At a Glance:
What Makes a Dishwasher Reliable?
Choosing the Most Reliable Dishwasher by Brand
When shopping for top rated dishwashers, reliability should be one of the top considerations. In fact, one question that we get is which dishwasher brand is the most reliable? A dishwasher that needs frequent repairs or doesn't get dishes completely clean can be a real headache, while most recommended dishwashers provide peace of mind.
If you’re in the market for a reliable dishwasher, follow this guide for highlights on the most reliable dishwasher brands based on owner satisfaction reports, product testing, and durability. In this dishwasher buying guide, we break down what which to look for in a long-lasting dishwasher and provide reviews of best dishwasher brands to buy to help you find the most dependable option.
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Shop DishwashersWhat Makes a Dishwasher Reliable?
Several factors go into a dishwasher's reliability. When determining which brand of dishwashers has the least repairs and offers the longest lifetime, you need to consider the following.
Quality materials and ergonomic parts are key. Dishwashers with stainless steel tubs rather than plastic resist rusting, stains, and warping better than synthetic surfaces. Smooth gliding racks, sturdy filtration systems, and food choppers that don't easily clog also promote longevity. Reliable dishwashers also have advanced components like tall tub designs for better drying, adjustable racking for optimal loading, water softeners to prevent mineral buildup, and specialized wash zones with stronger spray pressure.
Dishwashers that do not have the features mentioned above are typically dishwasher brands to avoid unless budget or a quick replacement are your purpose of purchase.
What to Look for in a Dishwasher
Which Brand Dishwasher Lasts the Longest?
The average life of a dishwasher is usually about 10 years, but with extra care, owners can easily extend the life of a dishwasher a few more years. Of course, having a dishwasher built to last is half the battle, and the following brands stand out for their longevity:
- The Bosch dishwasher lifespan is made to last a minimum of 10 years.
- The KitchenAid dishwasher lifespan is one of the more durable among commercial brands with an average lifespan of 10 years.
- The Electrolux dishwasher lifespan also runs for 10 years
- The Monogram dishwasher lifespan is one of few luxury dishwashing brands with a 20-year expected lifespan.
- The Miele dishwasher lifespan also upholds for an impressive 20 years.
Quick Dishwasher Checklist
| Feature | Good⭐ | Better ⭐⭐ | Best ⭐⭐⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher Tub | Plastic dishwasher tub | Hybrid dishwasher tub | Stainless steel dishwasher tub |
| Dishwasher Racks | Two level dishwasher rack system | Dishwasher with adjustable rack | Third rack dishwasher with adjustable rack |
| Dishwashing System | Single-level water filtration | Dual-level water filtration | Triple-level water filtration with food filter |
| Dishwasher Filter | Fixed dishwasher filter | Removable dishwasher filter | Removable dishwasher filter with food disposer |
| Dishwasher Spray Arms | Upper/Lower | 3+ dishwasher spray arms | Multiple dishwasher spray arms with specialty spray jets |
| Dishwasher Place Settings | 8-10 place settings | 11-12 place settings | 13-17 place settings |
| Dishwasher Noise Rating | 55-60 dBA | 42-54 dBA | 38-41 dBA |
Choosing the Most Reliable Dishwasher by Brand
By today’s standards, it’s not difficult finding a durable dishwasher. With that said, not all brands perform the same and there are definite standouts in the market. With years of experience under our belts, we’ve found that the following dishwasher brands are the most reliable. If you're wondering who makes the most reliable dishwasher models, these brands should be on your radar.
Bosch Dishwashers
As a leader in home and kitchen appliances, it's no surprise that Bosch dishwashers top many reliability reports. With over 50 years dedicated to dishwasher durability and engineering, Bosch builds dishwashing machines to last a minimum of 10 years. Their stainless steel interiors withstand years of daily use without rusting or stains. Meanwhile, advanced features like 3rd racks, tall tubs, and PerfectDry technology ensure effective yet gentle cleaning and drying. A Bosch dishwasher warranty is also one of the strongest in the industry with 10-year protection on the main wash arm motor, which is an added perk on top of the brand’s premium designs. All in all, Bosch dishwasher performance is made for a lasting performance and has earned the brand the title of dishwasher with least repairs.
We Recommend: Bosch® 800 Series 24" Stainless Steel Top Control Built In Dishwasher
Hailing from the 800 Series, this Bosch top-control dishwasher is one of the brand’s premium models that’s designed with top features for the ultimate cleaning experience. Load up—even your biggest cycles—because with 16 place settings, a flexible 3rd rack, and an adjustable middle rack, there’s plenty of room to wash all your post-dinner dishes in one go. Quality continues with a combination of PrecisionWash technology, followed by the exclusive CrystalDry feature for dishes that are cleaner and up 60% drier than normal.
⭐Featured Bosch SHP78CM5N Review:
"This thing is a workhorse. Very quiet and gets everything spotless. Good value for the money."
Miele Dishwashers
Miele is renowned for high-quality, German-engineered appliances that stand the test of time. Their dishwashers are no exception, with an average lifespan of 15-20 years. A signature of Miele reliability is a 100% stainless interior and utensil tray that are hygienic and rustproof. Plus, multi-level spray arms hit every angle for thorough cleaning. Miele dishwashers also feature maintenance reminders and diamond-grade filters to prevent clogs. Additionally, advanced tech like HeatDry uses condensation to sanitize and dry dishes better. While priced on the higher end, Miele dishwashers offer the best in quiet performance, effective cleaning and durability.
We Recommend: Miele 24" Built-in Dishwasher
It’s hard to outperform the luxury performance of a Miele dishwasher, and this model is just the tip of the iceberg. While a more affordable dishwasher from the Miele line, it’s still packed with features like the 1-hour QuickIntenseWash feature and flexible loading. Like all Miele dishwashers, you can expect 20 years of use out of this machine, and together with the ability to save up to 50% of electricity, you can add major savings on top of its premium user experience.
GE Dishwashers
As a highest rated dishwasher brand, GE delivers performance and value. Dishwashers from GE feature simple yet durable designs that get the job done well for many years. Stainless tub interiors stand up to regular use without scratching or rusting. Additionally, GE focuses on user-friendly innovations to streamline cleaning. Third racks, tall tub designs, dedicated wash zones, and steam clean options mean a deeper clean with less waste of time and energy. On average, GE dishwashing machines have a lifespan of 10-12 years and are found in millions of homes across America. As a budget-friendly choice, GE proves reliability need not cost a fortune.
We Recommend: GE® 24" Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
GE is a great example of an appliance brand that doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to get great performance. Case in point, this affordable dishwasher that’s designed with ENERGY STAR rated performance. This model has everything an average household needs in a dishwasher, plus a few perks like the Piranha Hard Food Disposer and Dry Boost technology. We call this the perfect compromise between value and reliability.
⭐Featured GEGDF510PSRSS Review:
"Love the extra third rack on this GE model. Gets all our dishes cleaned in one load with room to spare."
KitchenAid Dishwashers
As one of the best rated dishwasher brands, KitchenAid manufactures a unique line of dish care suited to match the needs and tastes of modern homeowners. These models feature stainless tub and wash towers to promote hygienic washing while resisting damage for many cycles. A smart 3rd rack adds extra space in each load and an adjustable upper rack fits plates of all sizes. Best of all, KitchenAid dishwashers feature a stainless wash impeller and a KitchenAid dishwasher warranty offers lifetime protection on the entire wash system—including lifetime protection on key wash parts protects your investment for decades of dependable service. Dishwashers from KitchenAid easily last 10+ years with regular use without any costly repairs.
We Recommend: KitchenAid® 24" Stainless Steel with Printshield Built In Dishwasher
Shop This KitchenAid Dishwasher
You’ll love this KitchenAid dishwasher for its upscale design and love it all over again for its upgraded performance. With more than 4,000 perfect reviews, buyers agree this mid range dishwasher is powerful, reliable, and convenient with features like an adjustable rack, ProWash technology, and heated drying. And at just 39 dBA, you’ll hardly notice this machine going to work.
⭐Featured KitchenAid KDTE204KPS Review:
"Love that this KitchenAid can handle large pots and pans. Cleans so well with no pre-rinsing needed."
Café Dishwashers
Why are Cafe dishwashers good? For starters, Café boasts a strong eco-friendly focus in addition to durable engineering. The brand’s exclusive soil sensor technology prevents wasted water and energy on lightly soiled loads. Additionally, stainless steel internal parts stand up to years of corrosive dish soils. Café also equips its dishwashers with maintenance reminders to catch and address potential issues before they cascade into full-blown repairs. On average, Café dishwashers run smoothly for 12-15 years with little to no service history.
We Recommend: Café™ 24" Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
It’s no surprise that a Café dishwasher is also a top contender when it comes to reliability. As GE’s premium appliance brand, Café offers the same quality as its core appliances with the features and designs turned up a notch. This model is a best seller thanks to its efficiency, capacity with 16 place settings, and versatility with 10 wash cycles, wash zones, and flexible loading. Of course, results matter too, and this dishwasher delivers with an exclusive Ultra Wash & Dry system, silverware jets, and a steam + sani setting.
⭐Featured Cafe CDT845P2NS1 Review:
"Love that this Café model senses how dirty dishes are to save water and energy. So quiet, it's like the dishes wash themselves!"
Learn More: Cafe Appliances: The Complete Brand Guide
By focusing on dishwasher brands with a proven track record like the brands featured in this dishwasher reliability guide, you can feel confident in choosing an appliance that reliably cleans your dishes for many years. And when it comes to shopping for reliable dishwashers, Fred's Appliance ensures get the best price along with dedicated support if you ever need it. See for yourself by browsing our entire selection online or at one of our appliance stores throughout the inland Northwest!
FAQs
How long do dishwashers last?
On average, quality dishwasher brands offer performances that last 10-15 years or longer when regularly maintained. Higher-end models may exceed 20 years of service depending on the dishwasher reliability ratings. Proper care like annual cleaning and troubleshooting minor issues promptly also extends a washer's lifespan.
What’s the average dishwasher repair service cost?
Common dishwasher issues typically cost $150-$250 to fix. Major repairs, including flood sensors, boards, or a broken motor range between $300-$500 to fix. Some service calls have flat rates as low as $75, so choosing reliable brands with fewer built-in issues saves money over time.
What’s are the most common dishwasher problems?
Clogged filters, worn gaskets or leaks, heating element failures, and problems with the wash/drain arms are frequent issues. Poor cleaning is often due to mineral deposits on spray arms, worn wash towers or faulty soil sensors. Always remove food scraps before loading and run regular hot rinses and maintenance cycles to prevent unnecessary headaches.
Why Trust Fred’s Appliance?
Fred's Appliance is the go-to store for all your appliance needs in the inland Northwest area. Established in 1962, Fred's Appliance has been serving customers for over five decades and counting. With an experienced and knowledgeable staff, Fred's provides a welcoming atmosphere that helps customers find the best product to fit their needs, budget, and lifestyle.
When you shop with Fred's Appliance, you can be sure that you're getting the best brands at the best prices. In our store, you will find a variety of refrigerators, ranges, wall ovens, , dishwashers, and more. We also carry washers and dryers in both front-load and top-load styles. Not only are we dedicated to providing an unbeatable selection of appliances, but we are equally committed to the local community. We proudly support many charitable organizations throughout Washington, Idaho, and Montana. When you shop at Fred's Appliance, you're not only getting a great product but helping out your neighbors too!
Shop Reliable Dishwasher Brands at Fred’s Appliance
If you're looking for a great appliance shopping experience, shop dishwashers online or visit one of our showrooms in Washington, Idaho, or Montana to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced retailer makes. Our appliance experts will be happy to help you explore the most reliable dishwasher manufacturer on the market. Contact us today and discover the perfect appliance for your home.
Learn More: 5 Compelling Reasons to Buy a Frigidaire Gallery Dishwasher