The best high-end dishwashers, according to Consumer Reports

A premium price tag should mean a dishwasher that runs quietly, cleans thoroughly and never leaves dishes wet or spotted, but that combination doesn't come standard just because a model costs more. Extras like custom wash zones, app controls and adjustable racks vary widely at this price point, and a few hundred dollars can mean very different feature sets. Consumer Reports tested high-end dishwashers for washing and drying performance, noise and features, so shoppers can find a splurge-worthy model worth the cost.

Credit: Bosch

The Bosch Benchmark SHP9PCM5N costs $1,999 and topped Consumer Reports' ratings among high-end dishwashers, with very good washing and drying performance paired with exceptionally quiet operation. CR found it loaded with the design touches expected at this price, from a metal-lined interior and a third rack to a height-adjustable top shelf, tines that move, generous flatware storage, WiFi connectivity, an interior light and hidden controls. Testers highlighted a motorized wash arm that moves mechanically instead of relying purely on water-jet pressure, letting owners program heavier cleaning in specific quadrants for pots and pans with baked-on food, though that customization along with delayed start requires a phone app. CR's member surveys give Bosch as a brand exceptional marks for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction, meaning its dishwashers develop fewer issues in the first five years than many competitors and owners are likely to recommend the brand to others.

Credit: Miele

The Miele G7196SCVISF costs $2,399 and earned Consumer Reports' recommendation for conveniences other dishwashers in this lineup skip, including a dispenser that measures out detergent automatically so owners don't have to guess the right amount. CR liked that the delay-start feature works directly from the control panel instead of requiring an app, and found the third rack, generous flatware storage and adjustable upper rack rounded out by foldable basket sections that make loading larger items like pots and oven dishes easier. Testers rated it excellent at washing dishes while running quiet and energy-efficient, though CR flagged drying performance as its weak point, landing at only a middling score in lab tests. Like Bosch, CR's member surveys give Miele as a brand strong marks for reliability and owner satisfaction, setting it apart from other brands tested.

Credit: LG

The LG Studio SDNTHS72S costs $1,299, priced lower than every other dishwasher in this lineup, and earned Consumer Reports' recommendation for cleaning performance that outshines nearly everything else CR has tested, alongside very good drying and fairly quiet operation. CR noted Energy Star certification and both an upper rack and third rack that adjust in height, with delay-start available directly from the panel, though starting the cycle remotely still requires the connected app. CR's member surveys give LG very good marks for predicted reliability, though owner satisfaction for the brand came back only middling. That strong cleaning performance at a comparatively lower price makes it a compelling entry point into this high-end lineup.

Credit: Thermador

The Thermador Star Sapphire DWHD661EFP costs $2,499, pricier than every other dishwasher in this lineup even among premium machines, and earned Consumer Reports' recommendation for washing and drying performance that both scored solidly in lab tests. CR found it fairly energy-efficient, carrying an Energy Star label backed by the federal government, and rated Thermador as a brand stellar for predicted reliability with very good owner satisfaction marks. Testers called it simple to operate and generously equipped with the kind of extras buyers expect at this price, including an adjustable upper rack, a rearrangeable third rack for larger items, a color-customizable interior light, ample flatware storage, adjustable tines, and a floor-projected display showing remaining cycle time. Like the Bosch Benchmark, CR noted delayed start and custom wash-zone settings on the lower rack require the companion app, though those settings can be saved for reuse on future cycles.