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    Most and Least Reliable Dishwasher Brands

    Paying more for a dishwasher won't guarantee a more reliable machine, according to Consumer Reports' member surveys

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    Silver dishwasher situated in the kitchen, next to the sink and in front of a bench with a backpack leaning against it.
    Your dishwasher might wash and dry like a dream on Day 1, but can you depend on it for the long haul?
    Photo: Whirlpool

    When you’re shopping for a dishwasher, you’ll find a lot of fancy features and sleek design options that may distract you from one of the most crucial factors in your decision: Which dishwashers will reliably perform well for years to come?

    We surveyed more than 75,000 Consumer Reports members to determine the most reliable dishwasher brands. The results uncovered a few standouts that are more likely to remain problem-free than others. But we also found a few more problematic brands that might lead to extra costs and hassles down the line.

    One thing to keep in mind is that cost doesn’t determine reliability. “Our surveys found that paying more for a dishwasher doesn’t necessarily guarantee it’s going to be a more reliable machine,” says David Gopoian, who oversaw CR’s dishwasher brands survey. As one example, this well-rated dishwasher from Bosch, a brand with our highest rating for predicted reliability, costs as little as $650.

    MORE ON DISHWASHERS

    Our predicted reliability ratings are based on data from more than 85,000 dishwashers across brands purchased by CR members between 2013 and 2023, from popular names such as Bosch and Samsung, low-cost options like Amana, and high-end labels such as Miele and Thermador. We combed through the responses for any reports of performance problems or breaks in dishwashers that have been purchased in the past 10 years. Then we used those findings to predict how reliably a dishwasher from a given brand will hold up in its first five years of service. Using our reliability ratings, you can improve your chances of ending up with a dishwasher that will last a long time.

    The results are clear: No brand is completely immune to problems, and a brand’s quality can vary over time because of changes in design or production. But certain brands are much less likely than others to have problems in that first five-year time span.

    CR members can read on for a summary of the brands that we predict will be the most reliable, as well as a warning about the four least reliable brands in our surveys. Members can also check out our full dishwasher ratings of more than 140 models, which are based on extensive washing, drying, noise, and energy-use tests, as well as survey results. To find out more about how to shop for a dishwasher and which will best fit your needs, check out our dishwasher buying guide.

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    We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.