The two top-scoring dishwashers in Consumer Reports’ tests—the KitchenAid KDTM354DSS and the Kenmore Elite 12793—each earned 85 out of a possible 100 points and cost more than $1,000. But for half that you can buy models that scored almost as well in our tests including another Kenmore and a Whirlpool. So what do you give up? The higher-priced models have stainless-steel interiors instead of plastic and a few more bells and whistles. But if good washing is all you want, the five dishwashers featured below are excellent choices.
Once limited to more expensive machines, soil sensors have trickled down to many dishwashers that cost less making it easier to get a cleaner load. Manufacturers have also gotten better at taming the racket made by lower-cost machines. Plus our tests have shown that a high price tag doesn’t guarantee quietness. Keep in mind that while dishwashers have added more cycles and features, there’s no need to pay for extras that you won’t use.
Whirlpool WDT720PADM, $460
If you only run your dishwasher while you sleep, you'll find lots to like in this low-priced Whirlpool, which had superb washing, drying, and efficiency. Other pluses include a soil sensor, hidden controls, and a time-remaining display. Whirlpool is also among the more reliable dishwasher brands. For flexibility, there's delayed start, ample flatware slots, and adjustable upper rack and tines. You'll need to clean the filter manually, though you might prefer that over the noise of a self-cleaning filter. A normal cycle took 155 minutes and used about 5 gallons of water in our tests.
Kenmore 13202, $475
Top-notch washing, drying, and efficiency come at a bargain price with this Kenmore, so long as you're okay with a little more noise and a plodding cycle time. You get a soil sensor, no guarantee with a low-cost dishwasher, and a time-remaining display. Flexibility options include delayed start, ample flatware slots, and an adjustable upper rack and tines. Controls are all visible, the tub is plastic, and you'll need to clean the filter manually. A normal cycle took 155 minutes and used about 5 gallons of water.
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Kenmore 13473, $500
Very good overall, this Kenmore earned excellent marks for washing, drying and energy efficiency. It has a soil sensor, an adjustable upper rack, some hidden controls, a time-remaining display and a delayed start option. The interior is plastic and there are no adjustable tines. And as with the other machines, the filter needs manual cleaning. This machine wasn’t as quiet as some other Kenmores in our tests. A normal cycle took 160 minutes, but used just 4 gallons of water.
Whirlpool WDF540PADM, $500
You could do a lot worse for the price than this Whirlpool dishwasher, which delivered excellent washing, drying, and efficiency. Other pluses include a soil sensor. Whirlpool is also among the more reliable dishwasher brands. For flexibility, it has delayed start and ample flatware slots. Controls are all visible, the tub is plastic, and you'll need to clean the filter manually. A normal cycle took 115 minutes and used about 5 gallons of water in our tests. As for cons, it lacks an adjustable upper rack and tines and a time-remaining display. And it wasn't especially quiet.
GE Artistry ADT521PGFBS, $500
If the best washing and efficiency are all you're after, this GE conventional dishwasher might seem quite the bargain. Pluses include a soil sensor and plastic interior. For flexibility, it has delayed start and ample flatware slots. Some controls are hidden, and you'll need to clean the filter manually. A normal cycle took a long 155 minutes and used about 5 gallons of water in our tests. As for minuses, this model wasn't especially quiet, and it was only so-so at drying plastic items. There's also no time-remaining display, and neither the upper rack nor the tines are adjustable.
Other good choices
For more choices at all price points see our full dishwasher Ratings and recommendations where you’ll find models from Bosch, Thermador, Miele, Blomberg, and Viking as well as from all of the manufacturers featured above.
—Mary H.J. Farrell (@mhjfarrell on Twitter)
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