ rack system adjusts height in the middle of the rack to free up space
- Some reviewers found rack configuration to be difficult to use
- Flaring of the tines can make it hard to find spots for bowls
What People Are Saying About The Samsung Smart Dishwasher with StormWash+
We found that reviewers can hardly believe this appliance is running because it is so quiet. Satisfied customers mentioned that they were impressed with the cleaning performance of this dishwasher. Almost all complaints are related to what can feel like an uninspired configuration that removes opportunities for efficient loading.
Best for Easy Loading
KitchenAid Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
Good for: Good for someone who doesn’t want to have to jostle racks when loading the dishwasher.
The SatinGlide rails in the third and middle racks of this dishwasher create smooth, easy loading and unloading. There’s also an adjustable middle rack that’s perfect for a tall mixing bowl or platter. Operating at just 39 dBA, this KitchenAid dishwasher offers the quietest performance possible.
Pros and Cons of KitchenAid Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
- Extended heat-dry option extends the dry cycle by 14 minutes for total dryness
- ProWash cycle uses sensors to measure soil levels in order to adapt wash times and water temperatures during the cycle
- The express cycle does a great job of getting dishes sparkling in a fraction of the time
- Not as energy-efficient as competitors
- The configuration doesn’t leave many good spots for spatulas and cooking spoons
What People Are Saying About The KitchenAid Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
In addition to praising the quiet performance and attractive appearance of this dishwasher, customers who own it are impressed by just how well it dries dishes. Some reviewers felt that the rinsing power was lacking.
Best Smart Technology
LG Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
Good for: Good for someone who loves automation and wants to get dishes done quickly.
Tech-savvy users will appreciate the remote start through the ThinQ app and LG Auto Cycle for automated cycle selection. While this dishwasher shows off plenty of high-tech features, it also lets you customize your cleaning configuration manually using the LG Flex Zone that allows you to wash the upper and lower racks based on how you’ve loaded. Finally, the three-stage filtration system tackles residue and dirty dishes when you can’t prewash loads.
Pros and Cons of LG Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
- Glide rail and ball-bearing wheel design prevent the rack jumping the track
- Has a hidden LED front timer to show how much time is remaining
- Features a 1-hour wash and dry cycle for fast cleaning
- Rack configuration isn’t great for bowls
- Drying power can feel lacking at times
What People Are Saying About The LG Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
When we read through dozens of customer reviews, we noted that the quiet performance and hidden-handle design were complimented frequently. Most complaints revolve around the rack configuration.
Most Powerful
GE Profile Hidden Control Built-In Dishwasher
Good for: Good for someone who wants a quiet and powerful new dishwasher and doesn’t want to waste time pre-rinsing dishes.
Deep-cleaning jets, bottle jets, and a third rack help to optimize the GE Profile’s cleaning power. The standout is the piranha hard-food disposer that uses a stainless blade rotating at 3,600 RPM to eliminate any food particles that would clog wash arms. Plus, the Turbo Dry Boost feature finishes each drying cycle with a dual-fan system and in-line heater to offer better drying performance on all types of materials.
Pros and Cons of GE Profile Hidden Control Built-In Dishwasher
- Has a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish to keep it looking clean and new
- Uses bottle jets to help get bottles and jars and clean
- Offering space for 16 place settings, this is one of the roomier dishwashers
- Rinsing power leaves something to be desired
- The door feels lighter and slightly flimsier compared to other models
What People Are Saying About The GE Profile Hidden Control Built-In Dishwasher
Our research showed that people who were happy with their purchase complimented the quiet operation and thorough cleaning, especially for bottles and silverware. Reviews from dissatisfied customers mentioned issues with assembly and the soap not fully dissolving.
What To Know Before Buying Quiet Dishwashers
When looking for the best dishwashers that are also whisper-quiet, knowing your kitchen habits is every bit as important as knowing what different manufacturers offer. That’s because different models prioritize different features to make dish duty easier. Here’s what to consider.
What dBA is considered quiet for a dishwasher?
A decibel rating of 38 dBA is considered the lowest possible option for dishwashers. However, “low” is considered anything from 38 dBA to about 45 dBA. A decibel rating of 50 dBA or above is considered about average.
What is a good price point for a quiet dishwasher?
In order to get a good mix of features, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,500. It’s common for models in this price range to dip down to $800 to $900 when brands are running sales. Some high-end options may cost $2,000 or more.
What capacity do quiet dishwashers typically have?
The average capacity for a quiet dishwasher is 15 place settings, with each place setting containing 12 pieces. However, most people are washing a variety of different pots, pans, dishes, and cups when doing loads. That’s why paying attention to configuration is often more important than just focusing on capacity or the size of the dishwasher.
What are reputable brands that sell quiet dishwashers?
In the appliance world, there are several brands known for making the quietest dishwashers:
- Bosch
- GE
- KitchenAid
- LG
- Maytag
- Miele
- Samsung
- Whirlpool
All of these brands have decades of experience with utilizing the latest technology for performance and reliability.
What other features should you look for in a quiet dishwasher besides noise level?
The main feature to look for in a quiet dishwasher is ENERGY STAR certification because this distinction can help to reduce energy waste at your home. More efficient dishwashers tend to last longer than inefficient ones because they don’t undergo as much wear and tear.
Other high-value features to look for include turbo-boost features or jet sprays that tackle tough debris, smart features that set cycles based on load size, extra drying power to eliminate droplets, and Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to control and monitor your appliance through an app.
Why Are Some Dishwashers Noisy?
If you’re looking for a dishwasher with a quiet operation because you’ve had it with constant humming or clanking, you may be wondering just why your current dishwasher is so loud. In some cases, you may simply have an older model with an inefficient motor. However, performance issues can sometimes cause dishwashers to be noisy. Here are some troubleshooting points.
- You’re overloading your dishwasher: Even a quiet-performance dishwasher can act up if you’re cramming dishes in too closely together. The sound you’re hearing may be dishes banging together.
- You’re putting pots and pans in the wrong spot: Pots and pans should be placed in the middle of the dishwasher to prevent them from banging on the sides of the appliance as they are being sprayed.
- Your drain pump is broken: If you’re hearing grinding noises coming from your dishwasher, this is a telltale sign that the drain pump that moves water out of the appliance is broken.
- Your impeller fins are broken: If you’re hearing odd noises, one of the pump impellers that directs water through the dishwasher’s spray arms may have a broken fin. Additionally, impellers sometimes get clogged with debris.
Quiet Dishwasher FAQs
How loud is a 50-decibel dishwasher?
A 50-decibel dishwasher is about as loud as a quiet conversation, fingers tapping on a keyboard, or ambient city traffic through a window.
Are quiet dishwashers more expensive than regular dishwashers?
Yes, quiet dishwashers are typically more expensive than regular dishwashers that might range in price from just $300 to $600 instead of $900 to $1,500. However, it’s always important to do a feature-to-feature comparison before making a decision based on price.
Can you DIY installation of a dishwasher?
While it is possible to install your own dishwasher, expert installation is recommended to prevent potential leaks. Dishwasher installation kits include the fittings and water supply lines needed.
What designs and finishes do quiet dishwashers typically come in?
Dishwashers either have a bar handle or a concealed handle, also called a pocket handle. Front control dishwashers have buttons located on the front of the unit, while top control dishwashers have the controls concealed on the top edge of the unit, so you can’t access them without opening the door. The most common finishes in higher-end quiet dishwashers are fingerprint-resistant black stainless steel and stainless steel.
Our Methodology
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, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
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 quiet 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: 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 compared each model’s feature set to create a final short list, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
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.