Best Dishwasher Reviews – Consumer Reports

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What's behind our dishwasher Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 171 models in dishwashers to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Based mainly on washing, it also factors in noise, energy and water use, loading, and more. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
Washing
Assessed by running the normal or equivalent cycle to clean a full load--10 place settings of very dirty dishes that were scraped but not rinsed. We examine the dishes and glassware for residual food after cleaning.
Drying
Drying is our assessment of how thoroughly a model dries plastic items, the most stubborn in any load. We evaluate drying performance using the same cycle we use for our Washing test. As directed by manufacturers, we use rinse aid in every load.
Energy use
For a normal cycle. The largest portion is needed for heating water, both at the water heater and in the machine.
Noise
Judged during fill, wash, and drain, mainly by a listening panel.
Ease of use
Considers convenience of controls, the ability to hold extra place settings and oversized items such as platters up to 13-1/2 in. long and Pilsner-type glasses up to 10 in. high.
Cycle time
Based on running the normal or equivalent cycle to clean a full load with high temperature options selected (if available).

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Recommended dishwashers

Recommended dishwashers are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended dishwashers

Dishwasher buying guide

To find the dishwasher that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy dishwashers in a safe-shopping environment.

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Did you know that a new energy-efficient dishwasher can save you hundreds of dollars over its life? (On average, dishwashers last about 10 years.) But as important as it might be to save energy with your new dishwasher, you'll also want to buy a machine that fits your budget and your family's lifestyle. If you're looking for information about dishwashers, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ dishwasher reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our dishwasher buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased ratings and dishwasher reviews to help you choose the best dishwasher for your needs.

Ratings & recommended dishwashers

Dishwashers (171)

Almost all of the dishwashers we tested clean well and are easy to load, and they come in stainless steel for about $100 more than basic black or white. They also use far less water and energy than washing dishes by hand.

You'll save money on your new dishwasher by passing on the hidden controls and stainless-steel tub. Targeted spray jets, adjustable racks, and other features designed to improve loading and washing performance will also add to the price of many dishwashers, but some high-scoring models in this report are equipped with those conveniences and cost less.

The dishwashers included here are very good or excellent overall performers, and most have a timed-start feature, heavy-duty or pots-and-pans cycle, and self-cleaning filters.

The Ratings rank models by overall performance.

Recently reviewed dishwashers

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LG LDF5545ST

(Tested)

This LG conventional dishwasher has

A soil sensor.
An adjustable upper rack.
A delayed-start feature.
A stainless-steel interior.
No hidden controls.
Adjustable tines.
Ample flatware slots.
Time-remaining display.

LG LDF5545ST

Thor Kitchen HDW2401SS

Ikea Renlig IUD7555DS [90292264]

Ikea Renlig IUD8555DX [20288920]

Dishwasher buying guide

Tougher new rules have slashed the energy and water dishwashers can use to get the government's Energy Star seal. But our latest tests show that you don't have to live with dirty dishes or endure longer cycles. Better yet, some of the biggest energy misers are also easy on your wallet. Dishwashers that meet the federal EPA's voluntary Energy Star standard are, on average, 5 percent more energy efficient and 15 percent more water efficient than standard models. Our top picks qualify for that coveted seal.

In our tests, we slather plates with egg yolks, peanut butter, raspberry jam, and other stubborn goo to see which dishwashers made our clean-plate club. Our results show that it's easy to pay a tidy sum for so-so performance. You can also pay less and get more noise than you expected. Here's what else to consider: