Dishwashers: Expert and User Reviews

Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org updates its dishwasher ratings about once a year. More than 50 standard dishwashers and five dish drawers are included in the latest roundup. Editors measure cleaning ability, energy efficiency, noise level, ease of use and cycle time. Most dishwashers are similar in cleaning ability, with larger differences in noise level, energy efficiency and convenience. One of the article's most valuable assets is a sidebar about overall brand reliability -- the results of a survey of more than 100,000 ConsumerReports.org subscribers. In this latest test, editors evaluate four steam dishwashers; editors say the steam feature didn't make any difference in cleaning ability.

Our AssessmentLike Choice magazine, this British magazine is similar to ConsumerReports.org, and it continually tests dishwashers. As of February, a total of 165 dishwashers are rated, with 43 models recommended. Some dishwasher brands, like Bosch, Miele and Whirlpool, will be familiar to American readers, but model numbers and specifications differ.

Our AssessmentEnergyStar.gov is a joint project of the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. This site has an extensive list of Energy Star-compliant dishwashers that are more efficient than non-Energy Star products. In addition to listing brands and model numbers, energy factor (EF) ratings -- which measure an appliance's efficiency -- are also listed. The federal standard EF is now greater than or equal to 0.46. Energy Star dishwashers have an EF factor of at least 0.65. This site also offers information on purchasing a dishwasher and on efficient use, but specific dishwashers are neither tested nor rated.

Our AssessmentSears is the only site, other than Epinions.com and ConsumerReports.org, where you'll find user ratings for Kenmore dishwashers. Most of the reviews are from new or fairly recent owners of Kenmore dishwashers, and that's something to keep that in mind when considering reliability and long-term performance, but this site is still worth a check if you're considering a Kenmore dishwasher in particular.

Our AssessmentLike Epinions.com, Viewpoints.com has user reviews of a few hundred dishwashers. Most of the listed dishwashers have only a handful of reviews, but a few stand out with a sizable number of reviews and high average ratings. The Whirlpool GU3600XTV has more than 60 user reviews and a cumulative 4.42 rating (out of 5). The Bosch SHX45P05UC maintains a 4.34 average in just over 60 user ratings.

Our AssessmentBuzzillions is a site that collects user reviews from other websites. A recent redesign makes it harder to find the actual reviews. Editors assemble a list of best-rated dishwashers, but their lists of "best dishwashers" and "bottom line" picks don't match, making it confusing to understand how these lists are compiled.