If you’re shopping for a dishwasher priced between $500 and $1,000, you should expect the following from any model:
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 or very good ratings 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,” he says.
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 adjustability: 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 in this price range, 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. (But they’re less energy-efficient than the standard normal, auto, or sensor cycles.)
A higher-end look: “In this price range, shoppers can choose from models featuring pocket handles and hidden control panels that contribute to a sleek and minimalist aesthetic,” says Allie Chiliki, CR’s market analyst for dishwashers. “Higher-end budgets open the door to customization options like bespoke colors, premium hardware, and panel-ready designs that integrate seamlessly into cabinetry.”
