Best dishwashers 2024: sparkling dishes, guaranteed

I've just 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 now, as dirty dishes pile high at the end of busy days, it's the bane of my existence. I need a dishwasher and I need one fast.

To avoid wasting my money, I’ve thoroughly researched the best dishwashers on the market. I’ve examined over 1,000 customer and professional reviews, spoken to industry experts and even visited the showrooms.

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. As a trained chef, I use a variety of kitchen tools and I love to host dinner parties. I want a dishwasher that can handle tough food stains and awkward shapes, as well as delicate crockery and wine glasses.

If you use the dishwasher often, 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.

I also asked Ian Palmer-Smith, 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 stand out as top brands due to their consistent performance, reliability and advanced features. Other brands like Samsung and Asko also offer excellent models, that will serve the smallest and largest kitchens and budgets.

I concluded that Miele's G7566SCViSF is the very best dishwasher you can buy – and I've rounded up the runners-up. Whether you want your dishwasher to be smart, quiet, large, small, or discreet, you're bound to find your dream machine on my list.

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 in 2024

The best dishwasher overall

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Miele consistently delivers premium products, and this dishwasher is no exception. Designed for effortless dishwashing, the AutoDos system automatically dispenses the correct amount of detergent and holds enough for up to twenty cycles. This is particularly useful during busy times like Thanksgiving or Christmas when you're entertaining and running multiple loads. The dishwasher ensures just the right amount of detergent, preventing overflow of suds.

The range of cycle settings all perform exceptionally well. 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.

The Miele's Energy Star rating is largely due to its innovative EcoStart technology. This feature allows the dishwasher to start during the most cost-effective times, typically off-peak energy hours, and save on electricity. The auto-open door feature also ensures dishes don't sit damp for long periods. Users appreciate the adjustable shelves, which maximize the dishwasher’s capacity, making it easier to stack a variety of dishes and utensils (great for keen cooks, like me).

While premium performance comes with a price tag close to $3,000, some suggest considering the Bosch 800 as a comparable yet more affordable alternative. It’s also worth noting that this Miele model has a cutlery tray instead of a basket, requiring utensils to be neatly lined up rather than bundled together.

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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. No gimmick, CrystalDry uses a mineral that takes in water and releases heat and users consistently find it effective. 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.

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 cycles are very quick: the Express takes 30 minutes and the Heavy cycle takes 135 minutes. It’s also ADA compliant, so has great accessibility features: a lower height, it can be used with one hand, and doesn’t need a great deal of force to set. Reviewers also note how quiet it is.

This is in second position because it has some minor redeposit problems. This only came up amongst reviewers in their analysis, so it's unlikely to affect the average user. I personally didn't notice any redeposit problems. However, it’s in the statistics, so it would be remiss of me to exclude. You should also check your cabinet sizes before installing the machine, because it’s about an inch shorter than average. It's not a huge drawback, but it could affect the appearance.

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The best smart dishwasher

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I often open my dishwasher mid-cycle, thinking it’s finished, or adding a dish at the last minute. LG’s smart technology is the solution to this problem. 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 alike 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.

The tines and racks are adjustable, but some users said that they feel flimsy, which, for the price, isn’t ideal. It doesn’t dry utensils as well as the Bosch and is a little on the small side. However, LG has been named the second most reliable appliance brand with great customer service by Yale Appliances, which is worth shouting about.

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The best dishwasher for large households

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I checked out the ASKO DB1675IXXLS in a showroom, and I was 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 and feels incredibly sturdy. It comes with four racks that are 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 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 was the interior LED lights, which made it easy to see everything inside, even in low light. I was told it's quiet (running at around 39 dBA) and the customer reviews agree. 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. At $2,399, it’s very pricey compared to other models on my list. Also, 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, effectively tackling 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. Despite this, it remains a well-performing and budget-friendly option.

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 about faulty parts, poor installation, and extra service visits. If you can fork out the cash, investing in a higher-quality model might 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, though deep cleans can take over two hours. If speed is a priority, this may not be the best choice for you. Additionally, despite claims of quiet operation, it is actually louder compared to other models on this list.

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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 scores 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, I'm not sure 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, should probably opt for a more powerful Miele or Bosch model instead.

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The best dishwasher for sustainability

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Beko dishwashers are experts at cleaning with matching claims for sustainability and style. Lots of customers commented on how well these compact dishwashers perform. I'd put this down to their CornerIntense technology, which moves the water jets in squares, rather than circles, meaning every part of the dishwasher gets sprayed.

Best of all, it has an Energy Star rating, meaning that it'll be kind to your utilities, which not only saves you money in the long run but is better for the planet. As for your ears, this is really quiet. Lots of customers marveled at the almost noiseless 48 dBA machine. It's one of the best on the market. You don't pay the price for it either, as these dishwashers cost around $700, but are often reduced in sales.

The main issues that I could find were limiting capacity: big families needed a little more space in their dishwasher, although the height-adjustable shelves do help a bit. Your dishes might not come out as dry as they would have with a Bosch. Some customers found pools of water on their dishes when they opened their dishwasher – unnecessary hand-drying just adds to your workload.

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The best compact dishwasher

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It's rare to find a compact dishwasher without any compromises. The Samsung DW50T6060US 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, which is impressive. There are quieter dishwashers in this guide, but 46 dBA is less noise than a quiet conversation, quiet office, or refrigerator. 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.

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 (although, they did remind me that durability is largely influenced by how well the machine is maintained by the user). 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 have the double in my home and I love it, even for its quirks.

These 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 Miele. You can put the drawers on separate cycles at different times, so it’s less wasteful if you want to run a smaller load. It’s really quiet too, which is a welcome change for dishwashers.

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 or bowls which you need to fit in. I would recommend rinsing dishes quite well if you are filling the drawer, because I found that it had 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

If we are thinking about dishwashers, there are a few key aspects:

Cleaning performance
It’s obvious but essential. You don’t want to have to run your dishwasher twice. It defeats the point of having a dishwasher. Choosing a smaller, or sometimes, more aesthetically pleasing dishwasher can mean that you compromise on performance.

Drying performance
Not all dishwashers are great at letting steam out, so your dishes end up smelling a bit stale after sitting in cold water. Look for dishwashers that have special technology, whether that’s Bosch’s CrystalDry or a particularly effective heating element.

Noise levels
As with many home appliances, these can be noisy when they’re busy working. You can get dBA ratings for all dishwashers. Dishwashers can be as loud as 60 dBA, but that would be too noisy. 45 dBA and under is quiet, so anything up to 50 dBA is reasonable.

Cycles and 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.

Smart
You can buy smart dishwashers to track your load and notify you of any maintenance updates required. These are a luxury, so you might not need them. It is nice to have though.

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.

Efficiency
Many dishwashers have eco settings, but it’s good to check the energy efficiency ratings of your dishwasher. They’re an appliance that you’ll use daily, so this will help you to avoid a big bill.

How I researched the best dishwashers

I was able to have hands-on experience using both the Bosch and Fisher & Paykel appliances. As for the other brands, I went to showrooms, spoke to industry experts and trawled through customer reviews to determine whether these dishwashers lived up to their claims.

Plenty of other dishwashers made it to this stage and fell down on customer testimonials. If readers find it confusing to use, poor at drying, or even slightly too loud, it won’t make it into my guide. I’ve only included the very best dishwashers. For more about how we test, visit our dedicated page.

Dishwasher FAQs

There’s a lot to consider when buying a dishwasher. The three key aspects I would think about are cleaning performance, reliability, and capacity. If you're a big household or you host a ton of dinner parties, you'll want a lot of space. If you're a single person who would struggle to fill a dishwasher, you'll want a smaller capacity drawer.

Once you've sorted what size you need, you'll want a reliable appliance: one that will clean your dishes to a consistently high standard and stand the test of time. For me, the dishwasher must look smart amongst the countertops too. If they look clumsy, they can ruin a kitchen's aesthetics.