5 Best Built-in Dishwashers

Built-in dishwashers come in a dizzying array of features, wash programs, accessories, and finishes. Finding one that fits your budget and your dishwashing needs is easier said than done.

Luck for you, here at ApplianceGeeked, we know the ins and outs of dishwashers. We rounded up the best built-in dishwashers we could find to help you get started in your search.

How We Picked

• Cleaning Performance: We identified the top-performing dishwashers by looking into their ability to remove the toughest stains, ranging from dried-on foods, greasy sauces, and leafy greens. 

• Drying Performance: Many dishwashers struggle with drying, especially plastic. To ensure that you won’t end up hand-drying dishes after cycles, we carefully chose models that can dry glass, ceramics, and plastics thoroughly.

• Build Quality: We rated dishwashers based on the quality of their materials. To ensure that you are getting your money’s worth, we picked dishwashers that are built to last.

Cheaper-quality materials are more likely to develop smells, mold, and damage. Such models require constant maintenance and are more prone to malfunctions.

• Features: Dishwashers have all sorts of features that make the chore hassle-free, but not all will matter. 

We identified the capabilities of each model, then we assessed if the features should weigh heavily on your purchasing decision.

• Rack Flexibility: We assessed the adjustability of the racks and determined how well they can accommodate a wide range of items. We gave bonus points to intuitive designs, which made loading and unloading smooth and easy.

• Noise Level: Since dishwasher decibel ratings can range from 46 to 60 dBA, we made sure to pick the models that operate quietly. Noise levels that fall under 45 dBA are quite silent, while those that fall over 55 dBA are a little bit distracting.

• Value for Money: Built-in dishwashers cost at least hundreds of dollars, so we wanted to make sure that our top picks are worth your hard-earned money.

In assessing the overall value of a dishwasher, we looked at the build quality, performance, and extra features, then we determined if its price is reasonable. 

Bosch 300 SHE53C85N

Brand	Bosch
Model	SHE53C85N
Size	33 7/8” x 23 9/16” x 23 3/4”
Place Settings	16 place settings
Noise Level	46 dBA
Wash Programs	Favorite, Heavy, Normal, and Speed 60
Features	RackMatic, PrecisionWash, PureDry drying system, 24/7 Aqua Stop, WiFi Connectivity and remote control via the Home Connect app
Tub Material	Stainless Steel

Our Overall Rating: 9/10

Bosch’s SHE53C85N dishwasher from the 300 Series is one of our top picks because of its reliable performance, useful features, and sturdy build. Given its price, it proves that you don’t need to break the bank to get a quality dishwasher.

We like that it has a stainless steel tub. It makes a significant difference in its performance and longevity, especially when you compare it with Bosch models with plastic tubs.

Inside, you’ll find three spacious racks with adjustable features that enable you to fit cutlery, large pots, and delicate glassware at the same time. 

Our favorite thing about it is its strong cleaning performance. Even the Speed 60 program can get rid of the toughest stains off your plates.

Its drying ability, however, isn’t quite up to par as it struggles to fully dry plastic containers. Still, it’s better than most dishwashers within its price range.

It could be a drawback if you’re washing baby-feeding items and you don’t have the time to hand-dry every single one. 

This Bosch dishwasher is WiFi-enabled. You can monitor and control it remotely through the Home Connect app, which isn’t a necessary feature but a great addition, especially for its price.

Customer Reviews

“We’ve had our new Bosch dishwasher for a month now and we love it! It is so sleek looking; the stainless steel finish and the recessed top controls make it look great! Also, if it weren’t for the red light that shines on the floor, we wouldn’t know it’s on. That’s how quiet it is! Our dishes, flatware and glassware come out squeaky clean, regardless which of the multiple cycles and options we select. The third top shelf is also a nice surprise as we’re able to put larger spoons, spatulas, etc. up there without taking up room on the other two racks. I researched a lot of dishwashers before I bought and I kept coming back to Bosch. Now I know why!!” – Pat S, Bosch

“This dishwasher has exceeded my expectations all the way around… from a clean & spotless shine, to a quiet and beautiful appliance. I was actually surprised how much I enjoy the 3rd row… I expected it to be somewhat of an afterthought on my part to use it… instead I use it daily! I’m very satisfied!” – Kgblanchard, Bosch

Maytag MDB8959SKZ

Brand	Maytag
Model	MDB8959SKZ
Size	33 5/8” x 23 7/8” x 24 1/2”
Place Settings	15 place settings
Noise Level	47 dBA
Wash Programs	Auto, Normal, Quick, PowerBlast, and Rinse
Features	Leak Detect, Touch Controls, Delay, High Temp, Heated Dry, Sani Rinse,
Tub Material	Stainless Steel

Our Overall Rating: 8.6/10

Maytag’s MDB8959SKZ is one of the top-rated built-in dishwashers from the brand. We added it to the list because of its affordability, strong cleaning power, and consistent drying performance.

Using its PowerBlast cycle, you can get rid of the most stubborn stains, including peanut butter, egg yolk, and dried-on oatmeal. It helps that it has a dual filtration system made up of a microfilter and a stainless steel blade chopper. 

Such a combination ensures that any food residue that gets washed off the plates isn’t redistributed during cycles. It leaves you with sparkling clean results every time.

Surprisingly, this Maytag dishwasher dries better than it cleans. It can thoroughly dry thick plastic containers, but it does take a long time on the heated-dry setting—around 30 to 60 minutes.

Additionally, we like the adjustable racks. The foldable tines are sturdy and spaced well, enabling you to fit larger bowls and dishes without any problem.

Its third rack even has a specialized wash zone with jets that can blast the grime off those hard-to-reach areas.

Although it isn’t as quiet as the other dishwashers on the list with its 47 dBA noise rating, it isn’t loud enough to disturb the household or the neighbors. Given the incredible value it offers, a little white noise shouldn’t be a problem.

Customer Reviews

“I have been using the washer for a month and so far it is great. The racks are well designed to maximize capacity, especially with the 3rd one at the top. I have only used the quick cycle and the dishes have always been clean. It is also the quietest washer that we have ever had.” – Lylelee, Maytag

“What a great purchase, MAYTAG really outdid themselves with this one, very stylish inside and out, very quiet, can hardly tell when its running, our last Maytag dishwasher lasted 12 years, I’ll bet this one does too.” – Randy02, Maytag

Whirlpool WDF520PADM

Brand	Whirlpool
Model	WDF520PADM
Size	34 1/2” x 23 7/8” x 24 1/2”
Place Settings	14 place settings
Noise Level	55 dBA
Wash Programs	Normal, Heavy, 1 Hr Wash, Soak & Clean
Features	4-Hou Delay, Heated Dry, Hi Temp, Sani Rinse, Child Lock, Cycle Status Lights, Internal Water Filter
Tub Material	Plastic

Our Overall Rating: 7.9/10

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly dishwasher, we recommend Whirlpool’s WDF520PADM. It’s a full-sized model with two racks and 14 place settings but for nearly half the price of our Bosch and Maytag picks.

The dishwasher doesn’t have a stainless steel tub or whisper-quiet operation like the rest of the models on our list, which is reasonable given its price. However, we think that it deserves a spot here because it’s easy to use and it cleans well.

Its default cycle can get rid of those stubborn stains, but it takes a really long time to finish. You can, however, opt to use the hour-long Quick Wash program to speed up the process.

Although it only has two racks, it can accommodate up to 14 place settings because it has a cutlery basket attached to the door. By keeping all the silverware in the basket, you can free up space on the racks for other items.

Another thing we like about Whirlpool’s budget-friendly dishwasher is its internal water filter. It removes minerals and chemicals from hard water before spraying it all over the dishes.

If you live in an area with hard water, this feature is very important. Softening the water prevents mineral build-up in the tub, which can cause mold and foul smells to develop over time.

Sure, it doesn’t look as sleek and seamless as other dishwashers out there. This shouldn’t be a dealbreaker if you’re looking for an affordable model that can get the job done.

Customer Reviews

“I never give reviews, but this dishwasher really was a “best buy”. Home Depot advertised it for $200 more! I was able to set up delivery for the day I wanted,  and they came right on time. I paid for cart away of my old dishwasher, which I needed to disconnect first. Then had my own handyman install it using the kit I bought from Best Buy. Easy install and after using it for a month I can say that I’m very pleased with my purchase. Works great and quietly! I recommend it without hesitation.” – Linda K, Best Buy

“Simple to use, sleek design, pretty quiet, cleans, what more could you ask for. Well, me, I’d ask for a better drying function. I’m wise enough to position glassware etc at an angle so water doesn’t pool on it, and mostly this is effective enough. It’s the silverware section on the door that NEVER comes out dry. Never. I typically just wipe them with paper towel, takes 30 seconds. This would not stop me from purchasing the same model again, just something y’all should know.

The silverware compartment can be removed off the door and placed on the main washing rack, that may make a difference, haven’t tried it yet.” -Truth, Best Buy

KitchenAid KDTM604KPS

Brand	KitchenAid
Model	KDTM604KPS
Size	33 5/8” x 23 7/8” x 26 3/4”
Place Settings	16 place settings
Noise Level	44 dBA
Wash Programs	Pro-Wash, Tough, Normal, Express Wash, Rinse Only
Features	24-Hour Delay, FreeFlex Third Rack, ProWash, Fan-enabled ProDry System, Leak Detection
Tub Material	Stainless Steel

Our Overall Rating: 8.7/10

KitchenAid’s KDTM604KPS is a mid-range dishwasher with a powerful wash system and an efficient drying system. With three adjustable racks, this dishwasher can fit a wide range of items in a single load, ranging from delicate glassware to large pots.

That’s our favorite thing about this model—its versatility.

The FreeFlex rack is the third and largest in the dishwasher, featuring a deep, angled design that can accommodate mugs, cups, and bowls up to 6” in size. It even has rotating wash jets to ensure that all the items come out sparkling clean.

The middle and lower racks are equally impressive. You can fold down the two other racks to fit large, bulky items at the bottom, including stand mixer bowls, pitchers, and blender jars. 

Although the dishwasher is a strong cleaner, it’s quite slow. It takes a long time to get the dishes sparkling clean but it does produce great results with very little noise.

The majority of the reviews on the KDTM604KPS dishwasher are positive, but we’ve noticed that a lot of users have complained about KitchenAid’s customer service. 

On the bright side, you might not have to deal with them frequently because of the unit’s reliable features and good-quality build.

Customer Reviews

“Exceeded my expectations. Looks great and mostly works great. Dries most of my plastic items better than I thought it would.” – Silver1, KitchenAid

“This is the THIRD home I have equipped with this line of Kitchen Aid dishwashers. They are perfectly designed, quiet, and get dishes spotless CONSISTENTLY. The special rotating jet-arms on top are unique to Kitchen Aid and are superb. Reliable-quiet-superbly effective. Don’t waste your money elsewhere.” – RanDog, KitchenAid

Miele G7106 SCU

Brand	Miele
Model	G7106 SCU
Size	33 11/16” x 23 9/16” x 22 9/16”
Place Settings	16 place settings
Noise Level	42 dBA
Wash Programs	Normal, Pots & Pans, Economy, Energy Saver, Saniwash, China & Crystal, Rinse & Hold, Extra Quiet, Quick Intense Wash, Express, Extra Dry,
Features	3D MultiFlex Cutlery Tray, QuickIntense Wash, AutoOpen Drying, Hot Water Connection, Comfort Close
Tub Material	Stainless Steel

Our Overall Rating: 9.4/10

Miele’s G7106 SCU is one of the best luxury dishwashers out there. Equipped with a set of cutting-edge features, it easily outperforms the rest of the models on the list, especially when it comes to drying.

The only real problem here is the price, which is two times the cost of a Bosch 300 unit. Still, we think that it’s worth investing in for three reasons.

First, we like its spacious and flexible racks. They might not be as deep as the racks from the Bosch models, but they are the easiest to load. 

Second, it has 10 wash programs that enable you to clean various items, including fine China dishes and delicate crystal glassware. 

Paired with the AutoDoor function, which automatically pops the door open for better drying, you can expect sparkling clean and bone-dry dishes after every wash. That includes the hard-to-dry plastic containers!

Third, we love that it’s designed for efficiency. Instead of letting the dishwasher heat up the water inside for cleaning, you can directly connect it to a hot water tap, which should help you save up to 50% of electricity.

We also like that it adapts its settings to the size of your load. If you only want to clean a few dishes, it automatically senses the load and adjusts the water consumption respectively.

Overall, we think that such convenience, efficiency, and reliability are worth investing in. 

Customer Reviews

“This is a great dishwasher. It gets things super clean, and dryer than any other dishwasher I’ve had before. It also weighs 2-3x as much. It feels very high quality and was a snap to install. Once it’s done filling with water, it’s basically silent too.” – Travis, Abt.com

“My Miele dishwasher is wonderful. It runs quietly and does a great job cleaning. I can even use it for my good China and crystal.” Liz, Abt.com

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Here at ApplianceGeeked, we understand that buying a new built-in dishwasher isn’t just about finding one that fits the budget. We know that you want a dishwasher that suits your needs–whether it be space, convenience, or accessibility.

We know the ins and outs of dishwashers as we’ve spent countless hours researching different models. We’ve also gone over thousands of customer testimonials to identify which ones can truly walk the talk.

If you’re looking for other options, we also rounded up the best double-drawer dishwashers (best double drawer dishwashers) and the best single-drawer dishwashers (best single drawer dishwashers) for your perusal.