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If you’ve suffered through dishwashers that rumbled in the past, you may be looking for quiet models now that you’re shopping for a new dishwasher. Quiet dishwashers come with a variety of anti-noise and anti-vibration features that keep sound levels to a minimum. Many shoppers are surprised to learn that highly-rated dishwashers with quiet features can be found for under $1,000. Based on the special features and design you choose, a typical quiet dishwasher ranges in price from $900 to $1,800.
We carefully reviewed dishwashers being marketed as whisper-quiet appliances to help you select the best quiet dishwasher for your home. Based on its sleek design and 39-dBA sound level, the Samsung Top Control Built-In Dishwasher earned its spot at the top of our list. In addition to this mid-priced all-around favorite, we also chose six other dishwashers that excel in specific categories.
Best Quiet Dishwashers: Our Top 7 Picks
- Best Overall: Samsung Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
- Best Configuration: LG SIGNATURE Top Control Dishwasher
- Best Luxury Model: Bosch 800 Series Top Control Dishwasher
- Best Value: Samsung Smart Dishwasher with StormWash+
- Best for Easy Loading: KitchenAid Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
- Best Smart Technology: LG Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
- Most Powerful: GE Profile Hidden Control Built-In Dishwasher
Compare Top Quiet Dishwashers
| Product | Place Settings | Decibel Rating | Smart Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Top Control Built-In Dishwasher | 15 | 39 dBA | Yes |
| LG SIGNATURE Top Control Dishwasher | 15 | 40 dBA | Yes |
| Bosch 800 Series Top Control Dishwasher | 15 | 42 dBA | Yes |
| Samsung Smart Dishwasher with StormWash+ | 15 | 44 dBA | Yes |
| KitchenAid Top Control Built-In Dishwasher | 13 | 39 dBA | No |
| LG Top Control Built-In Dishwasher | 15 | 42 dBA | Yes |
| GE Profile Hidden Control Built-In Dishwasher | 16 | 39 dBA | Yes |
| Product | Place Settings | Decibel Rating | Smart Features |
Terms To Know for Quiet Dishwashers
- Place Settings Capacity: Capacity refers to how many dinner place settings can fit in the dishwasher at one time. A place setting consists of a dinner plate, a dessert plate, a soup bowl, a glass, a tea cup and saucer, cutlery, utensils and a serving bowl.
- Decibel Rating: Measured in A-weighted decibels, the decibel level refers to the sound generated by the dishwasher while in operation. Decibel ratings around 40 are considered quiet, comparable to the sound of someone typing on a keyword. The decibel scale is logarithmic, so 50 dBA is twice as loud as 40 dBA.
Best Overall
Samsung Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
- $899
- $1,199
- 25% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Good for busy households where the dishes are never done.
What Are People Saying About the Samsung Top Control Built-In Dishwasher?
Overall, we found that the quiet performance and roominess of this dishwasher win reviewers over. The recurring complaint is that this dishwasher has a habit of throwing error codes that require a diagnosis before another cycle can be started.
“I purchased this dishwasher a month ago and it is so [quiet]. I have an open floor plan and wanted a dishwasher that was quiet while I’m watching television. This dishwasher exceeded my expectations. The only way I know it’s running is because the timer comes on. This dishwasher also does a great job getting the dishes clean. So far I am very satisfied with this dishwasher. Samsung did a great job at getting my items delivered fast and having them installed.” — Anne via Samsung.com
“This unit is whisper quiet as advertised — VERY quiet. Also, it seems to do a very good job cleaning the dishes. … It’s the usability issues that I’m not too fond of, and that counts for quite a bit. 3 Stars at best here. (We purchased it because it seemed to have decent ratings and Samsung offered free installation and removal of the old unit), which was a nice offer. That’s it!” — srabin99 via Samsung.com
Best Configuration
LG SIGNATURE Top Control Dishwasher
- $1,699
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Good for someone who is using a variety of cookware in different sizes.
What Are People Saying About the LG SIGNATURE Top Control Dishwasher?
This dishwasher’s quiet performance leaves many customers pleased. The interior door light is a fan favorite. A few people struggled with what they felt was poor drying performance.
“We really like all of the features of this dishwasher — it even has additional features that can be downloaded into the appliance. It is very efficient, easy to use and surprisingly quiet.” — Griffin Family via Lowes.com
“My only complaint is the racks that hold the dishes do not always stay in place.” — BonMom via Lowe.com
Best Luxury
Bosch 800 Series Top Control Dishwasher
- $1,350
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Good for someone who wants tons of cycle options to protect expensive dishes and cookware.
What Are People Saying About the Bosch 800 Series Top Control Dishwasher?
In our research, we found that people are thrilled with the quiet performance and elite configuration of this Bosch dishwasher. Many appreciated the red light that shines on the floor to indicate the washer is running since it is so quiet. A few reviewers struggled with the racks, stating that the tine placement was awkward.
“This dishwasher is so quiet, it definitely needs the red light on the floor to indicate that it’s running. I love the cutlery tray, but for everyday use I generally use the basket that was also included.” — JonquilF via Best Buy
“The dishwasher is okay. I am disappointed with the configuration as it’s awkward for long stemmed wine glasses and I’ve also had to dry some cups and glasses. It is however very quiet. The rating would be a 4 but the operating manual is not user friendly. The directions to access the basic settings is very misleading. Nowhere does it say to use the express button. It would also be helpful if it explained which cycles the option settings work with. It appears to be trial and error…” — Valerie via Best Buy
Best Value Dishwasher
Samsung Smart Dishwasher with StormWash+
- $999
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Good for someone who wants a dishwasher under $1,000 that has high-tech features.
What Are People Saying About the Samsung Smart Dishwasher With StormWash+?
We found that reviewers can hardly believe this appliance is running because it is so quiet. Satisfied customers mentioned that they were impressed with the cleaning performance of this dishwasher. Almost all complaints are related to what can feel like an uninspired configuration that removes opportunities for efficient loading.
“I am genuinely impressed and satisfied with this product. appearance, quality, and the craftsmanship is what makes this dishwasher standout from the rest. On average, I use my dishwasher once a day, seven days a week. I run it overnight [due] to its low running noise. One of my family members didn’t even believe me that it [was] on. What I like the most about this dishwasher is the multitude of different cycles to choose from. Sometimes when I have [a] variety of different types of dishes, pots, silverware and can’t decide on what cycle to pick, I just go with ‘auto’ and end up with clean dishes, no matter how [greasy] the cookware is. My favorite feature on the app is the electricity consumption report, followed by expected wash time, and dishwasher clean cycle reminder.” — Rafii via Samsung.com
“Interior racks have a lot of wasted space; huge gaps between some of the rows of tines — I guess to put larger items — but I also can’t put smaller items because the spaces are too large. 3. The middle row of tines on the middle rack are very oddly shaped – they flare out, and consequently my soup bowls and small dishes don’t fit and flop to one side or the other. There’s also no place to really put smaller items such as plastic food storage containers. On the plus side, this dishwasher is very quiet and I like the Wi-Fi connectivity, but overall, very disappointed.” — Tor657 via Samsung.com
Best for Easy Loading
KitchenAid Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
- $1,035
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Good for someone who doesn’t want to have to jostle racks when loading the dishwasher.
What Are People Saying About the KitchenAid Top Control Built-In Dishwasher?
In addition to praising the quiet performance and attractive appearance of this dishwasher, customers who own it are impressed by just how well it dries dishes. Some reviewers felt that the rinsing power was lacking.
“This is a quiet dishwasher that has a control panel that isn’t overly complicated, yet has every option you might need, and gets the job done. Plenty of room inside for large bowls and plates. Very happy with this appliance.” — KarenB via Best Buy
“Interior has limited space, especially in the plate area. Rack is not spaced in a manner to allow full usage for a load. If I had realized how poorly [designed it] is, I would have never purchased this dishwasher.” — Emme via Best Buy
Best Smart Technology
LG Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
- $1,300
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Good for someone who loves automation and wants to get dishes done quickly.
What Are People Saying About the LG Top Control Built-In Dishwasher?
When we read through dozens of customer reviews, we noted that the quiet performance and hidden-handle design were complimented frequently. Most complaints revolve around the rack configuration.
“We couldn’t be happier with this dishwasher. It is extremely quiet and the dishes come out sparkling. If you read the instructions, it is very easy to use. The filter is easy to remove and clean as needed. We have been using it for close to 2 months with no problems.” — David W via Best Buy
“It has all the features my old Kenmore Elite dishwasher had and looks nicer, however, I’m not a fan of the new configuration of the racks because they don’t fit the size [and] spacing of the rack wires that hold my dishes and bowls and may break if they jiggle.” — RichS via Best Buy
Most Powerful
GE Profile Hidden Control Built-In Dishwasher
- $1,050
- $1,395
- 25% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Good for someone who wants a quiet and powerful new dishwasher and doesn’t want to waste time pre-rinsing dishes.
What Are People Saying About the GE Profile Hidden Control Built-In Dishwasher?
Our research showed that people who were happy with their purchase complimented the quiet operation and thorough cleaning, especially for bottles and silverware. Reviews from dissatisfied customers mentioned issues with assembly and the soap not fully dissolving.
“This is an awesome dishwasher. It is the most quiet dishwasher I’ve ever owned. I really like the third rack and glassware and dishes get sparkling clean.” — RobertAlabama via Best Buy
“Ok but not impressed. Difficult install because the waterline connection fitting on the bottom of the unit is not accessible due to the solid plastic bottom base design. I am a contractor by trade and I had to actually disassemble the fitting from the unit during installation to be able to tightly connect the waterline. I have installed countless dishwashers in my career and this was by far the most maddening. Also for the money I expected my dishes to come out dry. Even with the turbo boost dry function on full power my dishes are still wet when the cycle completes.” — Dadlife via Best Buy
What To Know Before Buying Quiet Dishwashers
When looking for the best dishwashers that are also whisper-quiet, knowing your kitchen habits is every bit as important as knowing what different manufacturers offer. That’s because different models prioritize different features for making dish duty easier. Here’s what to consider.
What dBA is considered quiet for a dishwasher?
A decibel rating of 38 dBA is considered the lowest possible option for dishwashers. However, “low” is considered anything from 38 dBA to about 45 dBA. A decibel rating of 50 dBA or above is considered about average.
What is a good price point for a quiet dishwasher?
In order to get a good mix of features, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,500. It’s common for models in this price range to dip down to $800 to $900 when brands are running sales. Some high-end options may cost $2,000 or more.
What capacity do quiet dishwashers typically have?
The average capacity for a quiet dishwasher is 15 place settings, with each place setting containing 12 pieces. However, most people are washing a variety of different pots, pans, dishes, and cups when doing loads. That’s why paying attention to configuration is often more important than just focusing on capacity or the size of the dishwasher.
What are reputable brands that sell quiet dishwashers?
In the appliance world, there are several brands known for making the quietest dishwashers:
- Bosch
- GE
- KitchenAid
- LG
- Maytag
- Miele
- Samsung
- Whirlpool
All of these brands have decades of experience with utilizing the latest technology for performance and reliability.
What other features should you look for in a quiet dishwasher besides noise level?
The main feature to look for in a quiet dishwasher is ENERGY STAR certification because this distinction can help to reduce energy waste at your home. More efficient dishwashers tend to last longer than inefficient ones because they don’t undergo as much wear and tear.
Other high-value features to look for include turbo-boost features or jet sprays that tackle tough debris, smart features that set cycles based on load size, extra drying power to eliminate droplets, and Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to control and monitor your appliance through an app.
Why Are Some Dishwashers Noisy?
If you’re looking for a dishwasher with a quiet operation because you’ve had it with constant humming or clanking, you may be wondering just why your current dishwasher is so loud. In some cases, you may simply have an older model with an inefficient motor. However, performance issues can sometimes cause dishwashers to be noisy. Here are some troubleshooting points.
- You’re overloading your dishwasher: Even a quiet-performance dishwasher can act up if you’re cramming dishes in too closely together. The sound you’re hearing may be dishes banging together.
- You’re putting pots and pans in the wrong spot: Pots and pans should be placed in the middle of the dishwasher to prevent them front banging on the sides of the appliance as they are being sprayed.
- Your drain pump is broken: If you’re hearing grinding noises coming from your dishwasher, this is a telltale sign that the drain pump that moves water out of the appliance is broken.
- Your impeller fins are broken: If you’re hearing odd noises, one of the pump impellers that directs water through the dishwasher’s spray arms may have a broken fin. Additionally, impellers sometimes get clogged with debris.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quiet Dishwashers
How loud is a 50-decibel dishwasher?
A 50-decibel dishwasher is about as loud as a quiet conversation, fingers tapping on a keyboard, or ambient city traffic through a window.
Are quiet dishwashers more expensive than regular dishwashers?
Yes, quiet dishwashers are typically more expensive than regular dishwashers that might range in price from just $300 to $600 instead of $900 to $1,500. However, it’s always important to do a feature-to-feature comparison before making a decision based on price.
Can you DIY installation of a dishwasher?
While it is possible to install your own dishwasher, expert installation is recommended to prevent potential leaks. Dishwasher installation kits include the fittings and water supply lines needed.
What designs and finishes do quiet dishwashers typically come in?
Dishwashers either have a bar handle or a concealed handle, also called a pocket handle. Front control dishwashers have buttons located on the front of the unit, while top control dishwashers have the controls concealed on the top edge of the unit, so you can’t access them without opening the door. The most common finishes in higher-end quiet dishwashers are fingerprint-resistant black stainless steel and stainless steel.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of quiet dishwashers with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final short list, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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