Best dishwashers 2025 – sparkling dishes, guaranteed

I recently moved into a new apartment with natural light, a generous kitchen, and views over the city. There's just one thing lacking: a dishwasher. I was optimistic at first... maybe hand-washing could be more effective for my pots and pans, anyway? But as dirty dishes started to pile high at the end of busy days, I realized I needed a dishwasher – and fast.

As a cook and keen host, I want something spacious and efficient, with plenty of adjustability for my whisks, tall blender pitchers, and best air fryer baskets. I also need a quiet dishwasher, as I have an open-plan dining space, and I'd like to run cycles at night.

Luckily, it's my job to find the best kitchen appliances on the market, so I could do my research on the clock. I've scrolled through over 1,000 customer and professional reviews, spoken to cleaning experts, kitchen professionals, and repair specialists. I've studied industry reports and even went undercover for this mission – visiting five major showrooms to get the scoop and see the machines in real life.

I finally settled on a top-rated Miele model at the top of this list. It is eye-wateringly expensive, but I have been reassured by the experts it will last between 10-15 years, and my parents have proved the stat (they've had their Miele machine for 10 years and haven't spent a single day regretting their decision).

If you're looking for something cheaper, smaller, or more on trend, I've got some more options that I scooped up during my research (you can read more about my methodology below).

What criteria are we looking for?

So, what makes an excellent dishwasher? The expert consensus is that the best dishwasher should leave your dishes sparkling and 100% dry. Poor performance will leave food residue on dishes, and you'll need to run the cycle twice – which really defeats the point. The experts I spoke to at Siemens recommended looking for models with auto wash sensors, which detect the dirt levels in the water and adjust the cycle accordingly to get the best clean – as well as good drying credentials, like Bosch’s CrystalDry technology or an automatic door function that lets steam out when the cycle ends.

You'll want it to be quiet and energy-efficient too. Farook Member, Director & Kitchen Appliance Expert at QS Supplies, advised me to look for dishwashers with an Energy Star rating, which certifies that the machine uses at least 12% less energy and 30% less water than standard models. I also consulted QuietMark to find the optimum decibel ranges to support this guide.

Finally, I asked Ian Palmer-Smith, an appliance repair expert at Domestic & General, how to find the most reliable dishwashers. He recommended: 'avoiding dishwashers with plastic interiors. Flimsy racks are also worth avoiding as they will fall apart much quicker than sturdy ones.' You'll never regret buying a machine that's dependable, durable and easy to maintain.

Based on my research, Bosch and Miele stood out as top brands due to their consistent performance, reliability, quietness, and smart-energy saving features. I found that brands like Samsung and Asko also offer excellent models, that will serve the smallest and largest kitchens and budgets. Whether you want your dishwasher to be smart, quiet, large, small, or discreet, you're bound to find your dream machine on my list.

Ian Palmer-Smith

Ian is an expert in dishwasher maintenance and repairs, with 39 years working at Domestic & General. The company repairs a whopping 2.2 million products a year, working with brands like Bosch, Samsung, Whirlpool and Zanussi to ensure appliance longevity. Ian has even represented Domestic & General in the House of Commons in London.

The quick list

If you want a top-quality dishwasher, but you're in a hurry, here's a summary of our top picks. There's more details below.

The best dishwashers

The best dishwasher overall

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Miele consistently delivers premium products, and this dishwasher is no exception. Designed for longevity, many Miele owners I spoke to have owned their dishwashers for over 10 years. The experts I spoke to say the brand are renowned for lasting up to 15 years, which I think is fantastic value for money.

This model received high praise in customer reviews for the easy, intuitive loading and the 'literally squeaky clean' results. The range of cycle settings perform exceptionally well in the real world. The SaniWash and IntenseZone cycles are highly praised, especially by families, for reaching high temperatures and tackling tough stains. One reviewer mentioned that even after a lasagna night, dishes showed no signs of baked-on cheese and grease. The QuickIntenseWash cycle is another favorite, taking just under an hour to get your everyday dishes sparkling and dry.

This model is Energy Star rated, and the auto-open door feature ensures dishes don't sit damp for long periods, so they dry well. I also liked Miele's adjustable shelves and flexible layout, which I played around with on multiple models in the showroom. Miele are experts at maximizing a dishwasher’s capacity, making it easier to stack a variety of dishes and utensils (great for keen cooks, like me). It’s worth noting, however that this Miele model has a cutlery tray instead of a basket, requiring utensils to be neatly lined up rather than bundled together.

There have been more recent releases than this Miele model, but this one stood out to me for the consistently good reviews from customers. I will report back if any of the later models meet the 5-star standard.

Of course, premium performance comes with a price tag and it's close to $2,000. You might consider the Bosch 800 as a more affordable alternative, or simple wait for a sale.

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The best dishwasher for drying

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When I was researching, I was able to get my hands on this Bosch model to test. Often touted by reviewers as the less expensive version of the Miele, this dishwasher comes in at a close second. That’s thanks to the incredibly efficient CrystalDry technology, which evaporates pools of water and dampness on dishes.

CrystalDry uses a mineral that takes in water and releases heat. I'm happy to report that this is not a gimmick. The only time I had damp dishes was when I made a mistake loading a bowl, so just make sure to stack the dishwasher properly.

Reviewers also note how quiet it is; at 42 decibels it's one of the quietest on this list. Just 2 decibels louder than a quiet library or humming refrigerator, although that doesn't limit its capabilities. The cleaning power is close to faultless. I didn't experience any grease on my casserole dishes or pasta plates. It’s easy to reposition the middle rack for larger items, and the tub is stainless steel, which instills confidence in durability. The showroom expert I spoke to told me that Bosch dishwashers should last around 8-10 years, which is fantastic, unless you compare it to Miele which averages 10-15.

I do think that the racks feel ever so slightly cheaper than other premium brands I've experienced – a few customer reviews I read agreed with this point, noting that the door also feels on the cheap side.

For that reason, this dishwasher has ended up in second position. Also, some customers reported redeposit problems. I didn't experience this myself and it only came up in my analysis of the lowest-scoring reviews, so I think it's unlikely to affect the average user. However, it’s in the statistics, so it would be remiss of me to exclude.

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Most reliable dishwasher

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Yale Appliances named LG the most reliable dishwasher brand in 2025, and praise their excellent and helpful customer service, too, which is worth shouting about. This particular model has some very high-scoring credentials that have earned it a place in this guide.

Firstly, it's smart. The built-in WiFi and SmartThinQ app means you can monitor your cycle status and avoid interrupting the cycle. You can also receive notifications about maintenance on your phone to make sure your LG is always performing at its best.

LG boasts QuadWash technology, which means that they use four spray arms rather than the standard two. It’s effective because users and reviewers think that it delivers better results than competitors. With steam technology to prevent watermarks and help to remove dried-on foods, this produces sparkling dishes. It’s also handy to have an adjustable rack so you can put bigger items inside.

On the downside, at 46-Decibels, this is on the louder side of quiet. The experts I spoke to at Yale Appliances recommended choosing a machine that's 44 dBA or under if you want to use the dishwasher at night or during a dinner party. If that sounds like you, the Miele, Bosch, or Asko models on this list would be more suitable.

Finally, the racks are adjustable, but some users said that they feel flimsy, which, for the price, isn’t ideal. For what I can ascertain from customer reviews, this is great for drying dishes and cookware, but it doesn’t dry utensils as well as the Bosch. If you hate drying with a towel, that is something to consider.

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The best large dishwasher

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I've seen tons of videos of this ASKO dishwasher on social media, and I'm blown away by its size. It’s perfect for big families, frequent entertainers, or anyone who often finds themselves with a mountain of dishes.

Opening the door reveals a lot of steel features – more than any other dishwasher on the market. It’s built to last. It comes with four racks (the most of all the models on this list) and the layout is designed with plenty of height and smart organization, making it easy to fit everything from oversized plates to awkwardly shaped pots.

It can handle up to 18 place settings, which is huge. The other models on this list can manage around 16. The narrow middle racks are great for long utensils like cheese graters and soup ladles, and the bottom rack even folds flat to accommodate large casserole dishes and pots.

One standout feature is the interior LED lights, which make it easy to see everything inside, even in low light. It's also the quietest model on this list (running at 39 dBA). However, experts told me it's not always worth paying premium for decibels below 44 dBA, as the real-life difference isn't that noteworthy. However, I think this would be ideal for an open-plan kitchen – you can run the dishwasher and still watch TV or entertain dinner guests.

However, there are a couple of downsides to consider. It’s very pricey compared to other models on my list. Also, customers and professional reviewers advise that it takes a bit longer to clean, with each cycle often running for over an hour. Still, immeasurably quick, compared to how long hand-washing would take.

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The best affordable dishwasher

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If you’re looking to save money or don’t need smart technology, this dishwasher is a solid choice. Reviewers praise its cleaning performance, saying that it effectively tackles tough soils like chicken fat and sticky peanut butter. However, the drying fan technology can be a bit inconsistent, so you might need to manually dry some dishes.

For dishes of different shapes and sizes, the adjustable second rack is a particularly useful feature, accommodating even the largest casserole pots and frying pans. Although some users have reported that the rack feels a bit flimsy. I have to say, compared to other brands, I've seen a high amount of customer complaints on Whirlpool's faulty parts, poor installation, and extra service visits. If you can fork out the cash, investing in a higher-quality model that is known for reliability, like the LG model above, to save you from these hassles in the long run.

On the positive side, the dishwasher boasts a sleek, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish that keeps your kitchen looking sharp. It offers a range of cycles to suit different needs, from though deep cleans can take over two hours. If speed is a priority, this may not be the best choice for you. Additionally, although it's marketed as 'Quiet', it is actually the loudest compared to other models on this list – at 47 decibels.

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The best looking dishwasher

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There’s a theme with Café appliances: they look beautiful. If you don’t have the budget for a built-in dishwasher or cabinet panel, this dishwasher looks good no matter what. It’s incredibly customizable for the price. There are three different body colors and 6 different hardware finishes. That means you can match your decor to the dishwasher without spending extra on panels. I love that it is available as a drawer dishwasher, so if you’re short on space, you can opt for that instead.

Luxurious on the outside, it even has an LCD screen that displays the cycle status. Inside it features three racks, which provide flexibility for loading various dish types. However, users advise against overloading the racks, as it really compromises the wash quality. While it does a decent job with normal cooking residues, users have noted that tough stains or baking grease require a pre-wash or additional scrubbing. I think this performance is a little poor for the price, so it scored lower on ‘value’ for me.

The Café Smart Dishwasher is Energy Star rated, so it meets energy efficiency standards and helps reduce utility bills and environmental impact. However, after reading the customer pain points, I'm not quite convinced it's as durable, efficient, or effective as the higher-end models. Keen cooks and bakers, or those who rely on dishwashers for multiple daily loads and tough greasy stains might want to opt for the more powerful Miele or Bosch models instead.

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The best compact dishwasher

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It's rare to find a compact dishwasher without any compromises. This Samsung measures 18 inches wide and is incredibly popular amongst expert reviewers and customers alike.

Even though it's smaller than most models, reviewers all say that this looks roomy inside. The tines can fold down if you're putting large dishes on the bottom rack and the eight place settings can cater to a small household perfectly. If you're wondering where to place a dishwasher in compact kitchen, our interior designers have some good advice.

Reviewers say the Samsung performs excellently across a range of place settings, cleaning and drying dishes to perfection. When running, it's no louder than 46 dBA. There are quieter dishwashers in this guide, so you might want to consider this if you share a small living space, but 46 dBA is still less noise than a quiet conversation. Once the cycle is finished, the door automatically pops open to let out steam and cool the dishes so that you can pack them away quickly – this is an excellent plus point.

As you might expect, this isn't geared up to large households, nor is it packed with smart features and apps. Some felt that the top rack was a little flimsy, but I've seen plenty of reviews suggesting the opposite. In fact, Samsung rates pretty highly among the technicians and repair experts I spoke to about reliability and durability. All things considered, I'm pretty confident the Samsung is the best compact dishwasher on the market.

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The best drawer dishwasher

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A drawer dishwasher caters to smaller spaces and singletons, or people who would rather get a mini wash done if they’re hosting a party, for example. You can put these drawers together or individually. I was recommended this at the Wigmore Street showroom and by my fellow appliance editor, Laura Honey, who has the double in her home.

The drawers look great, as you can customize the handle and choose whether it’s recessed or straight. These feel seamless among kitchen drawers; you just pull them out and load them up. This hingeless opening is really useful if you are short on space around an island, for example, because they don’t block the way. They’re also great because you don’t need to bend all the way down to use them, which is both convenient and makes for clever futureproofing as you get older.

This dishwasher cleans well and has a range of settings, albeit a little more basic than the top-rated Miele and Bosch models that are leading this list. You can put the drawers on separate cycles at different times, which is a real bonus though. This is much less wasteful if you want to run a smaller load, and so it would suit couples or individuals who aren't stacked with washing up. It’s really quiet too, at 44 dCB – my colleague Laura says it's barely noticeable, she often runs it at night and it fits seamlessly into her routine.

My only hesitation is the capacity. The standard height of a dishwasher level is about 32 inches, so you lose two inches when you have a drawer. This can make a big difference if you have large dishes, platters, or pans which you need to fit in. It doesn't quite cut it for me as a cook and host who has tons of appliances. Also, Laura recommends rinsing dishes quite well if you are filling the drawer to its full capacity, because she sometimes finds some redistribution issues. Nothing major, but it’s good practice to rinse your plates anyway.

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How to choose the best dishwasher for you

To find the right dishwasher for your needs, think about these key criteria:

Size: Choosing the right size comes down to your space, lifestyle, and household size. For families or frequent entertainers, a standard 24-inch dishwasher with room for 12-16 place settings is usually enough. If you're in a smaller home or apartment, you could get a slimline 18-inch model, which holds 8-10 place settings. Couples or individuals might even prefer a drawer dishwasher, which lets you wash smaller loads efficiently. This is a good option for those who don’t use enough dishes to fill up a big machine daily, but still hate to hand-wash.

Flexibility: Many brands offer flexible racks and clever storage designs to make loading the dishwasher easy. This can be a source of contention in many households, so it's always good to look for intuitive options. As a trained chef, I use a variety of kitchen tools and I love to host dinner parties, so I wanted a dishwasher that can fit awkward shapes, like tall blender pitchers, as well as delicate crockery and wine glasses.

Noise levels: As with many home appliances, dishwashers can be noisy. All models should have a dBA rating, which will give you a sense of how disruptive they are. Some can be as loud as 60 dBA, but that would be too noisy. 45 dBA and under is quiet and suitable for night-time use. Yale Appliances say: 'Don’t overpay for an extremely quiet dishwasher. Forty-four decibels is incredibly quiet. Extremely quiet dishwashers can cost $1,000 more.' If quietness isn't your priority, anything up to 50 dBA is reasonable. I recommend looking for the Quiet Mark symbol if noise is a priority.

Cycles and dish care options: More basic appliances have less of a range of cycle settings, but you might have a very specific need. For example, if you have children, it’s good to have a sanitizer setting for baby bottles. If you often cook food that sticks to pots and pans, you need a more intense wash. Some top-range dishwashers at Miele have water bottle and reusable straw cleaning functions, which could be game-changing for sporty families or cocktail lovers.

Efficiency: You'll probably use your dishwasher every single day, so you'll want it to be efficient to keep your bills low. You should look for ENERGY STAR-certified models, which meet strict EPA standards, using at least 12% less energy and 30% less water than non-certified units. If this is really important to you, look to ENERGY STAR Most Efficient models, which take efficiency even further, consuming less than 240 kWh per year and 3.2 gallons of water per cycle. These are the options out there for reducing your utility bills.

Smart features: You can buy smart dishwashers to track water usage, cycle status, and notify you of any maintenance required. These are a luxury, so you might not need them, but if you frequently forget to start a load, smart notifications can be a game-changer.

Installation: Check the installation requirements before buying a dishwasher, as some will need specialists. Drawer dishwashers in particular often require you to notify the plumber beforehand, so that they can anticipate a slightly different appliance.

How I researched the best dishwashers

As a chef, I know firsthand that a reliable dishwasher is the backbone of an efficient kitchen. When you’re cooking multiple meals a day, the last thing you want is to waste time re-washing dishes or dealing with a machine that's gone wrong. I’ve spent my life using dishwashers, from top-of-the-line models in professional kitchens to some truly awful ones in rented flats, which left gunk on my plates and forced me to scrub the filter every morning before I could even make a coffee. That experience has made me obsessed with finding a dishwasher that does its job properly.

To research this guide, I went undercover on Wigmore Street in London – the famous kitchen district – visiting five separate showrooms: Siemens, Fisher & Paykel, Miele, Smeg, and Gaggenau. I spoke to industry experts at each location, asking them about design, energy use, durability and features that genuinely matter in daily use. I wasn't able to use the dishwashers themselves, but I opened up and explored the models, so I could see how standards differ between brands and price points.

To assess longevity and reliability, I consulted Ian Palmer-Smith, an appliance repair expert at Domestic & General, who knows exactly which brands are worth it and which are notorious for multiple repairs. I also relied on repair statistics from Yale Appliances, and consulted Energy Star and QuietMark to identify models that meet their high standards.

I was able to get some hands-on testing with Bosch, Fisher & Paykel, and Miele appliances, but I didn't just rely on my personal thoughts. I analyzed customer reviews from AO.com, Lowe’s, and Home Depot for all the appliances in this guide. I didn’t just look at average ratings – I went deeper, reading the top three and bottom three reviews to understand common bugbears and praise. It was important to me to read reviews thoroughly, as often, low-scoring reviews reveal frustrations with delivery or installation by the individual retailers, rather than the machine itself.

I’ve only included the very best dishwashers in this guide. For more about how we test, visit our dedicated page.

Sources

• Energy Star
• QuietMark
• Yale Appliances Reliability Report
• Domestic & General
• Energy Star
• Us Environmental Protection Agency
• Siemens
• Fisher & Paykel
• Miele
• Smeg
• Gaggenau

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