Why stainless-steel dishwasher tubs are better than plastic

When you’re shopping for a dishwasher, it’s easy to get distracted by third racks, smart features, and fingerprint-resistant finishes. But one of the most important differences between models is something you don’t see once the door is closed: the tub material.

Dishwashers typically come with either a plastic tub or a stainless-steel tub. And while both will get your dishes clean, stainless-steel tubs consistently deliver better drying, quieter operation, and longer-lasting performance. Here’s why that matters.

Stainless-steel interiors allow dishes to dry better

If you’ve ever opened your dishwasher to find droplets sticking to cups and plastic containers, you already understand why drying performance matters.

Stainless-steel tubs improve drying because of how they handle heat. During a dishwasher’s final rinse cycle, dishes get hot and the moisture turns into steam. With a stainless-steel interior, that steam condenses on the cooler metal walls and drains away instead of settling back onto your dishes.

Many modern dishwashers use this condensation-drying method because it’s more energy-efficient than using a heating element. Stainless steel naturally supports this process. Plastic tubs don’t cool and condense steam as effectively, so they’re more likely to leave water behind, especially on lightweight plastics.

If your top complaint about your current dishwasher is wet dishes at the end of a cycle, stainless steel is one of the simplest upgrades you can make.

Stainless-steel tubs allow dishwashers to run quieter

Noise ratings are expressed in decibels (dBA), and in today’s open-concept homes, that number matters more than ever. Older dishwashers often operated around 60 dBA—loud enough to compete with a normal conversation. Modern machines typically fall in the 40–50 dBA range, with premium models dipping into the high 30s.

While the tub material isn’t the only factor impacting sound, stainless-steel interiors are commonly found in quieter machines. They’re often paired with better insulation and higher-end components. The material itself also helps dampen vibration differently than thin molded plastic. Plastic-tub models are often positioned as budget options, and they’re more likely to land on the louder end of the spectrum. If you can hear your dishwasher from the living room, that’s not just annoying; it changes how and when you use it.

Stainless-steel tubs resist stains and odors better

Over time, dishwashers take a beating. High heat, detergent residue, food soils, and hard water can leave their mark.

Stainless steel is non-porous and highly resistant to staining (it’s actually in the name: “stain-less). It doesn’t discolor easily, and it’s less likely to hold onto odors. Plastic tubs can absorb smells, especially early in their lifespan. Some owners notice a “plastic” scent during the first few cycles, and over time, plastic interiors may develop visible staining.

Neither material is immune to grime if you neglect maintenance, but stainless steel tends to age better. Years later, it’s more likely to look like a dishwasher interior, not a worn storage bin. If you’re investing in an appliance you expect to keep for a decade, how it holds up cosmetically matters.

Stainless-steel interiors are typically more durable

Plastic doesn’t rust, which is often cited as its advantage. But durability isn’t just about corrosion; it’s about long-term resilience under heat and stress.

Stainless steel is built to handle repeated high-temperature cycles without warping or degrading. It’s also commonly backed by stronger manufacturer warranties, sometimes specifically covering rust-through or tub failure for extended periods.

Plastic tubs are durable enough for normal use, but they’re more commonly found in entry-level machines at lower price points. In other words, the material choice often reflects the dishwasher's overall build quality.

If you’re buying for long-term ownership rather than a quick replacement, stainless steel tends to better fit that goal.

Stainless steel is more recyclable

Sustainability is complicated, but material recovery rates tell part of the story.

Stainless steel has a high recycling rate and can be reprocessed repeatedly without losing quality. Plastics are recycled at much lower rates, and many appliance plastics end up in landfills.

A dishwasher is still a mixed-material product either way. But choosing a stainless-steel tub increases the likelihood that the appliance will be recovered and reused when it reaches the end of its life.

But, stainless-steel dishwashers cost a bit more

Stainless-steel tubs usually add to the market price of a dishwasher. In many cases, the jump from a plastic interior to stainless steel may cost around $100 or more, depending on the model. But in the bigger picture, dishwashers are long-term appliances. Spread over eight to 12 years of use, that price difference becomes minimal. Stainless-steel tubs are usually found in better-insulated, quieter, higher-performing machines, so you’re often paying for more than just the metal interior.

If budget is your primary concern and you just need a functional machine, a dishwasher with a plastic tub will still wash dishes. But if you care about drying performance, noise levels, long-term durability, and overall build quality, stainless steel is the smarter investment.