How to Buy the Best Dishwasher for Your Kitchen

If you use a dishwasher instead of cleaning your dishes by hand, you can save more than 230 hours a year, based on the Energy Star certification. This essential kitchen tool can therefore save you more than 30 minutes of your day, every day of the year. But with hundreds of types available, and inventories constantly changing, how should you go about purchasing the best dishwasher to meet your needs?

People’s budget and priorities differ from one another so there are no dishwashers that truly satisfy everyone. That’s the reason this buying guide was written by Wilow Vera to help you distinguish between nice-to-have features and must-have ones, and also understand what to expect at different prices. 

Below are our expert’s picks for the best dishwasher in 2024. 

• Bosch 300 Series SHSM63W55N - Best Overall

• Frigidaire Gallery FGID2476SF - Best Budget

• Samsung DW80N3030US - Most quiet

• Black + Decker BCD6W Countertop Dishwasher - Best Countertop

• LG 24" PrintProof Stainless Steel - Best Smart

So how do you decide the best dishwasher that suits you well? Check out our buying tips below. 

1. Dishwasher Sizes

When purchasing a dishwasher, keep in mind its exterior measurements that fit your kitchen and interior dimensions that suit your cleaning requirements. 

Is the dishwasher a fit for your kitchen?

Regularly sized dishwashers are designed for a 24x24-inch cavity measured by width and height respectively. They are the most highly sought-after model, which is why we purchase and test them most frequently.

If your kitchen is small, consider buying a dishwasher made for a cavity that’s 18 inches wide and 24 inches high. Their popularity has been growing, and we also test plenty of them. 

Whatever option you decide on, keep in mind that the height of your kitchen's cavity may have changed if you've retiled your floors or renovated your counters. Measure your space carefully before making your decision, and ask the seller what the exact height of the model is that you're considering. Don't forget to take the leveling feet's adjustment into consideration.

Do your dishes fit in the dishwasher?

Look closely at how the interior of the dishwasher is set out, such as how the tines are spaced apart and where the racks and baskets for silverware are located. Make sure the design can accommodate any additional space needed, such as a place for chopsticks or extra room for large dishes. Take some of your plates with you when you go shopping so you can make sure they fit. Dishes may not fit as well as they did in your old machine since rack designs vary.

2. Dishwasher Design and Finishes

The most common material for kitchen appliances is stainless steel. However, there are various finishes available, ranging from different brushed-metal appearances at the higher prices to white or glossy black at the lower end. In addition to bar-style handles, integrated (hidden) controls are also considered to have an upscale appearance, and both of them feature in many of our highest-performing models. 

The brand logo is also gone on some versions. In addition to a recessed pocket handle replacing a bar, this kind of equipment blends in perfectly with other manufacturers' appliances if they have comparable finishes.

A stacked-drawer design is included in certain dishwashers; the compartments can be used together or independently. However, these machines are pricey, and in our lab tests, they haven't outperformed the majority of traditional dishwashers.

3. Price Ranges

If you're on the market for a dishwasher right now, you might encounter supply problems and rising costs. You might have to wait to get the dishwasher you want (including some of our suggested models) or content with something less desirable until inventories and prices reach pre-pandemic levels. What you get for your money is listed below.

Under-$500 Dishwasher

After the double-digit inflation we've witnessed on appliances over the last couple of years, there aren't too many of these left. The ones that are still available typically have plastic tubs, which, in tests conducted by productfind, didn't demonstrate as good stain resistance as stainless steel tubs. These dishwashers are relatively noisy as well. However, despite the drawbacks, it's possible to get a dishwasher that might be perfect for you if you only need a device that does your dishes at this price. 

Dishwasher between $500 and $1000

Many customers consider this to be the ideal price, especially around $800. Many products in this price bracket earn our top rankings for their predicted reliability and cleaning performance, which play a significant role in our overall ratings.  Additionally, they usually run fairly quietly and contain at least some other quality-of-life characteristics, such as a third rack and adjustable racks.

Over-$1000 Dishwasher

These models come with more high-end styling and are filled with distinctive features, so there’s no need to pick and choose.

4. Dishwasher’s most important features

Outstanding cleaning

The best performers consistently wash away crusted-on, starchy messes and will effectively tackle less stubborn goop as well - even with less expensive (or more environmentally friendly) detergents and even in rough water (which has the tendency to lessen a degergent's cleaning effectiveness). In our  lab, dishwashers with additional wash arms and specialized wash zones can clean more effectively than machines without those features, but we haven't discovered any other correlated criteria that may accurately predict outstanding cleaning in everyday situations.

Multipurpose racks

The racks' nylon coating is more resilient than the vinyl that is generally found on cheaper dishwashers. Big items fit more easily with folding tines and an upper rack with adjustable height. Although it limits the area for tall objects and not everyone actually needs that additional space, a third rack increases capacity. Wineglass clips and special loading zones (designed for particular dish shapes) typically function as advertised. Premium features like ball bearings, interior lights, and telescoping racks can make using a dishwasher become easier. 

Soil sensors

If your dishes are still unclean after the wash cycle is finished, a soil sensor extends the cycle and uses more water in response to the load's soil level. Nowadays, most dishwashers come equipped with soil sensors, which is advantageous because they can enhance water efficiency.

Acceptable Cycle Times

There are few exceptions in both directions, but the typical cycle for the majority of dishwashers typically takes two to five hours. Auto or sensor cycles on several models are frequently a little bit quicker. Heavy cycles typically require more time. One-hour cycles are also frequent, although on some dishwashers they don't do much better than a rinse and leave the dishes dripping wet, while on others they operate largely on par with the standard cycle (at the expense of more energy and water). A "rapid" or "express" cycle is also found in many recent models, and it may clean light-soiled loads within 20 minutes.

A good mesh filter 

Today’s dishwashers all include mesh filters to prevent food from falling back into your dishes during cycles. In the majority of brands, the filter comes out for rinsing off in your sink. However, you don’t need to remove and rinse filters in certain brands, but there’s still a need to use your hand to the hard-to-dissolve debris such as bread ties, glass, and lettuce from the filter.  Several models with outdated grinders can crush debris before it blocks the drain, but their mesh filters still do the majority of the work of catching food, and you still have to clean it sometimes.