If you’re shopping for a dishwasher between $500 and $1,000, you should expect the following:
Quieter performance: If you hang out in or sleep near your kitchen, it can be worth upgrading to a dishwasher that runs quietly. Plenty of models that cost between $500 and $1,000 earn our top rating for noise. Those are very difficult to hear, says Larry Ciufo, CR’s head of dishwasher testing. “You can stand next to it and not hear a thing.”
Better drying: Most dishwashers have no trouble with drying ceramic or metal items. But the top performers can almost completely dry plastic, too, even when their door isn’t opened promptly to let steam escape at the end of a cycle.
A stainless steel tub: The metal walls contribute to quieter performance and better drying. They’re also much better than plastic tubs at resisting the chalky, unsightly limescale stains that sometimes build up over time, especially if you have hard (mineral-rich) water.
More rack space and adjustments: Several dishwashers in this price range come with space for more place settings and a third rack. This low-profile tray sits at the top of the tub and can hold utensils and other small or relatively flat items, freeing up extra space for the bigger dishes on the bottom and middle racks. Height-adjustable upper (or middle) racks are also pretty standard, as are multiple sets of folding tines.
Powerful fast-wash cycles: Even inexpensive dishwashers usually have a quick cycle for lightly soiled dishes. But some midpriced models have cycles that can thoroughly wash (and sort of dry) a load in an hour or less, as long as there isn’t too much dried-on gunk. (Though they’re less energy-efficient than the standard normal, auto, or sensor cycles.)
A higher-end look: A stainless steel finish is the norm in this price range. Stacy Canova-Turner, CR’s market analyst for dishwashers, says that shoppers can also find black stainless and “panel ready” (customizable-front) models. “Dishwashers with bar handles rather than pocket handles are becoming more common at this price, too,” Canova-Turner says. That design is usually paired with integrated control panels, also known as hidden or top-mount controls, which offer a cleaner look.
