Dishwashers

What's behind our dishwasher Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 186 models in dishwashers to see which ones perform best.
We look for:
  • Overall score
    Based mainly on washing, it also factors in noise, energy and water use, loading, and more. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
  • Washing
    Assessed by running the normal or equivalent cycle to clean a full load--10 place settings of very dirty dishes that were scraped but not rinsed. We examine the dishes and glassware for residual food after cleaning.
  • Energy use
    For a normal cycle. The largest portion is needed for heating water, both at the water heater and in the machine.
  • Noise
    Judged during fill, wash, and drain, mainly by a listening panel.
  • Ease of use
    Considers convenience of controls, the ability to hold extra place settings and oversized items such as platters up to 13-1/2 in. long and Pilsner-type glasses up to 10 in. high.
  • Cycle time
    Based on a normal cycle including heated dry, where that feature is available.

Connect

Forums

Discuss products and safety with subscribers and fans.

Dishwasher user reviews

Share your reviews and provide valuable feedback to other members and our testers.

Follow Consumer Reports

Recommended dishwashers

Recommended dishwashers are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.
  • Buying Guide
  • Price & Shop
Did you know that a new energy-efficient dishwasher can save you hundreds of dollars over its life? (On average, dishwashers last about 10 years.) But as important as it might be to save energy with your new dishwasher, you'll also want to buy a machine that fits your budget and your family's lifestyle. If you're looking for information about dishwashers, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ dishwasher reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our dishwasher buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and dishwasher reviews to help you choose the best dishwasher for your needs.

Recently reviewed dishwashers

${model.videoCaption}
LFA-086XL
This Fagor conventional dishwasher has
• A soil sensor.
• An adjustable upper rack.
• A delayed-start feature.
• A stainless-steel tub.
• All hidden controls.
• Adjustable tines.
• Ample flatware slots.

Dishwasher buying guide

Tougher new rules have slashed the energy and water dishwashers can use to get the government's Energy Star seal. But our latest tests show that you don't have to live with dirty dishes or endure even longer cycles. Better yet, some of the biggest energy misers are also easy on your wallet. Dishwashers built since January 2012 must use about 9 percent less electricity and 27 percent less water to meet the federal EPA's voluntary Energy Star standard. Our top picks qualify for that coveted seal.

We slathered plates with egg yolks, peanut butter, raspberry jam, and other stubborn goo to see which diswashers made our clean-plate club. Our results show that it's easy to pay a tidy sum for so-so performance. You can also pay less and get more noise than you expected.

Getting started   |   Types   |   Features   |   Brands

Appliance News

Why your parents' appliances cost more to run than yours do

If you're shopping for new appliances, you might hear the argument that energy-efficient models don't perform as well as their power-hungry counterparts. Or that you'll have to spend more for max...

For $20 to $50 you can fix the gas grill you have now

Price isn't the best indicator of a gas grill's performance but cheap and flimsy parts, especially when they come with short warranties, are a tip-off that the grill is not long for this world. O...

Get an edge on summer lawn care with these five mowing tips

Even a top-performing walk-behind mower, lawn tractor, or rider won't make your lawn the belle of the block if your mowing is too random. Here are some tips for smarter use of your mower or ridin...

Q&A: Should I buy an extended warranty for my water heater?

Q: My electric water heater had a six-year warranty and is now nine years old. A plumber told me to replace it before I have a problem such as a leak because it may be a major one that floods...

How do I know if my water filter is working?

Q. I have a water purifier in my fridge and one in my sink. Is there a way to verify that they're working? A.L., Columbus, Ga. A. It depends on what you're using the filter for. Different contami...
left arrow right arrow
See also:
76 rated down arrow
116 rated down arrow
48 rated down arrow