The Best Dishwasher Brands Compared According To 50,000 Reviewers

Did you know that Americans spend 3.4 billion on dishwashers each year? With so many brands competing for your dollars, it’s no wonder that making the right choice can be a bit challenging.

Dishwashers are a major investment that can last more than 10 years, so I’m sure you’ll want to choose the best brand to avoid being stuck with annoying issues, such as smelly cookware.

Unfortunately, purchases this big have much fewer reviews than gadgets like phones, which makes the decision a lot harder.

But, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. To help you choose the best dishwasher brand, we’ve delved deep into a huge public database of appliance reviews and data – including over 50,000 reviews on dishwashers alone.

We’ve also provided opinions from our appliance repair experts on which of these brands they would recommend you buy. With our expertise, you can relax, knowing that you’re making an informed decision.

Keep reading to find out the best dishwasher brands!

The Best Dishwasher Brands Compared Using 50,000 Reviews

If you’re usually busy or have limited time, I’m sure you’ll agree with me that having a dishwasher can be a game-changer.

In fact, almost half of Americans consider dishwashers an essential appliance for their kitchens, as they use them at least 1–3 times per week.

When it comes to keeping our dishes sparkling clean, choosing the best brand can make all the difference.

To help you make the right choice, we’ve gathered data from 50,000 customer ratings. The dishwasher brands that people love the most are:

When talking about favorite dishwasher brands, KitchenAid definitely takes the top spot with an average rating of 4.5!

KitchenAid introduced its first dishwasher back in 1949. They must be doing something right, as they’re still preferred by many in 2023!

That being said, all the brands shown on the graph have ratings above 4.2, which means that even the ones ranked lower, such as Café and Samsung, can still be great options.

This is why, when making a decision, you need to consider other factors besides just the brand, such as the price, model, warranty, etc.

Appliance Repair Expert On The Best Dishwasher Brands

Now that you know what 50,000 reviewers think about different dishwasher brands, it’s time to see what our dishwasher expert has to say to help you make an informed decision.

We teamed up with James Blackford, who has over 16 years of experience repairing all types of dishwasher issues.

He evaluated different dishwasher brands based on their overall quality, material & component quality, and cleaning performance.

Each dishwasher was assigned a score out of 10, with 10 being the highest possible rating.

Overall Dishwasher Brand Thoughts

After repairing hundreds of dishwashers and more than 16 years of experience under his belt, James mentions that the brand he would recommend getting is KitchenAid.

“My personal top pick would be KitchenAid as it sticks to the traditional style, construction, and parts of a proven dishwasher design. And unlike other brands such as LG or Samsung, KitchenAid doesn’t have many sensors that are prone to failure” James explains.

You see, James mentions that brands like LG or Samsung have incorporated a water flow sensor that can become clogged and malfunction, especially in areas with hard water. “Traditional brands, on the other hand, do not have this component”, he says.

Our expert also recommends Bosch for people who are looking for a super quiet, sleek, and fashionable addition to their kitchens.

“Bosch dishwashers operate so quietly that without the indicator light, you wouldn’t even know it’s on. They do a great job of cleaning, and the interface is generally easy to use without being overcomplicated”, James explains.

The overall features James recommend looking for on a dishwasher are:

• Upper rack wash-only cycle option: This feature allows you to save water and money if you don’t have a full load.
• Sensor wash: This feature saves water and money by reducing the wash cycle when it detects that the dishes are clean.
• 3rd rack option: This rack is usually for silverware, spatulas, and other utensils.
• Some models have a dedicated spray arm extension for washing the silverware basket (mostly seen in GE dishwashers).

James explains that when comparing different models, the mid-range and high-end often have the same components, such as the motor or pump, and their main differences are in additional features and sound level.

“So, if you don’t need the extra features of the high-end model, you can save money and still get the same quality by choosing the mid-range option”, he says.

While you already know our expert’s top picks and overall recommendations, he also has valuable insights on other popular dishwasher brands.

I’ve organized James’s insights in order, starting from the highest-rated brands to the lowest-rated ones, so you can easily read and make a decision.

KitchenAid

As mentioned before, our expert’s top pick is Kitchen Aid, as “it is one of the best standard-built dishwasher brands without over-engineering”.

KitchenAid is considered a mid-high or high-range brand. Here’s how James rated it:

James also recommends LG dishwashers because they look good, wash well, and have enough customizable features”.

“Compared to other brands, such as Whirlpool, Kenmore, or Maytag, KitchenAid dishwashers have a better life expectancy and outperform in cleaning”, he says.

Honestly, I’m not surprised that James prefers KitchenAid. After all, this American brand has been on the market for more than 100 years.

In 1919, the company became famous for its innovative stand mixers, and over the years, it continued to introduce new products to its catalog. Nowadays, KitchenAid sells dishwashers, refrigerators, blenders, microwaves, ovens, and much more.

Bosch

James also thinks that Bosch is one of the best high-end dishwasher brands out there. Here’s how he rated it:

“Everything about a Bosch dishwasher is great. It’s one of the quietest on the market, and it has a simple interface for customers to use”, he says.

James also recommends Bosch because it has high-quality compartments: “The racks, interior, and components are of great quality, and it does a great job at cleaning”.

However, James says that if you’re planning on getting a Bosch dishwasher, you’ll need to keep in mind that it’s more expensive than other brands. It can also be hard to find a local repair company to work on it (this is something you shouldn’t worry about if you live in a big city).

It’s no surprise that our expert had such positive things to say about this brand – Bosch was founded by Robert Bosch in 1886 and has always stood out due to its innovative and high-quality products.

LG

James thinks LG is a mid-high/high-range reliable brand. “It has a lot of the benefits of Bosch and the sleek look of Samsung, but with better overall quality than Samsung”, he says.

Here’s how James rated LG dishwashers:

If you want a quiet dishwasher that lasts a long time, LG may be a good option.

“LG dishwashers are very quiet and do a great job at cleaning, plus the direct drive motor typically has an extended warranty”.

But, bear in mind that this brand has certain limitations. “The only drawbacks of LG are the higher price and difficulty in finding a local repair company to work on them”, our expert explains.

Despite these drawbacks, James says LG is a reliable brand that offers different wash cycles, and it is very energy and water efficient, which is great if you want to save some extra money.

It’s not unexpected that our expert would recommend LG dishwashers, considering that the South Korean company is known for its innovative approach to technology.

Fisher & Paykel

While this high-end brand may not be our expert’s top pick, it’s not a bad choice either. Here’s how he rated it:

“These dishwashers typically come in a drawer style with both upper and lower drawers, which is great for people who don’t accumulate a lot of dishes in a day, such as couples”.

However, he says that selecting the right cycle on these dishwashers can be a bit tricky due to their interface. “The interface and overall design are different from what most people are used to” he explains.

James also mentioned that repairing Fisher & Paykel dishwashers can be difficult because they lack info on troubleshooting. “Finding a repair person for this brand can be challenging, especially if you live in a smaller town or city. But, if you don’t use a lot of dishes, it could be a great pick”.

Fisher & Paykel was founded in New Zealand by Woolf Fisher and Maurice Paykel 89 years ago. This high-end brand is known for designing innovative home appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, ovens, and refrigerators.

Whirlpool

According to our expert, Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, and KitchenAid dishwashers are quite similar. But, there are some minor differences between each brand.

Here’s how he rated Whirlpool:

“Whirlpool is a middle-of-the-road choice, not too expensive, not too fancy, but does a decent job. Like all others, its filter is removable, and it offers enough settings to fit any household’s needs”, he explains.

But, bear in mind that James says that its drying cycle leaves a bit to be desired. Despite this, he still believes that Whirlpool is a safe choice for those who are on a tight budget.

Whirlpool has been one of the most famous home appliance brands for more than 100 years. It was founded by Lou Upton in the United States, and since the very beginning, the company is known for its innovative products.

Samsung

Although Samsung dishwashers are known for their sleek appearance and technology, there are other things you should keep in mind when making a decision.

Here’s how James rated Samsung:

“Samsung dishwashers are the eye candy that customers see and want to buy. Beneath the fancy innovative features, they have A LOT of sensors and components, which may have some advantages. However, this can also result in some bugs or issues”, he explained.

James also says that Samsung dishwashers can be a bit complicated to repair, so finding a qualified technician can be a challenge.

But despite this, he explains that they do a decent job at cleaning, and they’re generally quiet and energy efficient. “They also have lots of customizable features and look great”.

So, if you’re looking for a stylish and advanced dishwasher, Samsung may be a decent option. Just, keep in mind that based on our expert’s analysis, you may experience some performance issues due to the multiple sensors and components.

Samsung was founded by Lee Byung-chul 85 years ago in South Korea and since then, the company has pushed the boundaries of innovation and technology.

Frigidaire

According to our expert, Frigidaire dishwashers are easy to install and affordable, they also have extremely basic features.

Here’s how James rated the brand:

“A lot of Frigidaire dishwashers have plastic tubs and fewer features. But, the money saved on materials is definitely spent on quality. Some of their components, such as the motor, haven’t changed in years, meaning that you’re getting a product that has been tried and tested”, he explains.

James also recommends this brand because it’s extremely durable and low maintenance. So, if you have a tight budget, don’t mind the noise, and don’t need any fancy features, a Frigidaire dishwasher might be a smart choice.

You see, Frigidaire offers affordable appliances without sacrificing quality. It is an American company founded in 1918 that originally manufactured refrigerators, but expanded to other home appliances, such as laundry centers, dishwashers, and more.

Café

Although Café offers high-end and stylish appliances, our expert doesn’t recommend this brand.

Here’s how he rated it:

“While you can customize Café dishwashers’ color to match your kitchen’s decor, they are still made of GE parts, which may not be of the best quality”, he explains.

You see, Café is owned by GE Appliances. This brand was created to compete with other high-end brands and is aimed at customers who want their kitchens to look stylish and sophisticated.

James says that out of all GE brands and subdivisions, Café would be the one to get if you’re stuck on GE.

GE Profile

According to our expert, GE Profile dishwashers are similar to Frigidaire because they have basic features and design, and they typically come with a plastic tub.

Here’s how he rated GE Profile:

“GE Profile dishwashers are more basic than other GE models, so they’re less prone to issues”, he says.

James suggests keeping in mind that these dishwashers are generally louder than other brands. So, if you work from home or have kids, they may not be a great choice.

GE Profile is a sub-brand of GE Appliances, and their main difference is design. GE Profile dishwashers typically have a more sleek and modern design. And as our expert said, they’re usually better than GE Appliances.

GE Appliances

Now, let’s talk about the brand that James recommends the least: GE. Here’s how he rated it:

“In my opinion, GE is the worst brand. I wouldn’t recommend anyone get their products. They’re trying to match the features, quality, and design of other brands, but have not put enough money into refining their components and electronics”, he says.

James explains that GE dishwashers have a high fail rate and overall bad build quality. “They do a decent job cleaning, and they aren’t the loudest models on the market. But, their drying cycle is not the best, and they’re prone to issues”.

Although the American company has been on the market for over a century manufacturing all sorts of appliances, its dishwashers have received mixed reviews in recent years due to their poor reliability and mixed performance.

While some models seem to perform well, others have been criticized for not cleaning or drying effectively.

This is why, if you were thinking about getting a GE dishwasher, you might want to reconsider, as the repair costs can be quite high.

Viking

Unfortunately, James didn’t evaluate Viking dishwashers because he hasn’t had a chance to work with this brand.

However, these dishwashers are known for their sleek design and premium features. They are available in a variety of sizes and configurations and are typically more expensive than other brands.

Although Viking Range has been on the market for over 40 years and is considered a high-quality and premium brand, it has received mixed reviews from customers and industry experts.

While some people complain that their dishwashers don’t leave their dishes sparkling clean, others are very pleased with the brand.

This is why I recommend keeping in mind other factors when buying a dishwasher, such as your budget and lifestyle.

Thermador

Our expert didn’t rate Thermador either, because he hasn’t had the opportunity to work with this brand yet.

However, we’ve done some research and found that customers and industry experts seem to recommend this brand due to its high-quality materials and components.

Thermador was founded in 1916, and it is considered a luxury brand aimed at homeowners who want a stylish kitchen and are willing to invest in quality and design.

Bear in mind that their products come with a much higher price tag, so you may want to consider your budget before checking this brand.

Are More Expensive Dishwashers Worth It?

Now that you know our expert’s opinion, it’s time to talk about other factors that may influence your purchase decision, such as price.

It’s common to think that expensive products are of better quality than their cheaper counterparts.

But, why does this happen?

To answer this question, we’ve talked to marketing experts and reviewed different studies, and we came to the conclusion that price can influence our emotions, affecting our perception of value.

Researchers at Stanford and Caltech conducted a study where they gave 20 people three identical samples of wine but told them that they had different prices.

While the participants tasted the wine, researchers measured their brain activity using an fMRI. The participants that thought they were drinking the expensive wine felt more pleasure and enjoyment than the ones who thought they were drinking the cheaper version.

Pretty interesting, huh?

Now that you know this, try not to focus on price alone when looking for a new dishwasher, as this is not necessarily an indicator of quality.

To prove this with our data, we compared the customer ratings with dishwasher prices:

Please focus on the blue line, which is mostly straight. This shows that contrary to popular belief, people who bought a cheaper dishwasher also had a pleasant experience.

In other words, buying an expensive dishwasher doesn’t ensure a better experience.

The Brands With The Most Dishwasher Models

As you’ve probably noticed, most dishwasher brands offer different models, so you can choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and preferences.

For example, some brands have added portable dishwashers to their catalog, which is ideal for RVs or people with limited space.

Other brands offer some models with smart features, which are great if you’re tech-savvy or a busy person.

Many people believe that the more dishwasher models a brand offers, the better it is. But, is this true?

Not necessarily.

Although GE offers the most dishwasher models, it didn’t even make it onto the top 10 ranked brands. Our expert, James Blackford, even advises against purchasing this brand!

This suggests that a brand that has many dishwasher models is not always the best.

So, when buying a new dishwasher, try keeping this information in mind, and don’t forget that there are other factors that can influence your decision.

How To Find Your Perfect Dishwasher

After analyzing more than 50,000 reviews and talking to James Blackford, there are still other things to keep in mind when buying a dishwasher.

These include the type of dishwasher as well as its size and capacity. Noise level, price, features, water usage, and design are also important considerations that can help you make up your mind.

Thinking about all these factors when making a decision can feel a bit overwhelming. This is exactly why we created our comprehensive dishwasher buyer’s guide.

Our guide will help you navigate these factors with ease, so you can make the right choice So, make sure to click here to check it out!

Dishwasher Brand Comparison Summary

When it comes to buying a new dishwasher for your kitchen, there are many factors to consider.

However, in terms of brand preference, it’s important to note that both consumers and our expert (James Blackford) agree that KitchenAid and Bosch are the top choices.

KitchenAid dishwashers are considered one of the best standard-built units out there because they aren’t over-engineered and have a long lifespan. They not only look great but also leave your dishes sparkling clean.

James and consumers also seem to love Bosch dishwashers because of their quiet operation and their high-quality interior compartments. They do an excellent job at cleaning your dishes and have a simple interface.

But, remember, just because these brands are liked by consumers and our expert, doesn’t necessarily mean that there aren’t other great brands out there that could also meet your needs.

And don’t forget that the most expensive brand or the one with the most models isn’t necessarily the best option when it comes to quality.

Don’t forget that you should always keep in mind other factors when buying a dishwasher, such as your budget, the size of your kitchen and family, or features.

Check out our dishwasher buyer’s guide to learn more about these factors and make an informed decision!