Dishwasher reviews: How to choose the best dishwasher for your home

Dishwashers can save you hours of scrubbing and drying dishes, as well as reduce your water and energy consumption

Hannah Hopkins - Nov 19, 2023

An undated image illustrating a man putting diswasher soap tablet in a dishwasher. — Canva

Dishwashers are one of the most convenient and time-saving appliances in any modern kitchen. They can save you hours of scrubbing and drying dishes, as well as reduce your water and energy consumption.

Best dishwashers of 2023

Here are some of the best dishwashers of 2023, according to various sources:

Best overall dishwasher: Miele Smart Dishwasher with AutoDos.

This dishwasher is a star performer, with its unique AutoDos system that dispenses the precise amount of detergent for each cycle. It also has a third rack for cutlery, a fingerprint-resistant stainless-steel finish, and a quiet operation. It is expensive, but worth the investment if you want a top-notch dishwasher.

Best value dishwasher: Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ.

This dishwasher is affordable and reliable, with five wash cycles and two dry cycles. It has enough space for taller items in the lower rack, but it has a reduced capacity compared to others. It also lacks some features like delay start and glassware cycle.

Best premium dishwasher: KitchenAid KDFM404KPS.

This dishwasher is sleek and stylish, with hidden top controls and a deep third rack that can hold cups and glassware. It is easy to load and quiet to run, and it has a sanitise option and a fan-enabled ProDry system for better drying performance.

Best looking dishwasher: Samsung Linear Wash DW80R9950UG.

This dishwasher is a beauty, with its black stainless steel finish and LED display. It has a linear wash system that delivers powerful water jets for thorough cleaning and a zone booster option that targets heavily soiled areas. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control via Bixby.

Best compact dishwasher: Bosch 300 Series SPE53U55UC.

This dishwasher is ideal for small spaces, as it measures only 18 inches wide. It has a stainless-steel interior, a third rack for cutlery, and a load-size sensor that adjusts the water level. It is also very quiet and energy-efficient.

How to choose the right dishwasher for home

Before you buy a dishwasher, you should consider the following factors:

Size: The standard size for dishwashers is 24 inches wide, but you can also find compact models that are 18 inches wide or less. You should measure your available space and check the dimensions of the dishwasher before you buy it.

Capacity: The capacity of dishwashers is measured by the number of place settings they can hold. A place setting consists of a dinner plate, a dessert plate, a bowl, a cup, a saucer, and cutlery. Most dishwashers can hold between 12 and 16 place settings, but some models have more or less capacity depending on their design and layout.

Features: Dishwashers come with various features and options that can enhance their performance and convenience. Some of the most common features are:

Delay start: This allows you to set the dishwasher to start at a later time, which can be useful if you want to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates or avoid noise at night.
Sanitise: This option raises the water temperature to kill bacteria and germs on your dishes, which can be helpful if you have young children or people with allergies in your home.
Half-load: This option lets you wash only one rack of dishes instead of both, which can save water and energy if you have a small load.
Third rack: This is an extra rack at the top of the dishwasher that can hold cutlery, utensils, or small items like cups and lids. This can free up more space in the lower racks for larger dishes.
Smart connectivity: Some dishwashers have Wi-Fi connectivity and can be controlled via an app or voice assistant. This can allow you to monitor the status of your dishwasher, start or stop cycles remotely, or receive alerts when something goes wrong.
Noise level: Dishwashers can be noisy when they run, especially during the wash and drain cycles. The noise level of dishwashers is measured in decibels (dB), with lower numbers indicating quieter models. The average noise level of dishwashers is around 50 dB, but some models can be as low as 40 dB or as high as 60 dB. You should look for a dishwasher that has a noise level that suits your preference and tolerance.
Energy efficiency: Dishwashers use water and electricity to operate, which can affect your utility bills and environmental impact. You should look for a dishwasher that has a high energy efficiency rating, which is indicated by a label or a star rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient the dishwasher is. You can also save energy by choosing the appropriate cycle and load size for your dishes, and by using eco-friendly detergents.