Best Dishwashers of 2026

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Which Brand of Dishwasher is the Best?

Most of us don't think too much about the details of our current dishwasher: we load dishes, they get clean, then we empty them. But maybe you've noticed that the dishes aren't coming out as clean as they should, or you have to rinse them more to get a better clean, or the dishwasher's tines' coating is chipping. If so, you might be thinking about replacing your dishwasher with one that not only holds up but has some nice features that you deserve.

Consider first what you need in your new dishwasher. It's essential to choose a dishwasher that effectively cleans and dries your dishes quietly. After that, look for additional features that suit your preferences, such a third rack, a quick-wash cycle, a delay-start option, food pulverizers, sanitizer settings, special jets for silverware, smart-home integration, or child lock.

Now that you're shopping around, did you know there are four styles of dishwashers? There are built-in, countertop, portable, and drawer models. Drawers literally pop out as a drawer and you load the dishes in a single rack, then slide the drawer back in. Countertop models sit on your counter like a small appliance - they don't hold many dishes, and are common in Europe.

Portable dishwashers are just that: they're on wheels and you can move them out of the way when not in use. Built-ins, installed under the kitchen counter, are the most common. Since most kitchens are designed for built-ins, our research centered around this type of model.

Here are several criteria to keep in mind as you shop for your new dishwasher:

• Average price range. You can spend anywhere from $300 to $2,000, depending on the brand and the features you desire. The less expensive models may require more rinsing on your part and they may also be on the noisy side. Higher-end models often clean better, have smart capabilities, and have an interior LED light so you can find any dishes or glasses left at the back of your appliance's rack.
• Installation. Be sure to ask if there's an installation fee, which can be around $200 depending on the retailer. Usually, your new dishwasher will require new hoses, and that can cost around $50, so be sure to inquire and order them so you have all your parts when your new dishwasher arrives.
• Removal. If you already have a dishwasher, check to see if your retailer will remove the old dishwasher and at what cost.
• Finishes, handles, and control panel visibility. Dishwashers, like most major home appliances, will be offered in white, black, stainless, and fingerprint-free stainless. Most brands will offer a plain front panel option so you can add your own cabinetry panel - your dishwasher appliance will now blend in with your kitchen. Decide if you want a pocket handle for a flat-front look, or get a bar handle which might coordinate well with your other appliances.
• Noise. Most of us don't want the running dishwasher's noise to compete with nearby conversations, distract us from our reading, or hinder our attention to our devices. At the "loudest," you should find most dishwashers at about 50 decibels, which is equivalent to a quiet conversation. 44 decibels is considered whisper soft, and most brands will offer this quieter, whisper option on their higher-priced models.
• Folding tines. If you have large serving dishes or pots and pans, consider folding tines. These tines can fold to be up or flat. Flat allows for large serveware, and raised up they will support thinner-material dishware that you don't want to fall and break.
• Third rack. The upper, third rack is becoming quite popular. You can remove your regular silverware basket and only use the 3rd rack, if you like, to create more room in your lower basket. You can also place long serving or cooking utensils on the 3rd rack if they're too tall for the bottom rack. Have you ever lost a tiny appetizer fork or spoon in the basket? Place it on the third rack and not only will you see it, it won't slip out.
• Detergent. It's something you might not think about, but the right detergent can be important. Even the best brands can have poor performance if you don't give it the right detergent, due to no fault of the appliance. One brand on the market requires its own detergent pods and the dishwasher will determine load by load how much is needed and disperse the correct amount.
• Rinse aid. If you've avoided rinse aids in the past, you should reconsider. If your new dishwasher ends up not drying well or leaving spots, no matter if you have soft water, it may be due to not using a rinse aid. If you complain to the manufacturer about your appliance not drying well, the first thing they'll ask is if you're using a rinse aid, and to call them back once you do. Dishwashers nowadays are designed to perform well with rinse aids as a standard practice.
• Available space. Be sure to measure your space. Standard dishwashers are 24" wide, while narrow, apartment-sized dishwashers are 18".

To help you with your dishwasher purchasing decision, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed the top dishwasher brands available today. If you're tired of pre-washing your dishes, continually rearranging them due to poor rack and tine design, dealing with insufficient drying, or having to rewash dishes because of stuck-on leftover food, it might be time for a new dishwasher. Upgrading the features can save you time from doing the extra prep and hand-drying work, allowing you to relax and enjoy your favorite activities while your new, quiet dishwasher does all the work.