Top7 Dishwashers Worth Buying in 2026
Ranked on cleaning, drying, noise, reliability and value.
1 Our top pick · Best overall
Bosch 300 Series SHE53C85N
Most households that want quiet, dependable cleaning without paying flagship prices.
- Bosch tops Consumer Reports' 2026 brand rankings
- Quiet enough to run during dinner
- Condensation drying leaves plastics damp
Compare the seven
Side by side| Rank | Product | Best for | Price | Key advantage | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Bosch 300 Series SHE53C85N | Best overall | $$$Premium | Bosch tops Consumer Reports' 2026 brand rankings | Buy |
| 02 | Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N | Quietest | $$$$Top-end | 42 dBA, barely audible | Buy |
| 03 | GE GDT650SYVFS | Best value | $$Mid-range | Third rack and sanitize cycle at a fair price | Buy |
| 04 | Midea MDF18A1AST 18-Inch Built-In | Best for small kitchens | $$Mid-range | Fits narrow 18-inch spaces | Buy |
| 05 | Avanti 18" Built-In Dishwasher | Best budget (18" built-in) | $$$Premium | Fits 18-inch cutouts | Buy |
| 06 | COMFEE' CDC17P2AWW Countertop Dishwasher | Best countertop | $Budget | Built-in water tank, no hookup needed | Buy |
| 07 | SPT SD-9263SS 18-Inch Portable | Best portable | $$Mid-range | Rolls away when not in use | Buy |
Our 7 picks in detail
1 Bosch 300 Series SHE53C85N
Who it's for: Most households that want quiet, dependable cleaning without paying flagship prices.
- Bosch tops Consumer Reports' 2026 brand rankings
- Quiet enough to run during dinner
- Condensation drying leaves plastics damp
2 Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N
Who it's for: Open-plan homes where a nearly silent dishwasher and dry plastics matter most.
- 42 dBA, barely audible
- CrystalDry gets plastics truly dry
- Expensive for a non-panel-ready model
3 GE GDT650SYVFS
Who it's for: Buyers who want a full-featured stainless-tub dishwasher at a mid-range price.
- Third rack and sanitize cycle at a fair price
- Dry Boost improves drying
- Louder than the Bosch models
4 Midea MDF18A1AST 18-Inch Built-In
Who it's for: Apartments, condos and small kitchens with only an 18-inch cabinet opening.
- Fits narrow 18-inch spaces
- Heated dry and sanitize options
- Some owners report reliability issues
5 Avanti 18" Built-In Dishwasher
Who it's for: Small kitchens and apartments that need a narrow built-in unit.
- Fits 18-inch cutouts
- Digital controls with multiple cycles
- Smaller capacity than 24-inch models
6 COMFEE' CDC17P2AWW Countertop Dishwasher
Who it's for: Small households and renters with no dishwasher plumbing.
- Built-in water tank, no hookup needed
- Fits on most countertops
- Holds only a few place settings
SPT SD-9263SS 18-Inch Portable
Who it's for: Renters who want near full-size cleaning that hooks up to the kitchen faucet.
- Rolls away when not in use
- Stainless tub, 6 wash programs
- Faucet hookup ties up the sink
Questions people ask
What size dishwasher do I need?
Standard built-in dishwashers are 24 inches wide and hold 12 to 16 place settings. Compact 18-inch models hold about 8 place settings and suit small kitchens. Measure the cabinet opening's width, height and depth before buying.
How quiet should a dishwasher be?
Anything under 45 dBA is quiet enough for an open-plan kitchen, and 42 dBA or lower is close to silent. Models above 50 dBA are noticeable while you talk or watch TV nearby.
Is a third rack worth it?
Yes for most families. A shallow top rack holds utensils, spatulas and small cups, which frees space in the lower racks and makes loading faster.
Why are my plastics still wet after a cycle?
Many efficient dishwashers dry by condensation instead of a heating element, so plastics stay damp. Use rinse aid, choose an extra-dry option, or pick a model with heated or advanced drying.
Can I install a dishwasher myself?
If you are replacing an existing unit and are comfortable with water, drain and electrical connections, it is a manageable DIY job. New installations that need plumbing or a dedicated circuit are best left to a professional.
Do countertop dishwashers really clean well?
Good ones clean everyday dishes well, but they hold only a few place settings and struggle with large pots. They suit singles, couples and renters without dishwasher plumbing.
Should I pre-rinse dishes?
No. Scrape off food scraps, but modern dishwashers and enzyme detergents clean better when some soil remains. Pre-rinsing wastes water and can make sensor cycles under-wash.
How long does a dishwasher last?
Most last about 9 to 12 years. Cleaning the filter monthly, using rinse aid and running the sink hot before starting a cycle help it perform well for longer.
How did we pick these dishwashers?
We compared the best-selling and highest-rated dishwashers on Amazon, read expert reviews and the most common complaints, then kept one pick for each kind of buyer. Read our full method.