At a Glance
What Makes a Good Dishwasher?
Common Dishwasher Repairs
Worst Dishwasher Brands
Best Dishwasher Brands
Why Trust Us?
Buying an appliance isn’t an easy choice. It’s not uncommon for buyers to spend hours researching different brands and learning about various features and the benefits of different models. Every brand claims to offer the best products at the highest quality, but not every manufacturer can be number one. That becomes painfully evident when it comes to dishwashers, which are the second most serviced kitchen appliance after refrigerators. The reality is that some dishwasher brands keep their promises while others don’t live up to the hype. Use this guide loaded with priceless advice from our appliance experts to learn which dishwasher brands to avoid and which ones to buy.
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What Makes a Good Dishwasher?
The first step in this process is to identify what to look for in your dishwasher models. This can help you sort through the marketing materials of each brand so you can see which products are actually the best. Here are a few criteria to review:
- Materials: Repair prone dishwashers are often made of shoddy materials that wear out quickly. The biggest outlier here is a plastic dishwasher tub vs stainless. Great dishwasher brands always use stainless steel interior lining that extend the life of the appliance while offering perks like noise dampening.
- Features: Quality dishwashers typically provide multiple options and features that make the user experience easy and satisfactory. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to washing dishes and you need to be able to adjust your settings, so having more options is often associated with a dishwasher that is more reliable.
- Capacity: Most dishwashers are actually the same size but some have more capacity than others. While the average household might only need 12 place settings, more is better. Additionally, higher-end dishwashing machines commonly come with adjustable racks and a third utensil tray for greater loading flexibility, which many users associate with a higher satisfaction rating.
There are also two ways to objectively evaluate dishwasher models. First, check for any recalls. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has a website you can use to search for appliances. For instance, while the brand is popular, recent Whirlpool dishwasher recalls have slipped past many buyers, who unknowingly purchase defective models based on name association alone.
Just as important is to read customer reviews. Buyers have no reason to hype up products they don’t like, so you can learn about any potential flaws related to the dishwashers you are interested in.
Common Dishwasher Repairs
The main reason you need to know the top dishwasher brands to avoid is so you can choose reliable appliances. Dishwasher repairs can ruin your day, and not only are they costly but they take time and can render your kitchen useless. Here are a few common issues you might face.
✖ Dishwasher Leaks: Poorly made dishwasher seals can cause your dishwasher to leak into your kitchen. While leaks are a nuisance when visible, water waste that goes unseen behind the dishwashing machine can lead to floor rot.
✖ Dishwasher Clogs: When your dishwasher doesn’t drain correctly, clogs form and your appliance becomes full of smelly water. That’s not only unpleasant, but built-up bacteria from stagnant dishwasher water can be harmful to the health.
✖ Dishwasher Motor issues: It’s simple: You can’t run your dishwasher if the motor won’t turn on. A replacement motor can solve the problem, but it’s not always cheap depending on the brand. Plus, it takes time to ship the parts.
✖ Loud Dishwashers: Certain problems can create new noises or accentuate existing ones. While this is on the lower level of dishwasher problems, it can also be a sign of wear and tear, which can ultimately lead to more damage.
✅ Quick Tip: Dishwasher repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars to fix basic issues to more than $1,000 for complex problems.
Worst Dishwasher Brands
At East Coast Appliance, we work with customers interested in different dishwasher brands every day. We do our best to highlight the features and benefits of various models. However, there are two brands that customers are consistently unhappy about buying. Some people will learn to live with their low-quality dishwashers while others want to buy replacements from different brands as soon as possible. Here are two dishwasher brands to avoid.
Amana Dishwasher Reviews
This appliance brand has been part of the American appliance industry since 1934. However, its products have plateaued in recent years and the company can’t keep up with other brands. Many Amana dishwashers are made for budget shoppers and don’t have basic features that are common in most models. They’re perfectly fine if you have minimal dishwashing demands and don’t run it too much, but every day dishwashing has shown to quickly wear these dishwashers out.
Haier Dishwasher Reviews
Haier is a Chinese company founded in 1984. It has grown into a massive conglomerate that owns brands like GE and Fisher & Paykel. It’s important to note that, while GE and its sub-brands, Monogram, Profile, and Café, fall under the Haier umbrella, manufacturing is not exclusive. Overall, Haier dishwashers are generally only recommended for quick fixes and spare dishwashers.
Best Dishwasher Brands
You can’t talk about the dishwasher brands to avoid without highlighting the brands that are doing it right. Here are a few of our favorite companies right now and the top models that are impressing customers.
Bosch Dishwasher Reviews
After you review the dishwasher brands to avoid, you might be shocked by the quality of Bosch appliances. Each of these dishwashers undergoes 465 quality checks before it’s ready for sale. Bosch is a German company that prides itself on the quality of materials it uses and the features that come standard with these high-end appliances. Although the brand offers five dishwasher lines from affordable to luxury, buyers praise all levels of Bosch dishwashers, and with some of the best dishwasher features on the market such as Zeolite drying, attention to detail can be found from start to finish.
Like many satisfied users, we’re sure you will love your Bosch dishwasher.
✔ We Recommend: Bosch® 300 Series 24" White Built-In Dishwasher
Shop This Top-Rated Bosch Dishwasher
The first thing you need to know about this dishwasher is that it can hold up to 16 place settings. This is an impressive capacity for any model out there. There are five different wash cycles and the dishwasher runs at 44 dBA. Bosch combines power with finesse in this appliance. Still asking, “Are Bosch dishwashers good?” Check out more than 1,400 buyer reviews that give this model 5 stars.
Featured Bosch SHSM63W52N review: “I never hear the dishwasher running. My crystal glassware sparkles. My pots and pans are completely clean – even the ones used to scramble eggs and to fry sausage.”
✔ We Also Love: Bosch® 800 Series 24" Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
Shop This Top-Rated Bosch Dishwasher
Appliance experts know quality dish care and the Bosch 800 Series go hand-in-hand. This model, part of the 800 Series, is clear proof why users and experts give the line high praise, with features like CrystalDry technology, easy loading with a MyWay Rack and a quiet operation at just 40 decibels. On average, Bosch dishwashers last 10 years, but many users claim that with proper care, models like the Bosch SHPM88Z75N last far longer and make dishwashing a simple, enjoyable experience.
Featured Bosch SHPM88Z75N review: “We moved into a new construction home with new, garbage appliances. Replacing the dishwasher was the first major appliance purchase we made. The 800-series Bosch is the best. Look no further, Bosch makes the best dishwashers.”
KitchenAid Dishwasher Reviews
If there’s one common question our buyers ask when exploring dishwashers is “How long do KitchenAid dishwashers last?” We’re glad to let anyone know KitchenAid is one of the most reliable dishwasher options to choose from across any price range. On average, a KitchenAid dishwasher should last more than a decade and keep running if you are for it.
Why are they so great? For starters, they’re made with the best materials. Stainless steel, metal handles, digital controls—KitchenAid has tried and tested all these components to ensure an experience modeled after its “professionally inspired” philosophy. KitchenAid also embraces culinary exploration, and that means cleanup along the way. As a result, KitchenAid dishwashing machines are full of intuitive designs and features that make sense and simplify cleaning. It’s no wonder KitchenAid dishwashers rank number one in customer satisfaction.
✔ We Recommend: KitchenAid® 24" Stainless Steel with Printshield Built-In Dishwasher
Shop This Top-Rated KitchenAid Dishwasher
Not only is this one of the longest lasting dishwasher options to choose from, but it is also one of the quietest. It runs at 39 dBA, which is quieter than a standard conversation. And with an Energy Star® certified power rating, that means it uses less water and electricity than most other dishwashers on the market. Full of powerful features like loading racks and the one-of-a-kind ProWash technology, this top-rated dishwasher gets dishes done how it’s supposed to be done. Are KitchenAid dishwashers good? More than 93% of buyers seem to think so—see below.
Featured KitchenAid KDTE204KPS review: “Had problems with my previous dishwasher that was only a year old. We had other Kitchen Aid products and added this to our collection. So far we are very happy with it.”
✔We Also Like: KitchenAid® 24" White Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
Shop This Top-Rated KitchenAid Dishwasher
This stylish dishwasher is proof that great design and performance can coexist. We love its white front accented by a metal handle, plus the top control panel that keeps the appearance clean and modern. Pop dishes in and experience quality dish care over 4,000 users give 5 stars, with upgrades like the ProWash cycle, an adjustable middle bar and a third rack, and heated.
Featured KitchenAid KDTE204KWH review: “Our old DW just wasn't getting the job done anymore, so after researching many brands, we saw the KitchenAid was listed as "best in class" for cleaning, and one of the quietest models on the market. In our opinion, it performs even better than advertised.”
Miele Dishwasher Reviews
Are Miele dishwashers any good? Absolutely! That’s because, if you ask which brand of dishwasher has the least repairs, Miele is at the top because of their expert engineering. Miele dishwashers are known for their reliability and durability. In fact, Miele dishwashing machines are made and tested to last an astounding 20 years! While they’re not exactly inexpensive, are made of top-quality materials, and they also use minimal water consumption and energy. If you want a dishwasher brand with fewest repairs, we recommend buying a Miele.
✔ We Recommend: Miele 24" Stainless Steel Built-in Dishwasher
Shop This Miele Dishwasher
Not only will this dishwashing last a long time, but it will also make doing your dishes more enjoyable. The cutlery tray is designed so the utensils don’t touch each other, and the basket is easy to remove. This model also features the ability to connect to a hot water line, which means dishes receive a steamy wash from the start to help break down food messes better. You can also run a half-load if you don’t need to wash a full load of dishes, allowing you to save water.
There are several Miele dishwashers on the market right now that are notable for their reliability and features.
Once you review the best and worst dishwasher brands, you can decide which models are right for you. Plenty of companies create basic appliances at affordable prices, which means you don’t have to sacrifice quality by choosing poorly made models. Plus, you can look for other ways to save on the brands you love.
Want to learn more about the most and least reliable dishwasher brands? Count on East Coat Appliance! Our impressive selection of dishwashers at East Coast Appliance is stocked with the best models, making us one of the best appliance stores in Virginia. We have countless discounted models in stock and frequently offer rebates and promotions to help you save. Don’t choose the least reliable dishwashers because they are the cheapest. Save on a quality model that will last.
Why Trust East Coast Appliance?
Locally owned and operated since 1988,East Coast Appliance is the largest independent appliance dealer in Virginia. We sell it ALL — from new name-brand appliances to scratch-and-dent appliances to our very own refurbished appliances. Aside from our huge selection of every major brand and everyday low prices, what sets us apart from our competitors is that we service what we sell and that we are locally owned and operated with factory-trained associates. And if you’re a local, great news: East Coast Appliance is committed to providing the absolute lowest prices on the same available brand and model — simply bring in the ad of the local retail competitor while the lower price is in effect and you'll receive your price match.
Shop Dishwashers at East Coast
There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals, shop dishwashers online at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you learn which dishwasher brands to avoid, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our showrooms to see why we are the best appliance store in Virginia. Visit us today!
Learn More: Dishwasher Showdown: Bosch vs KitchenAid
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