The 6 Best Dishwashers, Reviewed by BHG

For most households with a standard built-in opening, the Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N is the strongest all-around premium choice: it combines a listed 42 dBA noise rating, CrystalDry, a flexible third rack, PrecisionWash with PowerControl, and Home Connect. The Miele G 5266 SCVi SF is the drying-first alternative, while the LG LDTH7972S is the better fit for shoppers who want steam, Wi-Fi features, and a fast stated wash-and-dry cycle.

The right dishwasher still depends on your opening, rack needs, drying expectations, budget, and plumbing. Compact and portable machines are better choices when a conventional 24-inch built-in cannot be installed.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Bosch SHP65DM5N 44 dBA Stainless Top Control Smart Dishwasher	$1,128.11	Buy on Amazon
2		Bosch Benchmark Series 24 in. Stainless Steel Top Control Tall Tub Dishwasher with Stainless Steel...	$1,775.00	Buy on Amazon
3		SHP65T55UC SHPM78Z55N SHX68T55UC SHXM78Z55N Water Inlet Valve Fit for Bosch	$35.98	Buy on Amazon

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The six best dishwasher choices at a glance

1. Best overall: Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N

For a household with a properly prepared 24-inch built-in opening, the Bosch 800 Series dishwasher is the strongest all-around premium choice in this lineup. It combines the features shoppers typically care about most: a listed 42 dBA noise rating, a flexible third rack, CrystalDry drying, PrecisionWash with PowerControl, and Home Connect smart features.

CrystalDry is especially relevant if wet plastic containers are a daily annoyance. Bosch describes the system as a drying feature designed to improve results on difficult items, but the presence of a named technology is not the same as independent proof that it will outperform every competing machine on every load. Results still depend on loading, detergent, cycle selection, and the type of plastic.

#1 Best Overall

Sale

Bosch SHP65DM5N 44 dBA Stainless Top Control Smart Dishwasher

• PrecisionWash For A Smarter, More Efficient Clean
• Zone Wash For A Dedicated Intensive Cleaning Area
• 44 DBA: The Quietest Dishwasher Brand In U.S.

$1,128.11

Buy on Amazon

Bosch lists the SHP78CM5N at 33 7/8 inches high, 23 9/16 inches wide, and 23 3/4 inches deep. Bosch listed a U.S. price of $1,499 at the time of research; that is a reference price, not a guaranteed current offer. The model is a good fit for homeowners who want quiet operation, better-than-basic drying, and rack flexibility without moving into the most specialized premium category.

Choose it if: you run the dishwasher frequently, care about noise and plastic drying, and have room in the budget for premium features.

Look elsewhere if: you need a countertop or portable unit, have a nonstandard opening, or would rather spend less on connectivity and advanced drying.

2. Best premium drying: Miele G 5266 SCVi SF or a comparable G 7000

Miele is the premium-drying choice here because the G 5266 SCVi SF specification identifies AutoOpen drying: the door opens at the end of the program to help release moisture. The listed format is a 24-inch fully integrated dishwasher, making it appropriate for a conventional built-in kitchen installation rather than a renter-friendly setup.

Auto-opening can be useful for improving moisture removal without relying only on hotter air. It also means the installation must allow the door to open safely and the surrounding cabinetry to tolerate the operating conditions described in the installation instructions. Do not assume that every G 7000 model has the same rack layout, cycle list, handle configuration, or drying behavior as the G 5266.

Miele model numbers, trim levels, retailer stock, and warranty terms can vary by market. Before purchasing, confirm that the exact model is intended for the U.S. market, that the fully integrated panel dimensions match your cabinet plan, and that local service is available. This is a recommendation for shoppers prioritizing drying and premium construction details—not a claim that every Miele model is the best value or the best cleaner.

Choose it if: drying performance and a fully integrated appearance matter more than minimizing the purchase price.

Look elsewhere if: you need a clearly available model with a simple local replacement process or want a strong midrange value.

3. Best for smart features and fast cycles: LG LDTH7972S

The LG LDTH7972S is the most feature-forward choice for shoppers who want steam, app connectivity, and a shorter stated wash-and-dry option. LG lists QuadWash Pro, TrueSteam, Dynamic Heat Dry, a height-adjustable third rack, leak detection, Wi-Fi-enabled features, and a one-hour wash-and-dry cycle.

LG lists capacity at 15 place settings and the noise rating at 42 dBA. The published dimensions are 33 5/8 inches high, 23 3/4 inches wide, and 24 5/8 inches deep. LG listed a U.S. price of $1,499 for the cited finish at research time, but promotions and availability change.

The one-hour cycle is useful when dishes need to be ready quickly, but cycle duration should not be treated as a universal promise for every soil level, option, or load. A heavily soiled pan may still need a more intensive program. Similarly, Wi-Fi, remote alerts, and diagnostics are conveniences; they do not compensate for a poor fit, unsuitable rack geometry, or inadequate local service.

Choose it if: you value fast turnaround, steam, leak monitoring, and smartphone controls, and you are comfortable setting up an account and compatible wireless network.

Look elsewhere if: you do not want connected appliances or your main priorities are the simplest controls and the lowest long-term complexity.

4. Best midrange value: Bosch 300 Series or a comparable Whirlpool or KitchenAid

A midrange dishwasher is often the sensible choice for a renovation or replacement project. The Bosch 300 Series and comparable Whirlpool or KitchenAid models are the category to investigate when you want dependable core functions without paying primarily for premium drying systems or connectivity.

This is intentionally a category recommendation rather than a single universal model. A 300 Series dishwasher can differ substantially from another model in rack arrangement, third-rack design, drying method, noise rating, controls, and installation depth. Whirlpool and KitchenAid also sell multiple configurations at different prices. Compare the exact model number, not only the brand or series name.

For the best value, prioritize a usable rack layout, a soil-sensing or automatic cycle, an effective filtration system, a drying option appropriate for your dishes, and a noise rating you can live with. If two machines clean similarly, the less expensive one may be the better buy when it also fits the opening and has accessible service support.

Choose it if: you want a capable built-in dishwasher and would rather put money toward installation, cabinetry, or other kitchen work.

Look elsewhere if: wet plastics are your biggest frustration, you specifically need app controls, or you need a compact or portable configuration.

Rank #2

Bosch Benchmark Series 24 in. Stainless Steel Top Control Tall Tub Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Tub, 39 dBA SHX9PCM5N

• Great tools at a great price

$1,775.00

Buy on Amazon

5. Best compact option: a compact-capacity dishwasher

A compact dishwasher is the right answer when a standard built-in will not fit—not simply a cheaper version of a full-size machine. ENERGY STAR defines compact dishwashers as holding fewer than eight place settings plus six serving pieces. Current ENERGY STAR qualification limits for compact models are no more than 155 kWh per year and 2.0 gallons per cycle.

Compact machines can suit apartments, offices, RVs, accessory kitchens, and households with very little cabinet space. Some are countertop units; others may be designed for a compact built-in installation. Confirm which type you are considering because the plumbing, drainage, ventilation, and cabinet requirements are different.

The unavoidable compromise is capacity. A compact dishwasher may require more frequent cycles, may not accommodate large cookware, and may have less flexible rack geometry. Measure the dishes you actually use—including dinner plates, travel mugs, cutting boards, and cookware—rather than relying only on the advertised place-setting number.

Choose it if: your space or electrical and plumbing setup rules out a standard dishwasher.

Look elsewhere if: you routinely cook for a family, wash large pans, or have a standard opening that can accommodate a full-size machine.

6. Best for installation flexibility: a portable or apartment-oriented dishwasher

A portable dishwasher is the practical category for renters and homeowners whose kitchens cannot support a conventional built-in installation. It can usually be rolled into position and connected when needed, but the details vary considerably. A countertop dishwasher is another alternative, but countertop and portable machines are not interchangeable terms.

Before buying, verify the faucet adapter, water connection, drain arrangement, storage footprint, counter height, hose reach, and whether the machine can be rolled safely over your flooring. Check whether the unit needs to remain near the sink during operation. Also confirm that it is genuinely portable rather than a compact built-in model that still requires permanent cabinetry, plumbing, and electrical work.

Portable machines give up some capacity and visual integration compared with a built-in. Hoses can be inconvenient, the unit occupies floor space, and the sink may be unavailable while it runs. Those are reasonable compromises when avoiding a cabinet remodel is the priority.

Choose it if: you rent, lack a standard dishwasher opening, or need to avoid permanent plumbing and cabinet changes.

Look elsewhere if: you are remodeling and can install a built-in, or if your household needs maximum capacity and a clear countertop.

How to choose among the six

Cleaning performance comes before specialty features

Modern ENERGY STAR-qualified dishwashers may use soil sensors, improved filtration, more efficient spray jets, and rack designs intended to reduce water and energy use while maintaining cleaning performance. An automatic soil-sensing cycle is worth considering because it can adjust operation to the load.

Do not assume that more spray arms, a named wash zone, or a longer list of marketing features automatically means better cleaning. Independent testing is more useful than feature count. Consumer Reports says its dishwasher evaluations involve roughly 30 hours of testing and assess cleaning, drying, and noise, including cleaning on both the upper and lower racks. If you consult a rating database, check the current entry and exact model number rather than copying a rating from an older revision.

Drying is where models separate most clearly

Drying technology is one of the clearest differences among these recommendations:

• Bosch SHP78CM5N: CrystalDry.
• LG LDTH7972S: Dynamic Heat Dry and TrueSteam.
• Miele G 5266 SCVi SF: AutoOpen drying.

These are verified manufacturer-described features. They establish what the machines are designed to do, not an independent ranking of drying results. If you frequently wash plastic storage containers, check whether the machine’s drying system, cycle options, and rack layout address plastics specifically. Even a premium dishwasher may leave some lightweight plastic wet because plastic retains less heat than ceramic or metal.

Understand what a 42 dBA rating does—and does not—tell you

Bosch and LG list 42 dBA for the cited models. A lower dBA number generally indicates quieter operation, but a dishwasher should not be described as silent. Cabinet construction, flooring, installation quality, water pressure, and the character of pump and drain sounds all affect what you hear in the room.

For an open-plan kitchen, a low listed noise rating is valuable. Also look for a status light or end-of-cycle signal if you may not hear the machine. Compare ratings across models carefully and avoid treating a one-decibel difference as a guarantee of a clearly noticeable improvement.

Judge capacity by rack geometry, not only place settings

ENERGY STAR defines a standard-capacity dishwasher as one that holds at least eight place settings plus six serving pieces. That number is useful for comparison, but it does not tell you whether your plates fit beneath the spray arm or whether tall glasses, wine stems, mixing bowls, and utensils have a practical home.

The LG LDTH7972S is listed at 15 place settings and has a height-adjustable third rack. The Bosch SHP78CM5N also has a flexible third rack. Third racks can free space below for plates and bowls, but they can reduce clearance for tall items or require you to change how you load utensils. Look for adjustable tines, a movable upper rack, stemware clearance, and enough room for your largest frequently washed item.

Rank #3

SHP65T55UC SHPM78Z55N SHX68T55UC SHXM78Z55N Water Inlet Valve Fit for Bosch

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• 【Compatible with Bosch Models】SHXM88Z75N SHXN8U55UC (Press Ctrl+F, enter your model, and check compatibility in just a few seconds)
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Smart features are useful extras, not the foundation of the decision

Home Connect on the Bosch and ThinQ connectivity on the LG can provide alerts, remote features, downloadable cycles, and diagnostics. LG also lists leak detection. These features may require account setup, a compatible network, and ongoing manufacturer support.

Use smart features as a tie-breaker after cleaning, drying, noise, rack design, fit, and service access. An appliance that sends a notification is not necessarily a better appliance if its racks do not fit your dishes or if installation is difficult in your kitchen.

Efficiency: what the numbers mean in practice

Current ENERGY STAR criteria for standard residential dishwashers are no more than 240 kWh per year and 3.2 gallons per cycle. Compact models have the tighter absolute limits of 155 kWh per year and 2.0 gallons per cycle. Check the yellow EnergyGuide label and compare similarly sized machines; comparing a compact unit with a full-size unit without accounting for capacity can be misleading.

ENERGY STAR estimates that a standard certified dishwasher costs approximately $50 per year to operate and can save about 5,800 gallons of water over its lifetime compared with a non-certified baseline. Those are program estimates, not a promise for every household. Your actual cost depends on local electricity and water rates, cycle selection, incoming water temperature, load frequency, and how full the machine is.

To use less water and energy:

• Run full loads rather than several partial loads.
• Scrape food into the trash or compost instead of pre-rinsing dishes under running water.
• Use the automatic soil-sensing cycle when appropriate.
• Choose a heated-dry or intensive option only when the load needs it.
• Keep the filter and spray areas clean so the machine does not have to work against residue.

ENERGY STAR guidance supports using modern dishwasher detergent without pre-rinsing. If you are stocking up, choose dishwasher detergent pods and dishwasher rinse aid that are compatible with the machine and follow the appliance manual for dosage and dispenser instructions.

Installation checklist before ordering

A nominal 24-inch dishwasher opening is not proof that every 24-inch model will fit. Measure the actual space before purchasing, especially in a remodeled kitchen or where flooring has been installed after the cabinets.

1. Measure width: measure at the front, middle, and rear of the opening. Record the narrowest measurement.
2. Measure height: measure from the finished floor to the underside of the countertop in several places. Account for flooring that may run under the machine.
3. Measure depth: include the cabinet depth, door, handle, hoses, and any clearance needed for the door to open without striking an island.
4. Check panel and door clearance: fully integrated models may require a custom cabinet panel and specific weight, thickness, and hinge clearances.
5. Locate water supply and drain connections: confirm the shutoff valve, hose route, drain connection, and any required high loop or air-gap arrangement under local plumbing rules.
6. Confirm electrical requirements: check whether the model uses a cord-and-plug connection or another arrangement, and follow the installation manual and local code.
7. Plan removal: allow room to disconnect and remove the old appliance without damaging flooring or cabinetry.

The cited Bosch model is 23 9/16 inches wide and 23 3/4 inches deep, while the cited LG model is 23 3/4 inches wide and 24 5/8 inches deep. Those differences can matter in a tight opening. If you are replacing a built-in, a dishwasher installation kit and water-supply hose may be needed, but connection requirements vary by model and local code. Do not automatically reuse an old hose or assume the existing electrical setup meets the new appliance instructions.

For a major replacement, budget for dishwasher installation and, where available, delivery and haul-away as separate parts of the project. Confirm who handles leveling, leak testing, connection hardware, removal of the old unit, and any cabinet or flooring corrections before the appliance arrives.

Care that protects cleaning and drying performance

Start with the owner’s manual because filters, spray arms, detergents, and service procedures differ. In general, scrape rather than pre-rinse, avoid blocking the spray arms, place heavily soiled surfaces toward the sprays, and leave enough space for water to circulate.

Clean the filter at the interval specified by the manufacturer. If you notice odor, cloudy residue, or buildup, a compatible dishwasher cleaner and replacement filter may help, but filter shapes and part numbers are model-specific. Check the exact model number before ordering a replacement. A cleaner cannot compensate for a blocked drain hose, damaged seal, poor water temperature, or a failing pump.

Use rinse aid if the manual permits it and you want better water shedding, particularly in hard-water areas. If glasses become cloudy, investigate water hardness, detergent quantity, rinse-aid settings, and incoming water temperature before assuming the dishwasher itself is defective.

Who should buy each type?

• Choose the Bosch 800 for a quiet premium built-in with advanced drying and flexible loading.
• Choose the Miele when premium drying and a fully integrated design take priority, and you have confirmed local availability and service.
• Choose the LG when steam, Wi-Fi controls, leak detection, and a fast stated cycle are central to your decision.
• Choose a Bosch 300, Whirlpool, or KitchenAid midrange model when you want to control cost while retaining standard built-in capacity.
• Choose compact when the kitchen physically cannot accommodate a standard machine.
• Choose portable when you need to avoid permanent cabinetry and plumbing changes.

Energy-conscious shoppers can also compare an ENERGY STAR dishwasher through the current qualified-product information and check whether their utility offers a local rebate. Eligibility, qualifying models, and rebate amounts change by location and program year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 42 dBA dishwasher quiet?

A 42 dBA dishwasher is generally quiet enough for an open-plan kitchen, but it is not silent. Cabinetry, flooring, water pressure, installation, and pump or drain sounds affect perceived volume. Compare dBA ratings as a useful baseline, not a guarantee of how the appliance will sound in your room.

Are third racks worth having?

A third rack can be worthwhile if you wash many utensils, flat tools, or small cups. It may also create less clearance for tall items, so check whether the rack height adjusts and whether your largest frequently washed dishes still fit below it.

Do all standard dishwashers fit a 24-inch opening?

Not necessarily. A nominal 24-inch opening is common for standard built-ins, but the actual opening, finished-floor height, depth, door clearance, and utility connections must be measured. The Bosch SHP78CM5N and LG LDTH7972S have different published dimensions despite both being standard full-size models.

Should I buy a compact or portable dishwasher?

Use a compact dishwasher when space is the limiting factor and you can accept fewer place settings and more frequent cycles. Use a portable dishwasher when you lack a permanent built-in opening but have a compatible faucet, drain route, and place to store the machine.

Do dishes need to be pre-rinsed before going in the dishwasher?

Scrape food from dishes, but usually do not pre-rinse under running water. ENERGY STAR guidance notes that modern dishwasher detergents are designed to work with food soil, and pre-rinsing wastes water. Follow the appliance and detergent instructions for unusually heavy or baked-on residue.

The Bottom Line

Bottom line: The Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N is the best all-around premium fit in this guide, while the Miele is the drying-first choice and the LG is the smart, fast-cycle alternative. For a lower price, compare exact Bosch 300, Whirlpool, and KitchenAid models; for an unusual kitchen, solve the installation and capacity problem first with a compact or portable machine.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1

Bosch SHP65DM5N 44 dBA Stainless Top Control Smart Dishwasher

PrecisionWash For A Smarter, More Efficient Clean; Zone Wash For A Dedicated Intensive Cleaning Area

$1,128.11

Bestseller No. 2

Bosch Benchmark Series 24 in. Stainless Steel Top Control Tall Tub Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Tub, 39 dBA SHX9PCM5N

Great tools at a great price

$1,775.00

Bestseller No. 3

SHP65T55UC SHPM78Z55N SHX68T55UC SHXM78Z55N Water Inlet Valve Fit for Bosch

$35.98

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.