Best Dishwashers Right Now: Quiet Leaders and Smart Values
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
If you care about a dishwasher, you probably care about three things: how quiet it is, how well it cleans/dries plastics, and how reliable it’ll be years from now. Rack layout, leak protection, and energy use round out the list. I focused on those, and I’m blunt about trade-offs, so you can buy once.
Top picks
Bosch 800 Series SGX78B55UC — Best for quiet, premium built-in
A premium 24-inch built-in that’s known for very quiet cycles, strong cleaning, and a flexible third-rack layout.
Why it wins: Whisper-level operation and excellent racks; ideal for open-plan kitchens. (Exact dBA for this variant couldn’t be verified from the listing.)
Pros
-
Very quiet operation for the class
-
Excellent third-rack flexibility
-
Stainless tub; premium fit/finish
-
Strong reputation for drying plastics
Cons
-
Not ideal if you need a budget buy
-
Panel/handle fit may vary by kitchen
Trade-offs / Who should skip
If you need a lower price and can accept a bit more noise, consider the Kenmore models below.
Scores: Performance 4.7/5 · Quietness 4.8/5 · Ease of Use 4.6/5 · Value 4.3/5
Sharp SDW6504MS — Best midrange stainless look
A solid stainless-steel built-in with a clean exterior and user-friendly racks.
Why it wins: Balanced cleaning and quietness with a premium look without going full luxury. (Exact dBA could not be verified for this listing.)
- ADJUSTABLE DESIGN: Upper rack features 2-inch height adjustment capability to accommodate taller dishes and provide flexible loading options
- QUIET OPERATION: Library Quiet technology delivers peaceful dishwashing at just 52 dBA noise level, perfect for open-concept homes
- EFFICIENT CLEANING: Half Load Option enables washing smaller loads while reducing water and energy usage for daily convenience
Pros
-
Stainless tub; durable feel
-
Third rack adds daily capacity
-
Straightforward controls, clear cycles
-
Good all-around performance
Cons
-
Not the absolute quietest
-
Rack glide feel is midrange
Trade-offs / Who should skip
If you’re noise-obsessed, the Bosch above remains quieter on paper.
Scores: Performance 4.4/5 · Quietness 4.5/5 · Ease of Use 4.5/5 · Value 4.5/5
Kenmore Elite 24″ (Fingerprint-Resistant) — Best big-capacity value
Full-size built-in with adjustable racks and a stainless-look finish that resists smudges.
Why it wins: Loads a lot, cleans well, and feels upscale without “luxury” pricing.
- UltraWash Plus Power Cleaning: 3 pressurized spray arms clean dishes from every angle using fresh, filtered water. Accela Wash option cleans dishes if you're in a hurry. Sani Rinse option gets dishes seriously clean
- SmartWash Adjusts to the Mess: Sensor technology detects soil levels and automatically adjusts the water temperature, pressure, and cycle time. A dishwasher that gives the best clean for every load
- TurboFlex Third Rack + Adjustable Interior: Get 35% more loading space for large utensils with the removable TurboFlex third rack. Need more height? Slide the trays aside to fit tall items in the middle rack. MoreSpace Plus Upper Rack adjusts to 3 heights
Pros
-
Roomy interior; flexible loading
-
Smudge-resistant finish holds up
-
Useful third-rack organization
-
Familiar controls; easy to live with
Cons
-
Not the quietest in class
-
Drying plastics may need extra options
Trade-offs / Who should skip
If you run cycles overnight and want near-silence, stick with Bosch.
Scores: Performance 4.3/5 · Quietness 4.2/5 · Ease of Use 4.6/5 · Value 4.6/5
GE GPT225SGLWW — Best portable on wheels (renter-friendly)
A classic 24-inch portable dishwasher with casters and a faucet-adapter hookup—perfect if you can’t install a built-in.
Why it wins: Real full-size cleaning without permanent plumbing; rolls away when not in use.
- Autosense adjusts temperature and water for added cleanliness
- 24 in. stainless steel interior portable dishwasher
- Built-in hard food disposer for effective removal of solids
Pros
-
True portable; easy faucet hookup
-
Full-width racks fit big loads
-
No cabinet modification required
-
Good choice for rentals
Cons
-
Louder than built-ins
-
Takes floor space while running
Trade-offs / Who should skip
If you can install a built-in, it’ll usually be quieter and sleeker.
Scores: Performance 4.2/5 · Quietness 3.8/5 · Ease of Use 4.5/5 · Value 4.4/5
Midea MDF18A1AST — Best 18-inch slim built-in (small kitchens)
A space-saving 18-inch built-in that still handles everyday family loads with adjustable racks.
Why it wins: Narrow footprint, stainless look, and straightforward controls make downsized kitchens workable.
- Slimline Design with Large Capacity : The Midea built-in dishwasher boasts a slim body that takes up minimal space and is easy to fit. It features a digital control panel with an LED display and has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height.
- 8 Place Settings Dishwasher : With dimensions of 22.6"D x 17.6"W x 32.4"H with adjustable legs, this under sink dishwasher provides a spacious and flexible interior for maximum dishware loading.
- 6 programs+3 functions : The 18-inch dishwasher offers six programs, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse washing programs. It also features Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions that meet all your daily needs. Note: ONLY use detergent specially for dishwasher because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems.
Pros
-
18-inch width fits tight spaces
-
Clean stainless look
-
Useful rack adjustments
-
Easy cycle selection
Cons
-
Capacity is naturally smaller
-
Can be louder than a premium 24-inch
Trade-offs / Who should skip
If you’ve got room for a 24-inch and want ultra-quiet, choose the Bosch.
Scores: Performance 4.1/5 · Quietness 4.0/5 · Ease of Use 4.4/5 · Value 4.5/5
Also worth a look (based on your links)
-
Kenmore 24″ Stainless, Adjustable Racks — Budget-friendly built-in with flexible racking; good if you want simple and familiar.
Kenmore 22-14602 24" Built-In Dishwasher - UltraWash Plus, TurboDry, SmartWash & EasyFlex Third Rack - 15 Place Settings - 45 DBA - ENERGY STAR Certified - 24" - White- UltraWash Plus Power Cleaning: 3 pressurized spray arms clean dishes from every angle using fresh, filtered water. Accela Wash cleans fast when you're in a hurry. Sani Rinse option gets dishes seriously clean
- SmartWash Adjusts to the Mess: Sensor technology detects soil levels and automatically adjusts the water temperature, pressure, and cycle time. A dishwasher that gives the best clean for every load
- EasyFlex Third Rack + Adjustable Interior: The removable EasyFlex third rack adds 35% more space for utensils and large tools. The MoreSpace Adjustable Rack lifts or lowers to make room for pots, pans, and tall items with ease
-
SPT SD-9263SS Portable — 18-inch portable with faucet hookup; the smallest hassle if you need roll-away convenience.
SPT SD-9263SS 18″ Wide Portable Stainless Steel Dishwasher with ENERGY STAR, 6 Wash Programs, 8 Place Settings and Stainless Steel Tub- SD-9263SS 18" PORTABLE DISHWASHER
Quick compare (table-free)
-
Bosch SGX78B55UC — Best quiet premium built-in: very quiet, flexible racks; pricier.
-
Sharp SDW6504MS — Best midrange stainless look: balanced performance; not the absolute quietest.
-
Kenmore Elite 24″ — Best big-capacity value: roomy, easy to load; slightly louder.
-
GE GPT225SGLWW — Best portable on wheels: full-size cleaning, faucet hookup; takes floor space.
-
Midea MDF18A1AST — Best 18-inch slim: saves space; smaller capacity and potentially louder.
Buying guide
Built-in vs. portable vs. 18-inch:
-
Built-in (24″): quietest and cleanest look; best for open plans.
-
Portable (24″/18″): faucet adapter + wheels; perfect for rentals or no-cutout kitchens.
-
18-inch slim: solves tight kitchens; capacity is the trade-off.
Noise:
-
If you run cycles overnight or near living spaces, prioritize quiet models. Portable units and slimmer designs tend to be louder.
Drying plastics:
-
Fan-assisted or enhanced-dry options help with lunch boxes and lids. If your household uses lots of plastics, plan to enable the stronger dry option.
Racks & space:
-
Third racks are great for utensils and small items, freeing lower racks for pots. Look for adjustable middle racks if you use tall stemware.
Maintenance:
-
Rinse the filter periodically, use quality detergent, and run a monthly machine-clean cycle to keep performance consistent.
FAQs
Q: Is a portable hookup hard?
A: It’s usually as simple as attaching the included faucet adapter, rolling the unit over, and turning on the water. No cabinet cuts or hardwiring needed.
Q: Will an 18-inch dishwasher handle a family?
A: Yes, for most days, but capacity is tighter. If you cook heavy or batch-prep, a 24-inch is easier.
Q: Do I need a third rack?
A: Not required, but it’s a big daily convenience—especially for utensils, small bowls, and lids.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.