Top 9 Dishwashers of 2020
You can finally stop pre-rinsing those dirty dishes.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Deciding which new dishwasher to buy is not as complicated a process as you think. Virtually all machines are a standard 24-inches wide and will fit into the space your current one now occupies. At the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we tested dishwashers to find which ones to buy in 2020. Here are our top picks from our tests (or updated models from the same brands that have previously performed well).
This Miele Dishwasher is not only stylish and beautiful to look at, but more importantly, a real workhorse when it comes to cleaning. In our The Good Housekeeping Institute's Cleaning Lab tests, it cut through baked-on, burned-on grime like macaroni and cheese and pan-fried hamburger with ease, and milk-coated glasses emerged clear and spot-free.
The dishwasher is very easy to load with its adjustable racks and shelves, fold-down cutlery tines, and padded stemware grips. It's QuickIntenseWash cycle impressively cleaned a very heavily-soiled load in under one hour. The control panel is clear and easy to navigate, and the fingerprint-resistant stainless steel front assures it stays looking showroom-new.
All these performance features translate to energy savings, too. This Miele is equipped with an EcoStart feature that allows you to program the dishwasher to run when utility rates are lowest and an EcoTech Heat Exchanger that captures heat already in the dishwasher and transfers it to the incoming water, so it isn't wasted. The dishwasher is smart, too. It works remotely with the Miele app. Any wonder it’s earned our Good Housekeeping Seal?
Model # G6875 SCVi SF
This stainless steel dishwasher with its red '50s retro front has attracted a lot of attention in our GH Cleaning Lab. Fortunately, it's not all show. The Italian-made Smeg dishwasher cleaned impressively, removing baked-on residue too tough for other machines to handle.
It's well-sized and has innovative features like holders in the top rack for larger plates, and tip-up supports in the lower rack to guarantee the undersides of dirty bowls and casseroles get clean. There is a sanitizing cycle and a Quick Time option that once selected, speeds up any of the other five wash cycles. If red is not your color, Smeg offers this same retro look in blue, cream and black or a more traditional design in black and stainless steel.
Model # STFABURD-1
If plastic storage containers, water bottles and measuring cups make up a big part of your load, this Bosch dishwasher is the answer to your drying needs. Many dishwashers can leave plastics wet—which means you have to hand dry them before putting them away—but not the Bosch. It uses minerals in special sealed CrystalDry chamber that transform the moist air in the dishwasher at the end of the cycle into heat that’s pumped back into the dishwasher for better drying. A small heating element refreshes the minerals so they are ready for the next load and never need replacing. This option adds only 30 minutes to the wash cycle and is energy efficient.
And like all Bosch dishwashers we’ve tested, it cleans well, accommodates big loads and is very quiet. Other standout features include an extra deep third rack to hold small bowls, lids and wide utensils, like whisks, a red light that shines on the floor to let you know the appliance is running (trust us, you won’t hear it) and a little compartment on the middle rack to catch detergent tablets as they are dispensed for better dissolving.
Model # SHPM778Z55N
Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher
A very good performer and easy to use, the Frigidaire Gallery dishwasher is a steal. At a super low price, you get a machine that not only cleans and dries well, but comes with lots of high-end extras, too. The control panel is very clear and easy to use, and includes a "favorite cycle" that, once programmed, selects your preferred cycle and options with just one touch.
Nice perks at this price include a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel front, cushioned stemware holders, adjustable water pressure for the type and soil of the load, a sanitize option, and a floor projector that illuminates when the cycle's complete.
Model # FGID2476SF
LG Smart Dishwasher with QuadWash and TrueSteam
This innovative model has four lower spray arms (compared to most models, which have two, hence the name QuadWash) that spin and pivot, so they direct water toward the corners and reach every inch of every dish. LG’s TrueSteam technology fills the tub with steam for better cleaning and to help eliminate water spotting.
The LG's Smart Diagnosis app allows you to download extra cycles onto the machine (!) and is made to problem-solve in the event of any issues, like if your dishwasher won't start. It will also alert you via smartphone, Alexa, or Google Assistant when the cycle is complete.
LG dishwashers do so well in our tests that we use the black stainless model in our Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, where it gets a real workout.
Model # LDT7808BD
The Kenmore Elite dishwasher is a great cleaning machine with top-mounted controls that are intuitive and straightforward to use. It has SmartDry Plus for better drying results, top- and bottom-only washing to save energy when cleaning smaller loads, and perhaps the most helpful of all, TurboZone, in which rear jets on the lower rack blast super-dirty dishes with a forceful spray that obliterates baked-on foods. Extra jets along the sides and back target items in the top rack.
The dishwasher is easy to load and comes with both a top-tier shelf for flatware and an optional flatware basket. The front panel is a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel lookalike. We use two identical models in our Cleaning Lab for our dishwasher detergent testing, and they couldn't look better.
Model # 14815
Miele Fully-Integrated 18-inch Dishwasher
Just because your space may be limited, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or cleaning efficiency. While we haven’t tested this exact model, Miele dishwashers always top our tests for performance and ease of use and this mini has many of the same features its bigger siblings do.
It has a third tier flatware tray, a delay start cycle, a speedy QuickIntenseWash cycle to clean loads in under one hour, hidden controls, a door that automatically opens at the end of the cycle for better drying and even the ability to accept a custom panel, so it seamlessly blends into your kitchen.
Model # G 4780 SCVi AM
GE Profile Smart Dishwasher with Hidden Controls
This is an updated version of the previous GE model we tested and it boasts the same great features and then some. It still has innovative bottle jets to clean hard-to-reach interiors of water bottles, baby bottles, vases, and more. But now, special deep clean silverware jets send blasts of water up through the flatware basket for better removal of stuck-on food and with the basket’s large openings chunky flatware fits right in.
This new model has an app that allows you to monitor cycle status, check rinse aid levels and automatically reorder detergent from your mobile device. One thing we love about GE is that the tines in the lower rack are spaced far enough apart to easily accommodate curved and deep plates that don’t fit in other machines.
Model # PDT785SYNFS
Bosch Benchmark Pocket Handle Dishwasher
Bosch’s Benchmark dishwashers are great performers and consistently rival top machines for cleaning heavy-duty loads in our tests. It was the only model we tested to perfectly clean milk-crusted glasses, and it did the best job of erasing lipstick stains from the rims of coffee cups.
Well-known for being very efficient and quiet, the Bosch includes both a traditional silverware basket that splits in two and a very easy-to-load third rack with fold-down tines and adjustable height, so it's perfect for the family who entertains a lot — and those spoons and forks that spend more time in the dishwasher than in the drawer.
Model # SHP87PW55N
What to consider before you buy a new dishwasher
Before you buy, there are a few important considerations you should take into account to find the best dishwasher for your lifestyle and preferences. The choices you’ll have to make are about the number and type of cycles, the rack configurations, the inside tub material, and the design of the front door panel, as well as energy efficiency and loudness.
Dishwasher cycles: When buying a new dishwasher, you’ll want the basics (and probably some bells and whistles, too). Most current dishwashers include features like:
- Auto or smart wash uses sensors adjust the length of the cycle and water used based on how dirty the load is.
- Normal cycle is best for everyday dishes and less soiled loads.
- Heavy duty is best for dishwasher-safe pots and pans.
- Quick wash or rinse only is ideal for when you don’t have enough items to run a full load.
- Dry boosting means drier, more spot-free results, especially on glassware and plastic.
Some dishwashers offer nice extras that can fit your lifestyle and make your day to day just a little bit easier, including:
- Delay start is great if you want to run the dishwasher during off-peak energy hours or in the middle of the night when water use in your household is low.
- Sanitizing cycle kills bacteria (ideal for use after someone gets a cold in the house).
- China or delicate cycles are best for fragile or handwash items.
- Half load cycles are for washes with just a few items placed in either the top or bottom rack.
Dishwasher racks: As you’ll soon find out, not all dishwasher racks (a.k.a where you place your dirty dishes) are created equal. Some have folding shelves, some have a third-tier rack up top, and most importantly, some have very narrow spacing between the tines while others provide more room for thick or curved plates.
When you are shopping, slide the racks in and out to make sure they are sturdy and roll smoothly, and check how they adjust. Consider if they will accommodate the items you wash most often: if there’s a platter or plate you want to be sure fits into a new dishwasher, bring it with you to the store! Here are more features we recommend considering:
- Folding shelves are great for double stacking cups and mini serving dishes.
- Folding tines makes room for large bowls and cookware.
- Stemware holders are a life-saver if you wash lots of wine glasses. The more secure, the better!
- A top tier flatware or utensil shelf means you can skip the flatware basket in lower rack for extra room down below.
Dishwasher tub: The two most popular materials used inside the dishwasher are stainless steel and plastic. Both can be durable and serviceable, but our vote here goes to stainless steel. Once reserved only for the most expensive models, stainless steel tubs are common on virtually all but the most inexpensive machines these days. Stainless steel retains heat, stay cleans, and lasts forever. We think it’s worth the extra money.
Dishwasher door: This decision is purely a matter of personal preference. Here's what you'll see when you hit the stores:
- Controls can be visible that you can see at a glance the status of the cycle and the time remaining, while other models have hidden controls for a sleeker look.
- Handles on the front are more likely to match the other appliances in your kitchen like the refrigerator or range. Recessed handles are hidden and won't protrude into the kitchen space.
- Door Panels mostly come pre-finished with stainless steel, black or other standard panels but high-end models can also accommodate custom panels to match your kitchen cabinets for an invisible look.
- Finish can be stainless steel (which continues to be the finish of choice), but many brands are now offering black stainless, matte black, white, or bronze tones to add warmth and variety. If you want to venture to something new, think about how it will blend with the rest of the appliances in your kitchen. And whichever you select, don’t forget to ask if the door panel is fingerprint resistant. Many brands offer it and trust us, you’ll be glad you got it.
Energy efficiency and loudness: These are the two easiest factors to compare. All dishwashers carry Energy Guide labels, so you can cross check models for how much energy they use and approximately how much they will cost you per year to run. In a dishwasher, energy use is almost entirely tied to water use. The less water it uses, the less energy it consumes. As far as loudness, dishwashers are one of the few appliances where manufacturers disclose the decibel level of the model (check on the manufacturer website if you can't find it in-store). The quietest models are around 40 dB or below.
Sarah Bogdan, a trained mechanical engineer, is a former Product Analyst for the Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she researched and evaluated home appliances and cleaning tools.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
The Best Ice Cream Makers
The Best Automatic Espresso Machines
The Best Smart Refrigerators
The Best Countertop Dishwashers
