The Best Dishwashers of 2026

A dishwasher is one of the best investments you’ll make in your kitchen. With all the brands and available features, it can be difficult to sort through the options and be sure you’ve made the right choice. That’s what we’re here for.

We've been testing dishwashers for close to 15 years, so we know what separates the best dishwashers from the mediocre ones. We put together this dishwasher buying guide as your shortcut to the best dishwashers on the market.

In addition to leaving dishes spotless, the best dishwashers are easy to use and leave dishes completely dry, while also being quiet and energy efficient. They offer great functionality, with third racks or adjustable racks, and top-rated modern dishwashers are Wi-Fi enabled or can be operated with a smart home assistant.

Through our extensive testing, we found that the Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N (available at AJ Madison) is the best dishwasher for most people. It offers excellent, reliable cleaning, can remove difficult food remnants, and will deliver dry dishes after its wash cycles.

---

Other Dishwashers We Tested And Evaluated

What To Consider When Buying A Dishwasher

With dishwashers costing from around $500 to more than $2,000, there are many differences between models. Here are some things to think about when you’re shopping for a new dishwasher.

• Finishes: As with refrigerators and ranges, dishwashers come in many finishes and colors. Stainless steel is a timeless classic, and most of the dishwashers in this list are available in that finish. But there are other stainless options, with black stainless and fingerprint-resistant stainless more popular than ever. Some of our favorite models are available in more bold choices, too, including navy steel, Tuscan steel, and platinum glass. That said, the finish and color that are best for you come down to personal preferences.

• Cycles: During our testing, we focused on normal, heavy, and quick cycles, but that’s only the start of available cycles. While budget dishwashers may only have those three, you will see other available settings as you move up in price. Some of the models we tested had sanitize settings, which can be especially helpful for families, while others had cycles for china. High-end models typically have the most cycles.

• Special Features: While all of the features in the world can't make a bad dishwasher better, they can really add the finishing touch to a model that does a killer cleaning job. Adjustable upper racks help handle oddly shaped cups and bowls. Third racks are great for utensils that don’t seem to fit other places, and they often offer another option for loading cutlery and flatware. Most of the dishwashers we tested offered a delayed start, and all had stainless steel tubs, which are quieter than those with plastic tubs. The ability to detect soil levels is also helpful for getting dishes sparkling clean. As with the number of cycles, the more features you have, typically, the more you will spend on a dishwasher.

Dishwasher FAQ

Maybe it’s been 10 years since you last bought a dishwasher—or perhaps this is your first time shopping. Either way, you likely have questions, and we can help you answer them.

Is there a best way to load a dishwasher?

If you’ve ever wondered how to load a dishwasher, you’re not alone. Loading a dishwasher can be an art, and it’s the instigating factor of many post-meal arguments. However, most dishwashers are designed to be loaded in a particular way for maximum effectiveness, so it’s best to consult your dishwasher guide for tips. Here’s a brief overview of what we’ve learned from loading so many dishwashers over the years:

Full-size dishwashers typically hold 14 to 16 place settings. Plates and serving dishes go on the bottom rack, along with larger pots and pans that are dishwasher-safe. Use movable tines to accommodate different-sized dishware.

Glasses, bowls, and other small wares go on the top rack. Flatware and other small utensils go in either the silverware basket or dedicated holders in the third rack, if your dishwasher has one. Serving spoons, spatulas, and other larger utensils go on the third rack, as well.

If there’s one rule to go by: Don’t overload your dishwasher. If there are too many dishes crammed in, the water from the spray arms won’t reach, and consequently, the dishes won't be cleaned.

How do you clean a dishwasher?

The most important aspect of keeping your dishwasher clean and odor-free is to clean the dishwasher filter. It may sound gross, but it’ll keep your dishwasher in good working condition. You’ll need dish soap and a scrub brush. Twist the filter out of the bottom of the dishwasher’s tub, scrub it under the tap with the soap and brush, and rinse it clean. When it comes to cleaning a dishwasher filter, it’s weekly.

It may seem counterintuitive, but dishwashers don’t clean themselves while they’re cleaning your dishes. But cleaning your dishwasher is easy and only requires two ingredients: white vinegar and baking soda.

First, pour a cup of white vinegar into a small dishwasher-safe bowl and set it in the top rack of the dishwasher. Run it on its heavy cycle. When done, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher tub and let it sit overnight. Then run an empty hot cycle again.

Is it possible to install a dishwasher yourself?

Depending on how and from where you buy a dishwasher, its installation will vary. You may want to call in a professional to handle it. Consider whether you have basic plumbing and electrical skills or would rather hire someone, because the setup has to adhere to state requirements.

If you still want to drive the DIY highway, we have a guide on how to install a dishwasher, which outlines how to get the job done yourself and when it makes sense to call in a pro.

What is a good lifespan for a dishwasher?

According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, the average dishwasher lasts about 9 years. This InterNACHI chart on standard estimated life expectancies for all types of home products is incredibly helpful.

When we spoke to appliance repair experts, they claimed a good dishwasher should last 10-to-13 years.

While we lab-test dishwashers for cleaning performance and build quality, we don’t test for durability, life expectancy, or operational duration. How long a dishwasher will last varies by brand and model.

What is the average cost of a dishwasher, and, if broken, is it cheaper to buy a new one?

The average price range for dishwashers is about $1,000, from the least expensive to the most costly.

At the low end, you can find models for just over $500 from value brands like Hotpoint and Amana. Midrange models start in the mid-$600s and run up to about $1,000, with GE, Frigidaire, and Whirlpool, and even some Bosch 100- and 300-series dishwashers.

Over the $1,000 mark, you’ll get a dishwasher loaded with special features and finishes from brands like Bosch, Café, Frigidaire Professional, and GE Profile. Over $1,600, and you’re in high-end territory with dishwashers from Miele, Fisher & Paykel, Bertazzoni, and Viking.

If your dishwasher isn't at the end of its lifespan but isn't operating as it should, you may be wondering whether it's worth fixing or just buying a new one. The answer depends. As we explained above, you should expect your dishwasher to last about nine to 10 years. A replacement will cost anywhere from $500 to over $1,000, depending on whether you're shopping on a budget or looking for the best, most durable model you can get for your money. Also, modern models often use less electricity and water than older models, which can save you a little bit of money on your utility bills.

If your dishwasher is nearing the end of its lifespan and something breaks, it's probably cheaper to buy a new one. That way, you won't get stuck in a cycle of constantly fixing an older unit, and you can take advantage of the more efficient design of a modern dishwasher.

If you do decide to buy a new dishwasher, make sure you have a plan for disposing of your old appliance.

Does a dishwasher's size matter?

In short: No. All built-in dishwashers that require installation are 24 or 18 inches wide and connect directly to the kitchen water supply. Measure the width of your space before buying.

Suppose you want one that sits perfectly flush with your cabinetry—like in a home design magazine—you'll also need to grab a tape measure and measure your available depth. Double-check all measurements before purchasing.

However, this means that it's super easy to shop for a built-in dishwasher online, because you can guarantee it'll fit the space you already have open in your kitchen.

How much water does a dishwasher use?

Dishwashers use far less water than you would by hand-washing your dishes. Surprising, right?!

Reviewed's former lab operations manager, Jonathan Chan, says, "The amount of water a dishwasher uses varies greatly on the type and cycle selected. Normal cycles on compact models can use as little as 2.5 gallons, but larger entry-level models can use up to 5 gallons."

For example, in our test labs, we measure energy and water usage for fast, normal, and heavy work cycles. We assume 208 cycles per year (4 per week), of which 25% are quick, 50% are normal, and 25% are heavy. Based on these cycle counts and the per-cycle numbers, we can determine an approximate annual water use.

The Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N, our current pick for the best dishwasher, uses 750 gallons per year. Our current Best Value winner, the Beko DUT25401X, has an annual water use of 731 gallons. Interestingly, our upgrade pick, the Miele G 5266 SCVi, uses the least amount of gallons, at 626.

What dishwasher brand is best?

Currently, brands like Bosch, Miele, and KitchenAid all have several dishwashers that tested well enough to be featured on this list. In the past, brands like Thermador, LG, and Samsung have also been over-represented amongst our highest-testing dishwashers.

Over the years, Bosch has proven to be one of the most consistent brands for producing top-of-the-line dishwashers.

All this said, all the above-mentioned brands can make excellent dishwashers. Just because Bosch, by some metrics, is considered the best dishwasher brand, doesn't mean it has the best dishwasher for you and your specific needs. Their dishwashers are often quite pricey, and you may not use all of the features they come equipped with, which can make them a worse value for you than they would be for someone else.

Also, new dishwashers come out each year, with unique features and engineering innovations, some of which are so valuable they become standard throughout the industry, like the third rack, and others that are expensive, short-lived gimmicks. Every company we've tested can produce dishwashers that, for some reason or another, are overpriced and underpowered. While a blanket statement about which manufacturer is best is certainly a good way to make a purchasing decision quickly, it's no substitute for researching the performance of individual models.

Which dishwasher brand is most reliable?

We don't conduct long-term durability testing on products, so we don't have data to indicate which brand produces more reliable machines. Even if we did have data, as stated above, dishwashers can vary greatly from model to model. Making sweeping conclusions about a brand rather than individual models would be an oversimplification that could lead you to make a poor purchasing decision.

That being said, some manufacturers do provide better warranties than others, which means you're less likely to be on the hook for a replacement if something goes wrong within the first few years of your purchase.

The industry standard warranty is 1 year of coverage for parts and service. Bosch's warranty also covers racks and circuitry for up to 5 years, with rust damage on the stainless-steel fixtures covered for the lifetime of the product. LG will likewise cover parts for the control board and rack for up to 5 years, the motor for up to 10 years, and offer a lifetime warranty on the stainless steel door liner.

Be aware that some manufacturers may claim their products last for decades, but don't necessarily offer a warranty to match. Miele, for example, claims that its products last for 20 years (https://www.mieleusa.com/c/good-reasons-614.htm), but onlyofferss a 2-year warranty.

What's the difference between cheap and expensive dishwashers?

While there is a correlation between a dishwasher's price and its overall quality, we've also tested many expensive dishwashers that performed poorly despite their stylish appearance.

In general, a higher price indicates one of four things: • Better quality cleaning * More features * A higher-end aesthetic * Better overall build quality

For example, our current highest-rated dishwasher, the Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N was capable of cleaning over 99% of our test stains, has some useful features for accommodating almost any dish you need to wash, comes equipped with smart features, and has a robust build backed by an excellent warranty that covers certain parts for up to 5 years with a lifelong guarantee on its stainless steel interior. It costs over $1,000.

Our pick for the best budget dishwasher, the Beko DUT25401X, had a cycle that cleaned over 99% of our test stains, though it took longer. While it does have an adjustable upper rack, it lacks foldable tines and smart features. Its overall build quality also doesn't appear as durable as Bosch's. While Beko's 2-year warranty is good, it's not as extensive as Bosch's. The Beko DUT25401X, while not as widely available as the Bosch, can be bought for under $600.

Is it worth buying a high-end dishwasher?

The answer to this question will vary greatly depending on your available resources.

As discussed above, there are some salient differences between one of the best dishwashers we've tested, which costs over $1,000, and one of the better budget buys we've seen, which costs under $600. While the budget model had comparable cleaning strength on one of its cycles, its other cycles were much worse than those on the higher-end model. In most cases, the budget model will perform worse than the more expensive model, so you may need to run some dishes through multiple wash cycles or hand-wash particularly stubborn stains. For lightly soiled dishes, the budget models should do just fine.

More expensive models often have significantly more features, but whether they're useful to you will depend on the types of dishes you tend to wash. If you have a lot of bulky cookware or ceramics, foldable tines may be important for allowing them to slot in easily. If you often use deep pots, an adjustable rack may be a necessity. Smart features, like remote control, can be a great accessibility feature for some, but not particularly useful for others.

Another difference between higher-end and budget models is the overall build quality of the machine, and that's where buying the high-end model pays off over time. You’re also more likely to find panel-ready dishwashers, that is, those that can be affixed with a custom cabinet panel, in the high-end category, which is important if you’re looking to camouflage your appliances with cabinetry.

Dishwashers generally last about 10 years, but budget models may fail before then, while high-end models may last much longer before breaking down. If you spend half as much on a dishwasher and need to replace it twice as often, it probably makes more sense to buy the higher-end model. Not only will it save you the headache of replacing and disposing of a faulty model on short notice, but you can also benefit from its extra cleaning power and helpful features.

What Other Reviewers Are Saying About the Best Dishwashers

The experts seem torn over which dishwasher is best. To save you some time and trouble, we’ve checked the dishwasher guides and researched for you. From what we can tell, the German brands are having a great day because it’s a race between Bosch and Miele for the crown.

• Wirecutter: Wirecutter’s top pick is the Miele G5008, which is the brand’s entry-level model. Few people will complain about a Miele in their kitchen. They’re beautiful and perform excellently. Wirecutter thinks it performs better than all the Bosch models. We respectfully disagree.
• Consumer Reports: The Consumer Reports team currently recommends the Bosch Benchmark SHP9PCM5N as their top pick. The Benchmark is the step-up series from our top pick, the Bosch 800 Series. For around $400 extra, the Benchmark buys you quieter cycles, a different rack configuration, and interior lights.
• Good Housekeeping: GH’s top dishwasher is the Miele G7196SCVISF. We agree that Miele’s are fantastic, but the price puts them firmly in the luxury category. It's an excellent upgrade option, but the auto-dosing for the detergent is a pricy feature that's not necessary for most owners.

What Owners Are Saying About Our Best Dishwashers

User comments on the topic of the best dishwashers seem to reflect the typical amount of rancor and infighting. We’re pulling these user reviews from sources other than Amazon because Amazon isn't a great place to buy large appliances.

• Reddit /BuyItForLife: Over at Reddit’s BIFL, the top comments also recommend Bosch or Miele, but there’s a loud call for dishwashers with food grinders, like the GE Profile PDT715SYVFS, at Costco. FYI, food grinders in dishwashers have largely been supplanted by filters due to their noise and tighter energy-efficiency standards, but they’re still a must-have for some people.
• Bosch-home.com: Regarding our top-pick Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N, customer “LLJT” over at Bosch’s website wrote a 5-star review highlighting their particular appreciation for the AquaStop Leak Protection System feature.
• ABT: Appliance retailer ABT has nearly a 92% 5-star rating for the Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N.

Beyond the usual installation problems and delivery errors, the most common complaints about the Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N concern the smart home app and the bottom rack tines, which are a little too low. Both are fair targets, in our opinion.

Why You Should Trust Our Expertise

When it comes to rating the best dishwashers, we do all the dirty work—pun intended. First, our editors research the best brands and models on the market to get an idea of what’s special, what’s different, and which dishwashers have a reputation for cleaning well.

Then we put the dishwashers through a repeatable, precise battery of tests. Testing dishwashers is obviously a dirty job filled with cheese-crusted casserole pans and spinach puree-painted plates, but we are happy to do it. When testing, we evaluate each dishwasher on the three major factors—performance, features, and user experience.

We test each dishwasher’s three main dishwasher cycles: quick, heavy, and normal, by baking nasty food and beverage stains on 15 to 20 dishes that are then loaded into the dishwasher per the manufacturer's loading directions.

At the end of each cycle, we manually determine how much stain has been removed from each dish. Ideally, each dish is 100% clean, but achieving that level of cleaning perfection in real life can be harder. We also look at redeposit, which is when water jets remove bits of food from one dish that get stuck on a second dish.

We also look at a dishwasher’s ability to dry dishes and how it accomplishes this. Customers expect their dishes to be dry, so we penalize the dishwasher every time a dish comes out wet.

Learn more about how we test dishwashers.

Read More About Dishwashers on Reviewed

For more tips, product reviews, and ideas related to dishwashers, check out these articles on Reviewed.com and beyond:

How Do Dishwashers Work? Everything You Want To Know: An in-depth breakdown of dishwasher mechanics—from spray arms and filtration systems to drying technologies like CrystalDry with zeolite. This article also offers expert tips on choosing a cycle and maximizing performance.

What Actually Happens Inside a Dishwasher: A similarly foundational piece that demystifies the internal functions of a dishwasher—highlighting its tub, spray systems, heating elements, and how these parts work together to get dishes clean and dry.

10 Mistakes You’re Making with Your Dishwasher: A practical guide to avoiding common user errors that undermine washing performance—like overloading, blocking spray arms, skipping rinse aid, and neglecting maintenance like filter cleaning.

Some dishwashers dry better than others—here's why: This feature explains the different methods dishwashers use to dry dishes, and what to look for in a dishwasher if drying ability is high on your list of must-haves.

Your dishwasher is gross—here's how to clean it: In this article, you’ll learn what components of a dishwasher need to be cleaned, why it’s important, and how to do it easily.

A dishwasher is the easiest appliance to buy online—here's why: Buying an appliance online isn’t always an easy thing to do, but with dishwashers, it can be. This feature explains the different types of dishwashers you may consider, and why making that choice online makes sense.

The Best Quiet Dishwashers We've Tested: If your home has an open layout, you may be in the market for a particularly quiet dishwasher. This list features the quietest dishwashers we’ve tested.