Dishwashers are essential appliances to have at home. However, there are some dishwasher brands to avoid. There are many types of dishwashers, and the information can be confusing. Whether you’re purchasing an under-countertop dishwasher or a built-in dishwasher, it’s worth noting which dishwasher brands to avoid.
Surprisingly the General Electric (GE) dishwashers came in as the worst dishwasher brand to avoid. GE had more poorly performing models than other brands, with eight models on our list. There are numerous dishwasher brands in the market today. This guide will help you learn the dishwasher brands to avoid and why. Our list of brands to avoid includes:
- General Electric (GE)
- LG
- Fisher & Paykel
- Frigidaire
- Samsung
- Whirlpool
- Kitchen-Aid
- Amana
- HotPoint
Once you remove them from the equation, you can focus on getting a good-quality appliance. It will help you reduce the workload in the kitchen and leave you with clean dishes.
When evaluating modern dishwashers, we need to examine more than just the Energy Star rating. Below are the nine worst dishwasher brands based on overall performance and owner reviews.
The Dishwasher Brands You Should Avoid
1. General Electric (GE)
You’re probably surprised to see GE on our list. I was too. For years GE has been known as one of the most reliable brands in America. But in recent years, the GE name has started to falter.
GE is a brand that built its reputation manufacturing high-quality appliances. However, quality appears to have waned since being purchased by Haier and KKR in 2016.
According to Consumer Reports, GE had eight models graded between 47 to 58 and has the most models in this price range compared to other brands.
The models listed above include:
- GE GSD2100VWW
- GE GDT565SSNS
- GE GDF535PGRBB
- GE GDT635HSMSS
- GE GDF640HSMSS
- GE GDF630PSMSS
- GE GDF530PGMWW
- GE GDT565SSNSS
The two key factors that appear to be driving the low scores are poor product reliability and customers satisfaction based on surveys performed from 2018 to 2021. According to Amazon reviews, the GSD2100VWW model has only 65% 5-star reviews, with 24% of the reviews being 1- or 2-star ratings.
The GE GSD2100VWW dishwasher is a standard dishwasher with a 24″ opening. It doesn’t have a soil sensor or delayed-start feature, but it does come with a self-cleaning filter.
The complaint reviews spoke of it being a poor quality machine that was flimsy with a plastic interior and frequently broke down.
The models above ranged from $322 to $1,199. The GSD2100VWW model has an affordable price of around $360.
Poor Washing Performance
The GSD2100VWW model performed poorly on heavy soil levels. The other models performed slightly better with average results. It doesn’t have a soil sensor and doesn’t remove stuck-on food well.
Models Are Noisy
The above models have higher than average noise levels, which owners found distracting. Noise level assessments are based on observed test results and consumer reviews.
Drying Performance Poor
The GSD2100VWW model performed poorly when testing for drying plastics.
Overall, the GE GSD2100VWW dishwasher leaves much to be desired. Though it fits a standard 24″ opening, it lacks many common features in other dishwashers.
It does not have a soil sensor, adjustable rack, delayed-start feature, time-remaining display, or Energy Star certification.
2. LG Dishwasher Brand
LG is known for manufacturing some of the best electronic devices in the world. Many people opt to purchase from them for this reason.
But, it’s not all roses. LG is among the worst dishwasher brands. Looking at customer reviews is a great place to start when you want to find out more.
LG models reviewed include:
- LG LDFN4542S
- LG LDT5678ST
- LG LDF5545ST
The dishwasher provides a bottom rack that is larger than most. It’s supposed to open up and accommodate larger items like plates and bowls. However, it’s made of weak materials and falls apart quickly.
After receiving a faulty dishwasher, getting in touch with the company proved frustrating. They requested sending the dishwasher back for a full refund but went silent on the customer after repairing it three times.
The dishwasher isn’t silent while fan-drying the dishes. It makes a loud whistling sound which is quite irritating. The issue persists even after replacing the fan, proving it’s a faulty device.
The LG dishwasher models aren’t as efficient as expected. Since they don’t use heat elements to dry, dishes remain wet even after fan drying. Even on ‘Extra Dry,’ dishes are still wet after.
The LG LDFN4542S dishwasher may not be as good as other models. It doesn’t have a soil sensor, so you’ll have to pre-wash dishes before loading. Additionally, the upper rack isn’t adjustable, making fitting larger items difficult.
It does have a delayed start feature and a stainless steel interior, but those don’t make up for its other shortcomings. In testing, the dishwasher uses 5 gallons of water per 120-minute wash cycle, so it might not be the most efficient option available, especially at the $750 to $900 reasonable price tag.
3. Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher Brand
Many people might not know the Fisher & Paykel dishwasher brand. That’s because it’s among the top luxury brands. Its high price turns many people who have a minimal budget away.
This drawer dishwasher is overpriced and doesn’t have great reliability ratings. It’s one of the few high-end models with a plastic interior, which isn’t as good as stainless steel. While it does have ample cutlery baskets for utensils, they are plastic and known to break.
Apart from the high purchase cost of $1500 to $1800, repairing the dishwasher is another reason people stay away. Parts are costly and rare in the market. Still, being expensive doesn’t mean it’s an excellent device to have in your kitchen.
You end up paying so much money only to discover it’s among the dishwasher brands to avoid. There are several issues it has that continue to put off users.
Models reviewed include:
- Fisher & Paykel DD24DDFTX9N
- Fisher & Paykel DD24DCHTX9N
It Breaks Easily
Customers have complained that the dishwasher breaks down constantly. It means you often have to call an expert for repairs, which can be costly. Unfortunately, parts and appliance technician availability are limited, meaning longer than average downtimes.
Not Compatible With Plumbing
The minute you bring the dishwasher home, you notice a problem. It has different plumbing requirements, which bring in an additional cost of changing the lines in your home. Because of the unique drawer design, installation requires some additional plumbing alterations.
It’s a Noisy Dishwasher
One would think that the quiet operation would be a given among high-end dishwashers. However, the dishwasher was considered below average, with a relatively high noise level for a luxury dishwasher. For instance, it was much louder than other luxury brands like Thermador and Meile, which reflects in the sound ratings.
It’s Costly
As mentioned earlier, this is a luxury brand and quite expensive. At $1500 to $1800, its pricey models are out of reach for many buyers.
4. Frigidaire Dishwasher Brand
The Frigidaire is another dishwasher brand to avoid. Many people are familiar with it, but it’s essential also to note its fault.
First, many customers complain about this brand and how to use it. Due to poor customer service, it’s not possible to get much after-sale support. The results are high costs to repair when something goes wrong.
Models reviewed include:
- Frigidaire Gallery FGIP2468UF
- Frigidaire Gallery FGID2479SF
- Frigidaire Gallery FGID2476SF
One reviewer called it the worst dishwasher they have ever owned, stating dishes would come out dirtier than when they went in. This dishwasher redistributes the dirt rather than removing it. I have tried cleaning the filter with no improvement. I must use the heavy-duty cycle with high heat to get satisfactory results.
The normal cycle time of 200 minutes was one of the worst among the models tested. To achieve average results, heavily soiled dishes required a water temperature boost and a heavy-duty cycle.
Poor Door Quality
The overall construction of the dishwasher is also poor. Imagine a door that starts falling apart after using the dishwasher for only a few months. Since the springs come off, it’s impossible to close them, meaning you have to call in a repair person to fix it.
Plastic Interior
The brand has a plastic interior which isn’t what many users like. It’s not good quality and can affect the effectiveness of the dishwasher after some time.
Flimsy Racks
The dishwasher has some racks inside where you line up the dishes. However, the upper rack isn’t good quality and falls apart quickly.
None of the Frigidaire full-size dishwashers scored higher than 64 in Consumer Reports, with owner satisfaction ratings as the leading cause of the poor rating. Frigidaire as a brand scored a dismal 1 out of 5 in Owner Satisfaction reviews.
5. Samsung Dishwasher Brand
Samsung continues to take over the world of electronics. Many people use its devices due to the brand name, but is their dishwasher worth it?
Some people would disagree and rate Samsung among dishwasher brands to avoid. The dishwashers have certain flaws worth noting. While Samsung dishwashers performed relatively well in testing, their long-term predicted reliability and owner satisfaction ratings suggest a Samsung dishwasher is a brand to avoid.
Models reviewed include:
- Samsung DW80N3030US
- Samsung DW80R2031US
- Samsung DW80M2020US
The drawbacks to this Samsung dishwasher include a manually cleaned filter and a high noise level. According to customer reviews, the dishwasher doesn’t last and breaks down frequently. It also has a 175-minute wash cycle time, which is considerably higher than other models.
Leaking Problem
The dishwasher had manufacturing flaws that caused it to leak water in your kitchen. Even after fixing it, the problem persists, which can be pretty frustrating.
Error Code
The error code often comes on with the Samsung dishwasher brand. That’s always an indication that there’s a problem. But constantly fixing it is expensive.
Doesn’t Clean Effectively
A dishwasher should clean stuck-on food particles from dishes and ensure they come out clean and sanitary. But, the brand is picky about what to clean and can make dishes dirtier. Overall, cleaning was good, but there are better options compared to the 175-minute cycle time.
Pump Motor Failure
Due to numerous leakages, the pump motor keeps failing. The dishwasher had multiple faulty components, which made the matter worse. Motor failures are mainly due to a filter that has to be manually cleaned that becomes clogged.
Poor Customer Support
The leaking dishwashers are frustrating. You can repair them under warranty. But once it elapses, it’s hard to get any assistance from customer support. Poor customer support is one of the main factors driving the poor owner satisfaction rating.
6. Whirlpool Dishwasher Brand
Probably one of the most popular dishwasher brands in the market is Whirlpool. It’s a recognizable brand that has excellent colors and an impressive finish.
However, the exterior doesn’t match the interior. Many people express their frustrations with this popular dishwasher brand. That’s why it’s among the dishwasher brands to avoid.
Model reviewed: WDT750SAKZ
The Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ doesn’t quite fit the bill for washing performance and drying. One common complaint was water spots on dishes. While it does have a few nice features, such as an adjustable upper rack and delay start, it falls short in other areas, one being its longer 155-minute wash cycle.
The Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ performed well in wash tests, removing baked-on food from dirty dishes. So if you’re looking for a powerful dishwasher that can get the job done, this is an excellent option. However, poor performance in drying cycles pulled the overall Consumer Reports score down to 51.
The Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ is an energy-efficient dishwasher with a solid Energy Star rating.
None of the Whirlpool dishwashers scored higher than 71 in Consumer Reports, with drying capabilities being the Achilles heel driving the poor rating for most models.
7. Kitchen Aid Dishwasher Brand
Poor Cleaning Performance
Drying Is Subpar
Noise and Efficiency is Good
Overall, for the price point of about $1200, better options are available.
8. Amana Dishwasher Brand
- Amana ADB1400AGW
- Amana ADB1500ADS
Good Washing Capabilities
Noisy Operation
Doesn’t Dry Dishes Well
Overall, Owner Satisfaction ratings are poor, even for an affordable dishwasher.
9. Hot Point
As you continue researching the dishwasher brands to avoid, add Hot Point to that list. The Hot Point is known as a budget dishwasher brand. The two models have a 63 score on Consumer Reports which was better performance scores than some of the more respected names listed above.
- HDF330PGRWW
- HDF310PGRWW
Poor Overall Brand Quality
According to Consumer Reports, the Hot Point brand has a 2 out of 5 owner satisfaction and product reliability rating. These faults end up costing you a lot of money at the end of the day. Some of these faults are:
Limited Features
These Hot Point dishwasher models have no adjustable upper rack, no delay start feature, a manually cleaned filter, and were somewhat loud during use. Ultimately, noise and drying were the driving factors to the overall low rating.
This Hot Point dishwasher is not Energy Star rated, meaning it may consume more energy and resources to operate. It’s budget-friendly, with a price of around $375 or less.
3 Dishwasher Brands That Are Reliable (with Models)
Bosch Dishwasher Brand
Bosch tops our list of the best dishwasher brand. According to Consumer Reports, the Bosch Ascenta, 300 Series, and 100 Series are the highest rated dishwashers and have the second-highest Product Reliability rating and Owner Satisfaction rating.
Models reviewed:
- Bosch Ascenta SHE3AR72UC
- Bosch Ascenta SHX3AR75UC
- Bosch 300 Series SHX863WD5N
- Bosch 300 DLX Series SHS863WD5N
- Bosch 100 Series SHEM3AY55N
Bosch tops our list with the second-highest rating because of the price point. With a price point under $1000, Bosch outperformed many well-known brands like GE, Whirlpool, and Maytag.
- The Ascenta series costs around $600 to $780
- The 300 Series costs around $900 to $950
- The 100 Series costs around $600
The Bosch dishwasher brands are rated best in washing, drying, noise, and energy efficiency with one of the shortest wash cycle times on the market. Bosch’s extremely quiet performance ranks it as the quietest dishwasher on the market.
Some, like the Bosch 300 DLX Series SHS863WD5N, feature a middle rack even, hidden controls, and a 150-minute cycle time.
However, owner satisfaction is where Bosch seems to shine. While some complaints exist, the vast majority of the Bosch reviews were positive.
Thermador Dishwasher Brand
Thermador is also a highly rated dishwasher brand. According to Consumer Reports, Thermador is the highest Product Reliability rating and the third-highest Owner Satisfaction rating.
Models reviewed:
- Thermador DWHD650WFM
- Thermador DWHD660WFP
- Thermador DWHD660WPR
Thermador has an excellent rating in both performance and owner satisfaction. However, this luxury dishwasher has a generally higher price point with the models reviewed selling from $1400 to $1800.
Some models are even higher, like the Thermador DWHD770WFM Dishwasher, which has WIFI capabilities in the smart dishwashers category. For the $2300 price, the additional features may not be necessary.
The Thermador dishwasher brands are rated best in several categories, such as drying, noise, and energy efficiency. However, it ranks just under Bosch on washing capability, although not by much. Overall, Thermador is one of the most reliable dishwasher brands that get the job done.
Owner satisfaction of Thermador products seems good with many positive reviews.
Miele Dishwasher Brand
Miele rounds out our list of highly-rated dishwasher brands. According to Consumer Reports, Miele is the highest Owner Satisfaction rating and the third-highest Product Reliability rating.
Models reviewed:
- Miele Classic Plus G4977SCVISF
- Miele Futura Classic G4228SCUSS
Miele is also a luxury brand dishwasher but has a slightly lower price point than Thermador. The models reviewed sell for $1000 to $1200.
Miele dishwashers are rated best in several categories as well. However, it does rank just under Bosch and Thermador on washing capability. It also ranks under Thermador and Bosch in Drying capabilities.
Overall, Miele is a very reliable dishwasher; owners seem to love them and would recommend Miele.
Their 18-inch compact dishwasher, Miele Dimension G4720SCI, did not rate as well due to an average drying score.
In Summary
That completes our dishwasher reviews. Once you note the dishwasher brands to avoid, you can purchase the best in the market. Good customer support, durable appliances, and ease of fixing are the top traits to look for in a new dishwasher.
Therefore, take not of the dishwasher brands to avoid when researching a new dishwasher. Also, an expensive dishwasher doesn’t mean it’s the best to use at home.
