The best energy-efficient dishwashers, according to Consumer Reports

A wasteful dishwasher quietly drives up water and electric bills every month, even if the dishes come out clean. Wash performance, drying and energy use don't always move together, so a top efficiency score can still come with tradeoffs elsewhere.

Consumer Reports tested dishwashers for energy efficiency, water use, wash performance and drying, so shoppers can find a model that saves on utility bills without sacrificing clean dishes.

Credit: Miele

The Miele G7196SCVISF costs $2,399, pricier than every other dishwasher in this lineup, and earned Consumer Reports' recommendation for a standout detergent dispensing system that adjusts its output on its own depending on how soiled a load looks. CR found it very good at washing dishes, though drying performance came back only middling, while energy efficiency earned a stellar score and water use stayed low at around 3 gallons per cycle, compared with dishwashers elsewhere in CR's ratings that can consume up to 7 gallons per cycle. CR calculated an annual operating cost of around $61, lower than many dishwashers tested. As a brand, CR's member surveys give Miele strong marks for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction.

Credit: LG

The LG Studio SDNTHS72S costs $1,299 and earned Consumer Reports' recommendation for better drying performance than the Miele, with a solid score in that test. CR also found excellent marks for cleaning power on both the top and bottom racks, plus efficient energy use, backed by features including targeted cleaning zones for specific dish types and a floor-projecting light that signals cycle status. CR's member surveys give LG very good marks for predicted reliability, though the brand's owner satisfaction score came back just so-so. That strong drying and wash performance across both racks makes it a well-rounded pick in this lineup.

Credit: Bosch

The Bosch 300 Series SHE3ADF5N costs around $500, priced lower than every other dishwasher in this lineup, and earned Consumer Reports' recommendation as a budget-friendly pick sold at Lowe's $LOW. CR found it skips extras like tines that adjust and an all-metal interior tub found on pricier models, though it does include an adjustable upper rack, a third rack and a delay-start feature available only through the app. CR measured a strong energy-efficiency score and a 145-minute cycle time, shorter than every other dishwasher featured here, with very good washing performance though drying came back just okay, leaving some visible moisture on plastic items in testing. CR's member surveys give Bosch as a brand strong marks for both reliability and owner satisfaction, similar to Miele.

Credit: Bosch

The Bosch 500 Series SHP65DM5N costs $1,249 and earned Consumer Reports' recommendation as a step up from the less expensive Bosch 300 Series, offering slightly better energy efficiency along with Energy Star certification. CR found it a solid washer overall, though drying performance landed in the middle of the pack. The model skips adjustable tines like its Bosch sibling, but CR noted it includes a stainless steel tub instead of the stainless-and-plastic combination found on the 300 Series. That Energy Star certification paired with a full stainless tub gives it a modest edge over its less expensive sibling for anyone prioritizing efficiency and build quality.

Credit: KitchenAid

The KitchenAid KDTF924PPS costs $1,889 and earned Consumer Reports' recommendation as a well-rounded performer, doing a respectable job washing dishes while drying them better than every other model featured here. CR found it quieter than its competitors, with a door that swings open automatically once the cycle finishes to vent excess moisture and heat, and rated energy efficiency impressive alongside features including a third rack, an upper rack that adjusts, tines that fold flat and a light that projects remaining cycle time onto the floor. CR's member surveys give KitchenAid as a brand a midlevel rating for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. That strong drying performance paired with a feature-rich design makes it a compelling pick for anyone willing to pay for convenience.