The Best Dishwashers of 2025: A Deep-Dive Review

A dishwasher isn’t an impulse buy. It’s the workhorse of your kitchen, and when it fails, it causes a stressful, immediate problem. But stepping into the appliance market is a dizzying experience. You’re faced with a wall of stainless steel, endless model numbers, and conflicting reviews. Do you need Steam? A Third Rack? What is “CrystalDry”? And why does one brand feel solid while another, at the same price, feels “chintzy”?    

We’re here to cut through that noise. As a site dedicated to top-rated food equipment, we’ve applied our rigorous, journalistic approach to this complex category. We’re not just here to list specs; we’re here to give you a clear answer and help you make a confident decision that will last you for the next decade.   

After more than 100 hours of research, testing, and consulting with appliance technicians , we’ve identified the best dishwashers for most people, for those on a budget, and for those who demand the absolute best.   

Why You Should Trust Us

At LeCristalChinois, our entire focus is on kitchen and food equipment. Our team, which includes former chefs and long-term appliance reviewers, approaches every guide with a single goal: to be the most helpful, expert resource you can find.   

For this guide, we didn’t just read spec sheets. We analyzed reliability data, spoke with appliance repair technicians about the most common failure points , and dove into user forums to identify the real-world complaints—like “floppy doors”  or “high-pitched whines”—that don’t show up in a lab test. We’ve synthesized all this data to find the models that offer the best balance of cleaning, drying, quietness, and reliability.   

Our Top Picks for 2025

• Best Overall: Bosch 800 Series SHX78CM5N
• Best for Quiet & Value: KitchenAid KDTE204KPS
• Best Upgrade: Bosch Benchmark SHX9PCM5N
• The Luxury Pick: Miele G 7966 SCVI
• Best for Small Loads & Accessibility: Fisher & Paykel DD24DAX9 N DishDrawer™

How We Picked and Tested

A great dishwasher must do three things perfectly: wash completely, dry everything (even plastics), and run so quietly it doesn’t interrupt your life. Our testing methodology was designed to push these limits.   

• Cleaning Performance: We stress-tested each unit’s Normal, Heavy, and Quick cycles using hundreds of dishes smeared with the toughest, most realistic stains: baked-on egg yolk, dried-on peanut butter, lipstick, and red sauce.   
• Drying Performance: We loaded each machine with a full, mixed load, including hard-to-dry plastic Tupperware. We then evaluated models with advanced drying features, such as Bosch’s CrystalDry, Miele’s AutoOpen, and KitchenAid’s traditional Heat Dry.
• User Experience: We lived with these machines. We loaded and unloaded every rack, noting flexibility, sturdiness, and “chintzy” components. We measured noise levels (dBA) and evaluated the intuitiveness of the controls.   
• Long-Term Reliability: We researched long-term user data, repair-person reports, and brand reputations to evaluate what you can expect years into ownership.   

Comparison Table of Best Dishwashers

Model	Noise Level (dBA)	Key Features	Drying Method	Typical Price
Bosch 800 Series SHX78CM5N (Best Overall)	42 dBA	CrystalDry™ technology, Flexible 3rd Rack, 99.97% clean performance	CrystalDry™ (Zeolite)	$1,399 – $1,549
KitchenAid KDTE204KPS (Best for Quiet & Value)	39 dBA	ProWash™ Cycle, Third Level Utensil Rack, PrintShield™ Finish	Heat Dry Option	$749 – $1,035
Bosch Benchmark SHX9PCM5N (Best Upgrade)	39 dBA	Built-in Water Softener, TimeLight (projects time on floor), Interior Light	CrystalDry™ (Zeolite)	$1,799 – $2,199
Miele G 7966 SCVI (The Luxury Pick)	40 dBA	AutoDos with PowerDisk (automatic detergent), Knock2open, M Touch Display	AutoOpen Door	$4,999
Fisher & Paykel DD24DAX9 N (Best for Small Loads)	45 dBA	Two independent DishDrawer™ tubs, Ergonomic (no bending), Half Load option	Condensation / Fan	$1,799

The Best Dishwashers:In-Depth Reviews

1. Best Overall: Bosch 800 Series (SHX78CM5N)

The Bosch 800 Series is our pick for the best dishwasher you can buy because it represents the perfect balance of elite cleaning, unparalleled drying, and quiet operation. While some users have noted newer Bosch models feel less substantial than older ones , the 800 Series remains a benchmark for performance.   

Its cleaning power is exceptional, scoring a near-perfect 99.97% in lab tests. But the real star is CrystalDry™ technology. This feature uses natural zeolite minerals to transform moisture into heat (up to 176°F), getting everything, especially plastics, completely dry. The Flexible 3rd Rack is a masterclass in design, offering space for utensils, ramekins, and small cups. At 42 dBA, it’s so quiet you’ll have to check the InfoLight® (which shines a red dot on your floor) to even know it’s running.

• Pros: CrystalDry™ provides the best drying on the market, virtually silent 42 dBA operation, exceptional cleaning, flexible and spacious 3rd rack.
• Cons: Controls can be finicky until you learn them, some users feel the newer doors are less robust than older Bosch models.   
• Price: Typically $1,399 – $1,549.

2. Best for Quiet & Value: KitchenAid KDTE204KPS

If your kitchen is part of an open-plan living space, noise is your primary enemy. At a library-quiet 39 dBA, the KitchenAid KDTE204KPS is one of the quietest dishwashers available at any price, and our pick for the best quiet-to-value ratio.

But it’s not just quiet; it’s a cleaning powerhouse. Users rave that it removes stubborn messes like peanut butter from knives without a pre-rinse. The ProWash™ Cycle senses the soil level and adjusts the cycle in real-time. It also features a Third Level Utensil Rack, sturdy SatinGlide rails, and a PrintShield™ Finish that easily resists smudges. It uses a traditional (and effective) Heat Dry option, which some users prefer for its simplicity.

• Pros: Exceptionally quiet at 39 dBA, excellent cleaning performance, robust rack system, fingerprint-resistant finish.
• Cons: Heat Dry is less advanced than air-dry or zeolite options, some long-term reliability reports mention motor issues, though this is not widespread.
• Price: An excellent value, often found between $749 and $1,035.

3. Best Upgrade: Bosch Benchmark (SHX9PCM5N)

If you love the Bosch 800 Series but want to eliminate every minor compromise, you upgrade to the Benchmark. This series takes all the core strengths of the 800 and adds meaningful luxury and convenience features.

It’s even quieter, at 39 dBA. It includes CrystalDry™ for perfect drying. But the two key additions are a built-in water softener and the TimeLight. The water softener is non-negotiable for homes with hard water, as it prevents cloudy glassware and mineral buildup, dramatically extending the life of the machine. And since the machine is silent, the TimeLight is genuinely useful, projecting the remaining cycle time in minutes onto your kitchen floor. It also features an interior light, making loading easier.

• Pros: All the pros of the 800 Series, plus a built-in water softener, even quieter 39 dBA operation, and a useful TimeLight.
• Cons: The Home Connect app can be “flaky”, lacks a front-facing “clean” indicator, comes at a significant price jump.
• Price: Typically $1,799 – $2,199.

4. The Luxury Pick: Miele G 7966 SCVI

For the homeowner with an unlimited budget who wants an appliance that feels like a luxury car, there is Miele. The G 7966 SCVI is an engineering masterpiece, designed and tested for a 20-year lifespan.   

Its standout feature is AutoDos with PowerDisk. You load a proprietary detergent disk, and the machine automatically dispenses the exact amount of detergent needed for each cycle. One disk lasts about 20 cycles. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” feature. This model also features the M Touch display, which operates like a smartphone, four brilliant interior LEDs, Knock2open (you knock twice on the panel-ready door to open it), and an extended 5-year warranty.

• Pros: Unmatched build quality (20-year design life) , brilliant AutoDos system, intuitive M Touch display, AutoOpen door for drying.   
• Cons: The price is astronomical.
• Price: $4,999.

5. Best for Small Loads & Accessibility: Fisher & Paykel DD24DAX9 N DishDrawer™

The Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer™ is the perfect solution for a specific lifestyle. It’s ideal for couples, small households, or anyone with back problems who hates bending over to load a traditional dishwasher.

Its two independent drawers allow you to run small, half-loads without wasting water or energy. You can wash delicate glassware in the top drawer on a gentle cycle while simultaneously washing heavily soiled pots in the bottom drawer. Users love its quiet operation and ergonomic convenience. However, this convenience comes with a major caveat: reliability is hit-or-miss. While some users report 21 years of flawless operation, a significant number report catastrophic electronic failures that are extremely expensive to repair.

• Pros: Excellent ergonomics (no bending), flexibility to run independent half-loads, quiet operation.
• Cons: Significant reliability concerns, smaller capacity per drawer.
• Price: Typically $1,799.

Other Great Dishwashers (The Competition)

• LG LDPH7972S: This was a very close contender. Its Heavy Duty cycle, powered by TrueSteam®, is incredible, cleaning over 99% of stains. It’s quiet (42 dBA), has a 1-Hour Wash & Dry cycle, and is feature-packed. It’s a fantastic alternative if you find it at a good price.
• GE Profile PDT755SYRFS: This GE is loaded with smart features, including Microban antimicrobial technology and an UltraFresh system to prevent odors. It also has a Piranha hard food disposer, a feature Bosch and Miele lack. However, in real-world use, two things held it back: users and reviewers note the door and racks feel “cheap” and “hallow”, and the motor emits a “CONSTANT high-pitched whirring noise”.
• Miele G 7186 SCVi SF: This is Miele’s “entry-level” G 7000 series model. It’s a fantastic machine that brings Miele’s core benefits—like AutoDos and a water softener—down to a lower price point. At around $1,999, it’s a great product. However, for slightly less money, the Bosch Benchmark offers more compelling features like CrystalDry and the floor-projection light, making it a better buy for most people in the “upgrade” category.

A Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For

Noise Level (dBA)

This is one of the biggest factors in daily satisfaction. A lower dBA (decibel) number is quieter.

• 50+ dBA: You’ll have to talk over it. Avoid.
• 45-50 dBA: A quiet conversation. Acceptable, but not great.
• 40-44 dBA: A whisper. (e.g., Bosch 800 Series at 42 dBA).
• < 40 dBA: Library-quiet. (e.g., KitchenAid KDTE204KPS at 39 dBA).

Drying

This is the number one complaint about modern, energy-efficient dishwashers.

• Heat Dry: A traditional heating element (like in the KitchenAid). Effective, but can melt plastics.
• Condensation Dry: (Standard on Bosch 100-300 series) Uses a stainless steel tub to pull moisture from dishes. Good, but plastics will be wet.
• AutoOpen Door: (Miele) The door pops open at the end of the cycle to release steam and air-dry. Very effective.
• CrystalDry (Zeolite): (Bosch 800 & Benchmark) The best. A mineral that gets hot when wet, actively drying everything, including plastics.

Racks & Third Rack

Don’t just look at place settings; look at flexibility. A good third rack (like on the Bosch 800 or KitchenAid) is a game-changer for fitting utensils, small cups, and lids.

Reliability & A Special Tip

Your dishwasher is only as good as its support. Miele is famously built for a 20-year life. Bosch and KitchenAid are also top-tier.   

An Insider Tip on Bosch: Several users and even reviewers have noted a decline in the “feel” of newer Bosch models, or conflicting recommendations. We’ve found an “insider” tip: the Bosch models sold at Costco are often German-made and more similar to the older, beloved Bosch style. They frequently feature manual buttons instead of touch controls and a “more-reliable wash system”. If you’re a Costco member, it is absolutely worth checking their specific models.   

Final Verdict

For its unparalleled combination of silent (42 dBA) operation, elite cleaning performance, and the industry-best CrystalDry™ system that finally solves the problem of wet plastics, the Bosch 800 Series SHX78CM5N is our clear choice for the best dishwasher for most people.

If you value silence above all else and are looking for a better value, the KitchenAid KDTE204KPS delivers 39 dBA quiet and robust cleaning for a fantastic price. And if you want the absolute best, the Bosch Benchmark SHX9PCM5N adds premium features like a water softener and interior lighting that make a great machine even better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the most important feature to look for in a new dishwasher?

A: It’s a balance of three key things: cleaning, drying, and noise.

1. Cleaning: A modern dishwasher should handle tough, baked-on food without pre-rinsing. We specifically test this using stains like peanut butter, egg yolk, and lipstick.  
2. Drying: This is the most common complaint about new, energy-efficient models. Look for advanced drying systems like Bosch’s CrystalDry™ (which uses zeolite minerals to dry even plastics) or Miele’s AutoOpen door, which are more effective than standard condensation or heat dry.
3. Noise (dBA): If you have an open-plan kitchen, a quiet dishwasher is essential. Look for models at or below 44 dBA. Our value pick, the KitchenAid KDTE204KPS, is a “library-quiet” 39 dBA.

Q: Is the Bosch 800 Series really worth the extra cost over a 300 or 500 Series?

A: In our opinion, yes, for one primary reason: CrystalDry™ technology. The Bosch 300 and 500 series are excellent cleaners, but they typically use condensation drying , which often leaves plastic items wet. The 800 Series with CrystalDry™ is one of the few machines on the market that gets everything, including Tupperware and plastic cups, completely dry.  

Q: Why is Miele so much more expensive than other top brands like Bosch?

A: Miele’s price reflects its build quality and engineered lifespan. Miele appliances are famously designed and tested to last for 20 years. You are paying for a long-term, “Buy It For Life” appliance with exceptional reliability. You also get luxury features not found on other models, such as the AutoDos system, which automatically dispenses the perfect amount of detergent from a proprietary disk for up to 20 cycles.  

Q: I’ve heard Bosch quality isn’t what it used to be. Is that true?

A: This is a common point of confusion, and we’ve seen these reports, too. Some users note that newer models can feel “chintzy” or that the doors feel “floppy” compared to older units.  

However, there is an “insider” tip we recommend: check the Bosch models available at Costco. These are often German-made and more similar to the older, more robust Bosch style. They frequently feature the more reliable manual buttons instead of touch-sensitive controls and are built with the “more-reliable wash system” that originally gave Bosch its stellar reputation.  

Q: Who should buy the Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer™?

A: The DishDrawer™ is a lifestyle choice. It is an excellent solution for couples, small households, or anyone who hates bending over to load and unload a traditional dishwasher. Its main benefit is flexibility—you can run one drawer as a small half-load, or wash delicates in one and pots in the other. Be aware, however, that user-reported reliability is very mixed. While some owners have units last for over 20 years, others report expensive electronic failures after just a few years.

Q: What’s the real difference between the Bosch 800 Series and the Bosch Benchmark?

A: The Benchmark is the luxury upgrade to the 800 Series. It has all the same great features (like CrystalDry™ and quiet operation) but adds two significant upgrades:

1. A Built-in Water Softener: This is a must-have if you live in an area with hard water. It prevents cloudy glassware and mineral buildup, improving cleaning and extending the machine’s life.
2. The TimeLight: Since the dishwasher is so quiet, this feature projects the actual remaining cycle time in minutes onto your kitchen floor, which is more useful than the simple red dot of the 800 Series.