Dishwasher features can run the gamut—and so can their prices. While the most basic dishwashers can cost less than $500, high-end dishwashers with flexible and roomy rack design, higher-quality interior materials, and customizable wash-cycle options can cost over $1,500. But even equipped with every feature possible, are those high-end dishwashers really worth the price tag?
The answer depends on your budget and what features make the most sense for you and your lifestyle. And, of course, if the dishwasher doesn’t perform well in its primary job—to wash and dry dishes—then, of course, it’s not worth the extra money, no matter how fancy the extras.
In This Article
High-End Dishwasher Features • Best High-End Dishwashers • How CR Tests Dishwashers
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Best Dishwashers for $500 or Less
Best Dishwashers for $1,000 or Less
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Consumer Reports’ rigorous tests show that there’s no guarantee that a high price tag means high performance. Our engineers have found that dishwashers in the $500 to $1,000 range—and sometimes even less—can often outperform models that retail for two to three times that cost.
Pricier dishwashers also aren’t necessarily more reliable. Plus, says Debra Kalensky, associate director of CR’s survey research department, “we’ve generally found that consumers pay more to get expensive dishwashers repaired.”
What’s more, many dishwashers actually offer the same washing performance and similar core features (stainless steel tubs, soil sensors, and roomy adjustable racks, just to name a few) at more affordable prices than the upscale models in CR’s ratings.
So you don’t need to spend a ton of money for a dependable machine that gets your dishes squeaky-clean. But if you have some room in your budget and want all the bells and whistles, some high-end dishwashers can deliver a lot for the price.
High-End Dishwasher Features
Most perks in more expensive dishwashers, like those detailed below, are not essential. But if they excite you, and you have a bigger budget, it may be worth looking at models that offer them.
- Stainless steel tubs: Dishwashers with stainless steel interiors don’t stain as easily. Stainless steel also contributes to better drying performance: “First it heats up and radiates that heat to the dishes,” says Larry Ciufo, CR’s lead dishwasher test engineer, “then it actually cools down faster than the dishes, and the moisture from the dishes is drawn to the cooler stainless steel walls.”
- Hidden controls: The controls are across the top of the door and can’t be seen when the door is closed, for a look that’s sleek and clean. Some models have a small light on the front of the door that glows when the machine is running, or a light that shines a small spot on the floor.
- LED lights: Many high-end dishwashers have interior lighting that illuminates when you open the door, making it easier to see your dishes when you’re loading and unloading them. Some even allow you to use an app on your phone to program the color of the lighting to your taste.
- WiFi connectivity: A growing number of new dishwashers are equipped with WiFi, which allows you to monitor your dishwasher from an app on your phone. You can use your phone to check the time remaining on a cycle and (in some cases) select a cycle and start the dishwasher—whether you’re away from your kitchen or even your home. Many dishwashers with WiFi can also send an alert to your phone if a problem arises, like a leak, and help put you in touch with customer service.
- More style choices: High-end dishwashers provide more options when it comes to exterior finishes and handle styles. Some models are built to accommodate your choice of cabinetry, so that the exterior of your dishwasher can match the rest of your kitchen.
Best High-End Dishwashers
How CR Tests Dishwashers
Consumer Reports’ test engineers spend 28 hours testing each dishwasher. To evaluate cleaning performance, dishes are put through a proprietary test that uses photo imaging to determine precisely how clean they are after a standard cycle full of dishes with baked-on food.
Testers also measure energy use and water consumption throughout the process, and they assess how well the dishwasher dries by checking the remaining moisture on plastic items, which are more difficult to dry than glass and ceramic. A listening panel also evaluates noise levels throughout: Even if a dishwasher’s cycle runs mostly quietly, any intermittent loud noises (like churning or rattling) are taken into consideration in our score for noise.
Below, you’ll find dishwashers from our ratings that come packed with features and deliver excellent washing performance. CR members can also explore more than 120 models in our full dishwasher ratings from brands like Bosch, Ikea, LG, Miele, Samsung, Thermador, and more. To learn more about dishwashers, including the features that matter most and the different types of dishwasher designs, consult our dishwasher buying guide.
Molly Bradley
Molly Bradley is a home and appliance writer at Consumer Reports. Before joining CR in 2023, she managed the editorial team at Digg, and has devoted her career to helping readers navigate the world and make their lives a little easier, elucidating topics in technology and culture. Molly earned a master’s degree in writing from Bennington College and lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., with her cat, Saltine. Follow her on X @mollyguinn.
