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Including energy-efficient picks and top-tested appliances for the best value.

We updated this guide in April 2022 to ensure all products tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Appliances and Cleaning Products Lab were in stock, available and accurately priced.

Your dishwasher, when it's working well, is a workhorse in the kitchen you hardly think about. You load it with dirty dishes and it quickly turns them sparkling clean. When your dishwasher doesn't work well, though, it's a daily annoyance of pre-washing (and re-washing!) and drying dishes, glassware, cookware and more. If you're doing the work for your dishwasher, that's when you know it's time for a new one.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Appliances and Cleaning Products Lab, we continually test new full-size dishwashers and countertop dishwashers as they come to market to find which ones perform best and are easiest to use. Every machine is tested exactly the same way, and our tests are adapted from industry-standard methods for more reliable results. We also make sure to calculate how many items they hold, assess how easy and flexible the racks are to load and unload and monitor how thorough the drying cycle is — all to uncover how they stack up on the issues consumers find most frustrating about dishwashers. In our most recent test, we spent four months (and over 374 hours) testing 17 dishwashers.

Miele dishwashers always top our tests for performance and ease of use. This Miele dishwasher with its hidden top controls is not only stylish but, more importantly, it's a real workhorse when it comes to cleaning, and its innovative features make it easy to use. The AutoDos system works with Miele’s PowerDisk, which dispenses the correct amount of detergent for the cycle and lasts for up to 20 washes – no need to remember to add cleaner each time. The dishwasher is very easy to load with its adjustable racks and shelves, fold-down tines and padded stemware grips. The top 3D cutlery tray not only keeps flatware from nesting for better cleaning but is deep enough to even hold small bowls and ramekins. It slides from side to side to provide more headroom for tall stemware in the rack below it- a feature we first saw in an older model that we love and still use in the Cleaning Lab.

Its QuickIntenseWash cycle can clean a very heavily-soiled load in under one hour. The control panel is clear and easy to navigate. 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. We think it's pretty clear why it earned our Good Housekeeping Seal.

• Model #: G 7566 SCVi SF • Size: 24-inch built-in dishwasher • Sound level: 38 dBA • Energy Star Certified: Yes • WiFi Connectivity: Yes

Frigidaire appliances are always very good performers and considered easy to use in GH Cleaning Lab tests, and with a 4.3 star average rating from more than 1,700 reviews, consumers agree that this Gallery dishwasher performs well. 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 hidden for a sleek look, 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. This dishwasher offers the option to wash half loads in either the top or bottom racks for greater energy savings.

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, an NSF-certified sanitize option and (because it's so quiet) a light beam that projects on the floor to let you know when the cycle's complete. What keeps this model so reasonably priced is its lack of a top-level flatware tray, no WiFi capabilities and it's not as quiet as some. But none of those absences affect its great cleaning abilities.

• Model #: FGID2476SF • Size: 24-inch built-in dishwasher • Sound level: 51 dBA • Energy Star Certified: Yes • WiFi Connectivity: No

LG dishwashers do so well in our tests that our Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen uses this same model and gives it a real workout. In our tests, we got great cleaning results and found it easy to load, though we wish the cycles were a bit speedier. This innovative model has four lower spray arms (compared to most models, which have two — hence the name QuadWash) that spin and pivot with the pressure of the water, so they direct water toward the corners to reach every inch of every dish. LG’s TrueSteam technology fills the tub with steam in the pre-wash and main wash portions of the cycle for better cleaning of crusty, baked-on soils and to help eliminate water spots. Or, use it to more gently clean a load of delicate but filmy crystal that needs freshening. Easy to load, this model includes both a top-tier tray and a separate flatware basket in the bottom rack. We like that it has a heating element for better drying.

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.

• Model #: LDT7808BD • Size: 24-inch built-in dishwasher • Sound level: 42 dBA • Energy Star Certified: Yes • WiFi Connectivity: Yes

One of the features we look at when we test dishwashers in the Cleaning Lab is the capacity of the racks, paying special attention to how easily racks can accommodate bigger dishes or trays and even glass flower vases (we wash these in our dishwashers in the lab all the time). This KitchenAid dishwasher has a large second rack that is adjustable to accommodate tall items like platters or a stand mixer bowl, along with a removable utensil basket for cooking tools that make it a great pick for frequent home cooks. Its ProWash cycle automatically adjusts water temperature and cycle time depending on how much soil is detected by the dishwasher's sensors, and it can be programmed to start later to fit your schedule or take advantage of lower utility rates. Its quiet operation lets you use it day or night — one reviewer even mentioned that it's so quiet, they "had to check if it was working"!

This dishwasher is uncomplicated and easy to program with only five key cycles and six options – ideal for busy cooks in a hurry. And we like the additional dry options for better results on plastics and to achieve spot-free glassware. Top controls add to its clean look, and whether you choose the stainless steel or black finish, both resist smudges and fingerprints and need only a damp soft cloth to clean.

• Model #: KDTM604KPS • Size: 24-inch built-in dishwasher • Sound level: 47 dB • Energy Star Certified: Yes • WiFi Connectivity: No

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.

At just 39 decibels, it's among the quietest dishwashers we've tested. Stainless steel inside and out (It's fingerprint-resistant!), this model offers steam for better and gentler cleaning, a 12-hour delay wash option, WiFi connectivity and a bottom rack flatware basket (in addition to the top-tier tray) that separates for easier loading.

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 in our tests.

• Model #: PDT785SYNFS • Size: 24-inch built-in dishwasher • Sound level: 39 dBA • Energy Star Certified: Yes • WiFi Connectivity: Yes

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 a special sealed CrystalDry chamber that transform the moist air in the dishwasher at the end of the cycle into dry 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 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 #: SHPM78Z54N • Size: 24-inch built-in dishwasher • Sound level: 42 dBA • Energy Star Certified: Yes • WiFi Connectivity: No

This fingerprint-resistant stainless steel beauty from Maytag is a quality build. The top-control dishwasher features a steam sanitize option that removes bacteria from food soils and ,according to the brand, the dual power filtration gets rid of stuck-on foods so your dishes no longer need a long soak or pre-rinse. While it did a great job grinding up and filtering out food particles in our test, we did find that occasionally when large pieces of food got caught, it added a bit of noise to an otherwise relatively quiet cycle.

This dishwasher has a flatware basket in the bottom rack, and the third level rack is also ideal for flatware. We found it fit mugs and bowls as well. The Maytag also features a delayed start that's ideal for setting the dishwasher to run overnight, when no one is in the kitchen or when utility rates are lower. An indicator light on the control panel is easy to see so you know when the machine is running or the cycle is complete.

• Model #: MDB7959SKZ • Size: 24-inch built-in dishwasher • Sound level: 44 dBA • Energy Star Certified: Yes • WiFi Connectivity: No

This model from Danby is a countertop dishwasher with all the major features of the full-size models we've tested in the Cleaning Lab. Eight wash cycles, a stainless steel interior with the capacity for six place settings, a flatware basket and cup shelves are all packed into this compact appliance. In addition to the usual normal, heavy and rinse cycles, this dishwasher has eco, baby care, glass, speed and a mini party cycle that refreshes dishes in twenty minutes.

At under 18 inches tall, it's small enough to fit on most standard kitchen counters, and when it's not in use it can fit under your kitchen cabinets, freeing up much-needed counter space. Its size makes it ideal for small spaces, and it easily hooks up to most kitchen faucets making it a great option for those looking to avoid the plumbing work that comes with a full-size dishwasher installation.

• Model #: DDW631SDB • Size: 19.69 x 21.65 x 17.24 inch • Sound level: 54 dBA • Energy Star Certified: Yes • WiFi Connectivity: No

When we test dishwashers, we assess the capacity of all the racks, trays and baskets and evaluate how easy each dishwasher is to use, load and program. Prior to testing the cleaning performance of various cycles, we uniformly soil cookware and 10 five-piece settings of dishes, glassware and flatware to test how well each machine removes baked-on, dried-on, burned-on mac and cheese, hamburger, oatmeal, egg yolk, milk and more. Between staining, drying and cleaning each load, we spend at least seven hours testing just one cycle, not counting the time it takes to examine each piece once the cycle is done.

We follow the manufacturer’s loading guidelines and use the same detergent in each machine to wash our dirty cookware, dishes, cups, glasses and flatware on multiple cycles. Post-cleaning, we examine and score every item for any specks of soil that remain and check the glasses for spots and leftover film in a special lightbox. We also assess and rate each appliance for energy efficiency, loudness and how easy they are to load, unload and program.

Thankfully, deciding which new dishwasher to buy is not as complicated a process as it can be with other appliances. Virtually all machines are a standard 24-inches wide and will fit into the space your current one now occupies. Here's what else to keep in mind:

✔️ Dishwasher cycles: When buying a new dishwasher, you’ll want the basics (and probably some bells and whistles, too):

✔️ Dishwasher racks: As you’ll soon find out, not all dishwasher racks (a.k.a where you place your dirty dishes) are created equal. Here are features we recommend considering:

✔️Features: Folding shelves are great for double stacking cups and mini serving dishes and folding tines make room for large bowls and cookware. Stemware holders are a life-saver if you wash lots of wine glasses, and a third-tier flatware or utensil shelf means you can skip the flatware basket in the 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, 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, stays clean and lasts forever.

✔️Dishwasher door: This decision is purely a matter of personal preference. Here's what you'll see when you hit the stores:

✔️Energy efficiency: All dishwashers carry Energy Guide labels, so you can 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.

✔️ Loudness: Dishwashers are one of the few appliances where manufacturers disclose the decibel level of the model (check on the manufacturer's website if you can't find it in-store). The quietest models are around 40 dB or below.

Carolyn Forte brings 40-plus years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of Good Housekeeping's Home Care & Cleaning Lab. After earning a B.A. in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York, and a brief stint as a textiles analyst in the retail sector, she joined the Good Housekeeping Institute. Carolyn has deep analytical testing and editorial writing expertise in categories like appliances, cleaning, textiles and home and organizational products. She has authored numerous special Good Housekeeping publications and is regularly interviewed and quoted as a leading industry expert. For the past three years, Carolyn has been partnering with the American Cleaning Institute to coproduce the Discover Cleaning Summits.