A dishwasher is one of those appliances that quietly runs your kitchen. When it's good, you don't think about it. When it's bad — noisy, inefficient, leaving residue on glasses — you think about it every single night. The difference between a mediocre dishwasher and a great one shows up in the details: how quiet it runs while you're watching TV, whether your wine glasses come out spotless, and how much water it burns through per cycle.
We researched over 20 models across every price tier, looking at cleaning performance, noise levels, rack flexibility, drying technology, and long-term reliability. The five picks below cover the full range — from a solid budget option under $600 to the quietest dishwasher you can buy for under $1,100. Whether you're outfitting a studio apartment or a busy family kitchen, there's a clear answer here.
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#1 — Bosch 300 Series SHPM88Z75N
The Bosch 300 Series is the dishwasher that consistently tops professional and consumer rankings — and after spending time with it, it's easy to understand why. At 44 dBA, it's one of the quietest dishwashers available at any price. Running it during dinner conversation or after the kids go to bed is a non-issue. You'll hear more noise from the refrigerator compressor than from this machine mid-cycle.
Cleaning performance is excellent across the board. The three-rack system gives you a flexible upper rack, a full lower rack, and a dedicated third rack at the top for cutlery, spatulas, and small items — freeing up the silverware basket for more dishes. The MyWay third rack is wider than most competitors, which makes a real difference when you're loading a full set of flatware. CrystalDry technology uses a natural mineral called Zeolite to absorb moisture and release heat, producing genuinely dry dishes — including plastics, which most dishwashers struggle with.
The stainless steel tub holds 16 place settings, which is enough for a family of four with room to spare. The RackMatic system lets you adjust the upper rack to three different heights with one hand, which sounds minor until you're trying to fit a tall pot on the bottom rack. Cycle times run about 2 hours on the normal setting, which is standard for this class. The delay start function lets you run it overnight on off-peak electricity rates.
At $1,049, this is a premium purchase. But Bosch's reliability record is among the best in the industry, and the combination of near-silent operation, CrystalDry performance, and rack flexibility makes it the clear top pick for anyone who wants a dishwasher they won't have to think about for the next decade.
Pros
- 44 dBA — ultra-quiet, barely audible
- CrystalDry dries plastics effectively
- Flexible MyWay 3rd rack for cutlery
- 16 place settings — generous capacity
- RackMatic one-hand height adjustment
- Excellent long-term reliability record
Cons
- Premium price at ~$1,049
- No Wi-Fi or smart home integration
- Cycle times can run long on heavy wash
Best for: Anyone who wants the quietest, most reliable dishwasher available — especially households where noise matters and drying performance on plastics is a priority.
#2 — LG LDP6810SS
The LG LDP6810SS punches well above its $699 price point. The headline feature is QuadWash — four spray arms instead of the standard two, which means water reaches dishes from more angles and reduces the need to pre-rinse or reposition items. In practice, heavily soiled pots and pans that would need a second pass in a standard dishwasher come out clean in one cycle.
TrueSteam is the other standout: LG injects steam during the wash cycle to loosen baked-on food and sanitize dishes more effectively than hot water alone. It's particularly noticeable on casserole dishes and baking pans. The combination of QuadWash and TrueSteam gives this dishwasher cleaning performance that rivals machines costing $300 more.
At 48 dBA it's not as quiet as the Bosch, but it's still well within the "quiet" range — you'll notice it running but it won't interrupt conversation. Wi-Fi connectivity via the LG ThinQ app lets you monitor cycle status, download new wash programs, and run diagnostics remotely. The 15 place setting capacity is slightly less than the Bosch but more than adequate for most households. The third rack adds useful space for utensils and small items.
For households that want strong cleaning performance and smart features without crossing the $1,000 threshold, the LG LDP6810SS is the most compelling option on this list. The value proposition is hard to argue with.
Pros
- QuadWash cleans from more angles
- TrueSteam loosens baked-on food effectively
- Wi-Fi via LG ThinQ app
- 48 dBA — quiet enough for open-plan kitchens
- Strong cleaning performance for the price
- 15 place settings
Cons
- Not as quiet as the Bosch 300
- Drying performance on plastics is average
- ThinQ app can be slow to update cycle status
Best for: Value-conscious buyers who want premium cleaning technology — QuadWash and TrueSteam — plus Wi-Fi connectivity, without spending over $700.
#3 — Whirlpool WDT730PAHZ
The Whirlpool WDT730PAHZ is the dishwasher you buy when you want a reliable, no-nonsense machine from a brand with a long track record, and you don't want to spend more than $600. At $549, it covers the essentials well: a third rack for utensils, a soil sensor that adjusts cycle intensity based on how dirty the water gets, and a stainless steel tub that resists odors and staining better than plastic interiors.
The soil sensor is worth highlighting — it's not a feature you always find at this price. It monitors water turbidity throughout the cycle and extends or shortens the wash accordingly. Lightly soiled loads finish faster and use less water; heavily soiled loads get the extra time they need. Over a year of use, that adds up to meaningful water and energy savings.
At 51 dBA it's louder than the Bosch and LG, but still quieter than older dishwashers and most budget competitors. You'll notice it running in an open-plan kitchen, but it's not disruptive. The third rack is narrower than the Bosch's MyWay rack, but it handles cutlery and small utensils well. Whirlpool's service network is one of the most extensive in the US, which matters if something goes wrong.
This isn't the most exciting dishwasher on the list, but it's the one that makes the most sense for renters, first-time buyers, or anyone replacing a broken machine without wanting to overthink it. Reliable, practical, and priced right.
Pros
- Competitive price at ~$549
- Soil sensor adjusts cycle automatically
- 3rd rack included at this price point
- Stainless steel tub resists odors
- Whirlpool's extensive US service network
- Solid long-term reliability
Cons
- 51 dBA — audible in open-plan kitchens
- No Wi-Fi or smart features
- 3rd rack narrower than premium models
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, renters, and first-time dishwasher owners who want a dependable machine from a trusted brand without overspending.
#4 — KitchenAid KDTM354DSS
The KitchenAid KDTM354DSS is the quietest dishwasher on this list at 39 dBA — quieter even than the Bosch 300 Series. At that noise level, you can run it during dinner and genuinely not notice it. It's the kind of quiet that makes you check whether the cycle actually started. For households where the kitchen is open to the living area, this is a meaningful advantage.
The ProWash cycle is KitchenAid's adaptive wash technology: it monitors soil levels throughout the cycle and adjusts water temperature, pressure, and duration in real time. The result is consistently clean dishes regardless of how mixed the load is — you don't need to sort lightly soiled glasses from heavily soiled pots. The stainless steel tub is premium-grade and the third rack is well-designed, with dedicated zones for different utensil types.
Capacity is where this machine earns its "best for large families" designation. The interior is optimized for large loads — the lower rack accommodates oversized pots and pans, and the adjustable upper rack handles tall glasses and large bowls without requiring you to remove the third rack. Running one full load instead of two is a real time and energy saving for a household of five or six.
At $899 it sits between the LG and the Bosch in price, and it earns that position. The 39 dBA noise rating and ProWash intelligence make it the best choice for large, busy households where the dishwasher runs twice a day and silence is non-negotiable.
Pros
- 39 dBA — quietest on this list
- ProWash adapts to load in real time
- Large capacity for oversized pots and pans
- Premium stainless steel tub
- Well-organized 3rd rack with utensil zones
- Adjustable upper rack for tall items
Cons
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
- Higher price than the LG at similar capacity
- Drying not as advanced as Bosch CrystalDry
Best for: Large families running the dishwasher twice a day who need maximum capacity, ultra-quiet operation, and smart wash adaptation for mixed loads.
#5 — GE GDP665SYNFS
The GE GDP665SYNFS is the most connected dishwasher on this list, and GE has done a better job than most at making the smart features actually useful rather than gimmicky. Wi-Fi connectivity works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and the SmartHQ app, letting you start, stop, and monitor cycles remotely. The app sends a notification when the cycle finishes — a small thing that becomes a habit quickly.
The standout hardware feature is the bottle jets: dedicated spray nozzles on the lower rack that direct high-pressure water into tall, narrow items like water bottles, travel mugs, and baby bottles. If you've ever pulled a water bottle out of a standard dishwasher and found residue at the bottom, you'll appreciate this immediately. Dry Boost technology uses extra heat and extended drying time to tackle plastics and hard-to-dry items — it's not as elegant as Bosch's Zeolite system, but it works.
The third rack adds flexibility for cutlery and small items, and the interior layout is well thought out for mixed loads. At 45 dBA it's nearly as quiet as the Bosch — quiet enough for open-plan kitchens without being the centerpiece of the room. The stainless steel finish is fingerprint-resistant, which is a practical bonus in a busy kitchen.
At $749, the GE GDP665SYNFS sits at a reasonable price for what it offers. If you're already in the GE or Google/Alexa ecosystem and want a dishwasher that integrates cleanly, this is the one to get. The bottle jets alone make it worth considering for households with young kids or fitness-focused adults who go through water bottles daily.
Pros
- Wi-Fi with Alexa & Google Assistant
- Bottle jets clean narrow containers effectively
- Dry Boost for plastics and hard-to-dry items
- 45 dBA — near-silent operation
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless finish
- SmartHQ app is well-designed
Cons
- Dry Boost less efficient than CrystalDry
- Smart features require stable Wi-Fi
- Slightly pricier than the LG for similar capacity
Best for: Smart home users, Alexa/Google households, and anyone who regularly washes water bottles, travel mugs, or baby bottles and wants dedicated bottle jets.
Dishwasher Buying Guide
Noise levels (dBA): This is the number most people overlook until they're living with a loud dishwasher. Decibel ratings typically range from 38 to 60 dBA. Below 44 dBA is ultra-quiet — you'll barely notice it running. 44–50 dBA is quiet enough for most homes. Above 55 dBA starts to feel intrusive in open-plan kitchens. If your kitchen opens to a living or dining area, prioritize anything under 48 dBA. The KitchenAid KDTM354DSS at 39 dBA and the Bosch 300 at 44 dBA are the standouts here.
Place settings: Dishwasher capacity is measured in place settings — each one represents a full set of dishes, glasses, and cutlery for one person. Most full-size dishwashers hold 12–16 place settings. For a couple or small household, 12 is plenty. For a family of four or more, aim for 14–16. The Bosch 300 Series leads this list at 16 place settings; the LG and GE both hold 15.
Third rack benefits: A third rack — a shallow tray at the top of the dishwasher — is one of the most useful features to look for. It handles cutlery, spatulas, measuring spoons, and small items that would otherwise crowd the silverware basket, freeing up the lower two racks for actual dishes. Not all third racks are equal: the Bosch MyWay rack is notably wider and more flexible than the narrower racks on budget models. If you cook regularly, a well-designed third rack makes loading significantly easier.
Wash cycles: Most dishwashers offer a normal cycle, a heavy cycle for pots and pans, a light or quick cycle for lightly soiled loads, and a sanitize cycle that uses high-temperature water to kill bacteria. The most useful addition is a sensor or auto cycle — like the Whirlpool's soil sensor or KitchenAid's ProWash — that monitors the load and adjusts automatically. This saves water and energy on lighter loads without requiring you to manually select a cycle every time.
Energy Star certification: All five dishwashers on this list are Energy Star certified, meaning they meet EPA standards for water and energy efficiency. A certified dishwasher uses around 3.5 gallons of water per cycle, compared to the 20+ gallons the average person uses hand washing the same load. Over a year, that's a significant difference in both water bills and environmental impact. Energy Star models also tend to have better insulation, which contributes to quieter operation.
Built-in vs. portable: All five picks here are built-in (under-counter) dishwashers, which require a dedicated space, water supply connection, and drain hookup. If you're renting or don't have a dedicated dishwasher space, portable dishwashers connect to your kitchen faucet and roll away when not in use — but they're louder, hold fewer place settings, and cost more per load to run. For permanent installations, built-in is always the better long-term choice.
Who Should Buy Which
- Best overall: Bosch 300 Series SHPM88Z75N — ultra-quiet at 44 dBA, CrystalDry for plastics, and a decade-long reliability record make this the dishwasher to buy if budget allows.
- Best value: LG LDP6810SS — QuadWash and TrueSteam deliver cleaning performance well above the $699 price point, with Wi-Fi as a bonus.
- Best budget pick: Whirlpool WDT730PAHZ — dependable, practical, and sensibly priced at $549. The right call for renters and first-time buyers.
- Best for large families: KitchenAid KDTM354DSS — the quietest dishwasher on this list at 39 dBA, with large capacity and ProWash intelligence for heavy daily use.
- Best smart dishwasher: GE GDP665SYNFS — Alexa/Google integration, bottle jets, and Dry Boost in one well-connected package.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quiet should a dishwasher be?
For most homes, anything under 50 dBA is considered quiet. If your kitchen is open to a living or dining area, aim for 44 dBA or below — at that level, the dishwasher is barely audible over normal conversation. The KitchenAid KDTM354DSS at 39 dBA and the Bosch 300 Series at 44 dBA are both genuinely unobtrusive. Above 55 dBA starts to feel disruptive in open-plan spaces, especially during evening hours.
What does dBA mean for dishwashers?
dBA stands for A-weighted decibels — a measurement of sound level adjusted to reflect how human ears perceive noise. For dishwashers, it's the standard way manufacturers rate operating noise. A normal conversation is around 60 dBA; a quiet library is around 40 dBA. Most modern dishwashers fall between 38 and 55 dBA. The lower the number, the quieter the machine. A difference of 3 dBA represents roughly a doubling of perceived loudness, so the gap between 44 dBA and 51 dBA is more significant than it looks on paper.
Are dishwashers more water-efficient than hand washing?
Yes, significantly. A modern Energy Star dishwasher uses around 3–4 gallons of water per cycle. Hand washing the same load typically uses 15–27 gallons, depending on how long you leave the tap running. Over a year of daily use, that's a difference of thousands of gallons. Dishwashers also use hotter water than most people wash by hand, which means better sanitization. The efficiency advantage holds even if you run the dishwasher half-full — though a full load is always more efficient per item.
How long do dishwashers last?
The average dishwasher lasts 9–12 years with regular use and basic maintenance. Premium brands like Bosch and KitchenAid tend to sit at the higher end of that range. The most common failure points are the door latch, spray arms, and pump — all of which are repairable. To extend lifespan: clean the filter monthly, use rinse aid consistently, and run a cleaning cycle every few months. Avoid overloading, which stresses the spray arms and door hinges over time.
What is a 3rd rack in a dishwasher?
A third rack is a shallow tray that sits above the upper rack, typically used for cutlery, spatulas, measuring spoons, and small kitchen tools. It frees up the silverware basket for more dishes and makes loading more organized. Not all third racks are equal — the Bosch MyWay rack is notably wider and more flexible than the narrower racks on budget models, with dedicated zones for different utensil types. If you cook regularly, a well-designed third rack is one of the most practical features a dishwasher can have.
Should I get a smart dishwasher?
It depends on how you use your kitchen. Smart dishwashers — like the LG LDP6810SS and GE GDP665SYNFS — connect to Wi-Fi and let you monitor cycles, receive finish notifications, and run diagnostics from your phone. If you're already in an Alexa or Google Home ecosystem, the integration is genuinely useful. If you're not, the smart features add cost without much practical benefit. The core cleaning and drying performance matters more than connectivity for most households. Buy smart if it fits your setup; don't buy it just because it's available.