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The Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N is a near-perfect dishwasher. It scrubbed out every stain we threw at it, in record time, and has great smart features.
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The G 5266 blows most other dishwashers out of the water. If your budget can accommodate its premium price, it's one of the best models you can buy.
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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, but that’s what we’re here for.
Here at Reviewed, we've been testing dishwashers in our labs for close to 15 years, so we know what separates the best dishwashers from the mediocre ones—and which dishwashers you should avoid.
In addition to leaving dishes spotless, the best dishwashers provide great stain removal and completely dry dishes, 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.
We tested top-rated dishwashers on the market, challenging them with thousands of dirty dishes, food-stained pots and pans, and tough, crusted casseroles. We found that the Bosch SHP78CM5N
(available at Best Buy for $1,299.99)
is the best dishwasher for most people. It offers excellent, reliable cleaning, can remove really difficult stains, and will 100% dry your dishes.
If you want a great value that still offers excellent cleaning, consider the Beko DUT25401, which we can’t rave about enough.
Special features: PrecisionWash with PowerControl, stainless-steel wash tub, EasyGlide racks, CrystalDry with zeolite
The Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N runs a little expensive, but if you're invested in getting a top-of-the-line dishwasher, it's worth every penny.
The SHP78CM5N aced our cleaning tests, scrubbing away stains better than almost every other dishwasher within this price range. Even higher-end dishwashers sometimes have difficulty with our tougher stains, but the SHP78CM5N managed to deliver clean and dry dishes in incredibly short order.
Beyond its cleaning performance, this is just a well-built machine. We love its adjustable racks with folding tines, which are capable of easily accommodating just about any kind of cookware you may have. It also has some great app support that enables remote control, notifications, and the ability to set up a deeper-cleaning quadrant if you have some really stubborn stains.
The only downsides? Its controls can sometimes be unresponsive or too sensitive, and some options are only accessible via the app. While offloading options does allow for a simpler control panel on the device, it does put them out of reach for those who never open the app. And that's it for downsides. This dishwasher is as close to perfect as we've seen so far.
Special features: Stainless steel tub, third rack, AutoOpen drying, ExtraClean & ExtraDry, delayed start
The Miele G 5266 SCVi SFP is an excellent dishwasher, offering great cleaning, sleek design, and functionality.
With some high-end models, you pay for a dishwasher’s look and style, not increased cleaning performance. That’s not true with the G 5266. During testing, it delivered nearly spotless dishes with no redeposit. And all the dishes we washed came out nice and dry.
There’s more to the G 5266 than style and cleaning prowess, though. Maxing out at 42 dBA, it’s soft while running. Also, its third rack accommodates normal-sized utensils, as well as larger items, and the upper rack can be adjusted vertically and also tilted at an angle to help with loading and unloading.
There’s not a lot to dislike about the G 5266, other than its premium price. If you like its look and have the money to spend, it won’t let you down.
Special features: Wi-Fi, third rack, Ultra Wash & Dry Plus, stainless steel tub
The GE Café CDT875M5NS5 does a lot of things right. It looks amazing, has good cleaning capabilities, feels easy and intuitive to use, dries well, and has a ton of extras we love, like a third rack, smart features, and bottle jets.
It's also one of the quietest dishwashers on this list falling at a whisper-quiet 39dBA. This makes it one of the quietest dishwashers we've ever tested.
While there are other dishwashers that operate in the 39dBA range, this Café dishwasher represents the best intersection between quiet operation and effective operation.
The Beko DUT25401X has an incredibly low price tag while still offering excellent, energy-efficient performance.
When testing stain removal power, this dishwasher’s heavy cycle performed like a champ, with a near perfect score. The DUT25401X performed slightly above average during its normal cycle and slightly below average during its quick wash.
While testing the DUT25401X on those three cycles, it also used less water and was more energy efficient than average. Plates and glasses were completely dry at the end of this dishwasher’s normal cycle, as well.
We also love this dishwasher’s upper rack, which features different tines for multiple dishes and offers an angled height adjustment. There are also two height-adjustable shelves/wine racks and a mini third rack, which is attached.
There’s not much that we don’t like about this dishwasher, but its control panel is poorly designed, and it takes some effort to make your cycle selections.
Special features: ADA compliant, CrystalDry technology, third rack, Wi-Fi enabled, AquaStop Plus, delayed start
The Bosch 800 Series SGX78B55UC/13 is an outstanding dishwasher, with excellent cleaning power, efficient cycles, and lots of extra features. What sets this dishwasher apart from the other great models on this list is ability to dry dishes and that it meets ADA requirements.
Like many Bosch 800 Series dishwashers, the SGX78B55UC/13 utilizes the company’s CrystalDry technology. But Bosch has improved the process with the SGX78B55UC/13, which got every dish 100% dry during testing, including plastic containers.
Before purchasing the SGX78B55UC/13, you should be aware that it is slightly shorter than standard models—32.06 inches compared to 33.88. That’s to meet ADA requirements. Additionally, it has enhanced accessibility features.
This Bosch doesn’t sacrifice cleaning power for these features, however. The SGX78B55UC/13 cleared away 98.48% of our stains during testing of its Normal cycle, 98.29% during its Express cycle, and 99.57% during the Heavy cycle.
While it does a great job of cleaning, we did experience some minor redeposit issues. That said, this should only occur with specific types of food soil—and nothing that pre-rinsing wouldn’t fix. Overall, this dishwasher is a great option, especially if you’re looking for an ADA-compliant dishwasher.
Cycles: Economy, Normal, Sensor Wash, Pots & Pans, QuickIntenseWash, SaniWash, Energy Saver, Extra Quiet, Grates & Filters
Special features: AutoDos automatic detergent dispenser
This Miele dishwasher is a workhorse, cleaning just one-hundredths of a percentage point shy of 100% of food stains from dishes. For your purposes, that’s a perfect score. The G 7566 also features an automatic detergent dispenser that works with a proprietary PowerDisk detergent pod, and after a wash cycle, the dishwasher automatically pops open to help air dry your dishes.
Special features: QuadWash Pro, TrueSteam, Dynamic Heat Dry
The LG LDTH7972S wash cycles can handle difficult stains, with its Heavy cycle its most impressive, cleaning over 99% of our most challenging food stains. It also showcases some impressive drying power, completely drying everything except plastic, which did sometimes pool water.
This LG also has some features you won't find on all the other dishwashers on this list, like steam cleaning. Of course, it also has the staple features of adjustable racks and foldable tines.
Special features: Flexible third rack, EasyGlide rack system, adjustable tines and rack positions, quiet operation
The Bosch 500 series SHPM65Z55N lives up to the brand's reputation for great dishwashers.
While a scaled down version of the 800 series, the still showcases the cleaning power that Bosch is known for. During testing, this dishwasher's Normal and Heavy cycles handled almost everything we threw at it. The cleaning cycles are on the longer side (the Quick cycle clocks in at about an hour), but they're also whisper quiet.
Featuring adjustable tines and a third rack, you’ll also be able to wash many different sizes and types of dishes. And your dishes will be dry when the dishwasher is done—the SHPM65Z55N's Auto Air function opens the dishwasher door after a cycle ends to expedite dish drying.
Finishes: Stainless steel, black stainless steel ($100 extra)
Cycles: ProWash, Tough, Normal, ExpressWash, and Rinse Only
Special features: Flexible third rack, EasyGlide rack system, adjustable tines and rack positions, quiet operation
The KitchenAid KDPM804KBS stainless steel dishwasher is for those who want a gorgeous, well-designed stainless steel dishwasher for their kitchen and have a budget that's willing to accommodate.
The level of polish on this dishwasher is really what separates it from the rest of the pack. We love its PrintShield fingerprint-resistant exterior, which we found does live up to its name. The KDPM804KBS's racks are sturdy, glide smoothly, and have foldable tines. The LED-lit interior really lets you see what you're doing. Everything feels like it's been machined to work and move perfectly.
While you can do better in terms of cleaning performance, the KDPM804KBS shouldn't disappoint most users: It manages to hold its own against its competitors.
Cycles: ProWash, Normal, Express Wash, Tough, Rinse Only
Special features: Third rack, leak-detection, stainless steel tub
The KitchenAid KDTM404KPS can hold up to 16 place settings, about two more than average, so it’s a great option for big families.
Its unique third rack, part of the reason it can hold so many plates, has a deep divot that can hold small bowls, cups, and mugs. The third rack even has rotating spray jets so you don’t have to worry about everything getting clean.
When it comes to cleaning performance, our testing shows that the Normal and Tough cycles do an excellent job removing stains.
While the Express cycle is slow compared to the competition, that’s not a big deal in our book.
How We Tested Dishwashers And Why You Can Trust Us
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, because we want you to trust our judgment, we bring in the best-rated dishwashers we’ve seen to Reviewed’s Cambridge-based labs for hands-on and scientific testing. Yes—we do have a chief scientist on staff!
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 assess 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 that level of cleaning perfection can be harder to achieve in real life. 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 gets this job done. Customers expect their dishes to be dry, so we penalize the dishwasher every time a dish comes out wet.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Dishwasher
With dishwashers costing from around $500 to more than $2,000, there are a lot of differences with 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, 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 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, which finish and color is best for you comes 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 are helpful when dealing with oddly shaped cups and bowls. Third racks are great for utensils that don’t seem to fit other places.
Most of the dishwashers we tested had the option for a delayed start, and all of them had stainless steel tubs, which are quieter than dishwashers with plastic ones. The ability to detect soil levels also is helpful with getting dishes sparkling clean.
As with the number of cycles, the more features you have, typically, the more you will spend on a dishwasher.
What You Should Know About Dishwashers
Maybe it’s been 10 years since you last bought a dishwasher—or maybe this is your first go-around. Either way, it’s likely you have questions, and we can help you answer them.
How To Load A Dishwasher
Full-size dishwashers typically have the capacity to hold 14 to 16 place settings. Loading a dishwasher can be an art, and it’s been the reason behind many post-meal arguments.
Here are the basics: Plates and serving dishes on the bottom rack, glasses and bowls on the top rack, and, if you have one, serving spoons, spatulas, and other larger utensils on the third rack.
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 arm won’t be able to reach, and consequently, clean all the dishes.
How to Clean a Dishwasher
Cleaning your dishwasher is easy and only requires two ingredients: white vinegar and baking soda.
First, pour a cup of white vinegar into the dishwasher and run it on its heavy cycle. When done, sprinkle the bottom of the dishwasher tub with baking soda and let it sit overnight. Then run an empty cycle again.
How To Clean A Dishwasher Filter
Your dishwasher filter is another (gross) matter entirely. When it comes to how to clean a dishwasher filter, 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 when to clean a dishwasher filter—that’s weekly.
How To Install A Dishwasher
Depending on how and from where you buy a dishwasher, its installation will vary. You may just want to call in a professional to take care of it. Consider if you have basic plumbing and electrical skills or would rather hire one, because set-up has to adhere to state requirements.
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, the average dishwasher lasts about nine years; this InterNACHI chart on standard estimated life expectancies for all types of home products is incredibly helpful.
While we lab test dishwashers for cleaning performance and quality of build, we don’t test for life expectancy or any kind of operational duration. How long a dishwasher will last will vary by brand and even by model.
How Much Does A Dishwasher Cost?
The average price range for dishwashers spans about a $1,000 difference from the least expensive to the most.
At the low end, you can find models that are just over $500 for value brands like Hotpoint and Amana. Midrange models start in the mid-$600s and run through about $1,000 with GE, Frigidaire, and Whirlpool, and even some Bosch 100 and 300 series dishwashers.
Over the $1,000 mark, you’ll be getting a dishwasher loaded with special features and finishes, from brands like Bosch, Cafe, Samsung, Frigidaire Pro, and GE Profile. Over $1,600, and you’re in high-end territory with dishwashers from Miele, Fisher & Paykel, Bertazzoni, and Viking.
Does A Dishwasher’s Size Matter?
In short: No.
All built-in dishwashers that require installation are either 24 or 18 inches wide, and connect directly to the water intake in your kitchen. Measure the width of your space before buying.
If you want one that’s going to sit perfectly flush with your cabinetry—like in a home design magazine—you'll also need to grab a tape measure and determine 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.
Reviewed's lab operations manager Jonathan Chan says, "The amount of water a dishwasher uses varies greatly on 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 the amount of water and energy used per fast, normal, and heavy wash cycle. We assume 208 cycles per year (4 per week), of which 25% are fast, 50% are normal, and 25% are heavy. Based on these cycle counts and the per cycle numbers, we can determine approximate annual water use.
The Best Overall winner, the Bosch SHPM88Z75N, uses 1,093 gallons per year—the third highest of our top 12 dishwashers, and our Best Value winner, the Beko DUT25401X has an annual water use of 731 gallons—the third lowest of the 12. Interestingly, our upgrade pick, the Miele G 5266 SCVi uses the least amount of gallons, at 626.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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Mark Brezinski works on the Home Team, reviewing refrigerators, minifridges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, air purifiers, and fans.
Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it's likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company's efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he's a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he's plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.
Julia is the Senior Scientist at Reviewed, which means that she oversees (and continually updates) the testing of products in Reviewed's core categories such as televisions, washing machines, refrigerators, and more. She also determines the testing methods and standards for Reviewed's "The Best Right Now" articles.
Leigh Harrington has more than 20 years experience as a writer and editor for myriad print and digital publications.
At USA TODAY and Reviewed, Harrington oversees large appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, and laundry, and manages Reviewed's overall home content, including areas of focus like home improvement, cleaning, gardening, cooking, and parenting. She focuses on writing, but mostly editing, consumer ed content and product reviews.
Harrington is also an experienced travel writer, and has authored books including Fodor's Boston, 100 Things to Do in Boston Before You Die, and Colorful Boston, an adult coloring book.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.