A dishwasher runs for an hour or more, usually in the evening, often in a kitchen that opens onto the living room. Above $800 the makers compete on noise, and they print the figures to prove it.
We read the product pages, spec sheets and manuals for 21 full size built-in dishwashers from 14 brands. Their figures run from 38 to 48 dBA, and the quietest are not always the most expensive.
Our picks are listed above, with full specifications for each.
38 dBA is the floor
Three makers list 38 dBA: Samsung for the Bespoke DW90F89T0USRAA, Bosch for the pocket handle Benchmark SHP9PCM5N and JennAir for the RISE JDAF5924RL. A crowd follows at 39, including GE Profile, Café, KitchenAid, Beko and Bosch's bar handle Benchmark. LG's STUDIO lists 40, Cove 41, and a large group sits at 42, including Bosch's 800 Series, Thermador's Star Sapphire, LG's LDPH7972D, Samsung's StormWash+ and Fisher & Paykel's Series 9.
With so many models within a few decibels, the figure alone cannot pick the winner. Price, stock and what the number means do.
Not every number is the same kind
Most brands print a plain dBA with no condition. The exceptions matter:
- Miele lists "dB(A) re 1 pW", which is sound power, not the figure the US brands print. It also lists an Extra Quiet program at 37 dB(A).
- ASKO labels its 39 dB(A) "Noise level (max)" and markets 37 dB(A) in Night mode.
- JennAir is the only brand to name the cycle: its 38 dBA is "Based on Normal Cycle."
- Fisher & Paykel's DishDrawer figure covers one drawer: "Noise on standard cycle top drawer 42dBA".
- Cove qualifies its 41 dBA as "Model and cycle/option dependent".
- Samsung footnotes its StormWash+ figure "Based on internal testing."
No maker names a test standard for its noise figure. The sound power vs sound pressure explainer explains why Miele's number is a different kind.
The handle changes the number
Bosch's Benchmark is sold with a pocket handle, SHP9PCM5N, and a bar handle, SHX9PCM5N. Bosch lists the first at 38 dBA and the second at 39, on both the product pages and the spec sheets. When we checked, only the 39 dBA version was in stock. If a figure matters to you, check it against the exact model number, not the series name.
Sale prices change the ranking
At list price, the quietest models cost $1,300 to $3,000. On sale, the picture changes: Samsung's 38 dBA Bespoke was $999 against $1,299, GE Profile's 39 dBA PDT795SYVFS $1,099 against $1,499, and Café's 39 dBA CDT888P2VS1 $1,664 against $1,849. GE and Café label those offers clearance, so they may not last. Check the price on the day you buy.
Luxury is not always quieter
Thermador is Bosch's premium stablemate, yet its quietest model lists 42 dBA at $2,499, and its Emerald lists 48 dBA at $1,399. JennAir's 38 and Miele's 39 dB(A) of sound power show that premium brands can be quiet too, but the badge is not the rating. Read the figure.
Under $800
The quietest we found under $800 is LG's LDPH7972D, 42 dBA for $799 on sale. At full list price, Whirlpool's WDT750SAKZ lists 47 dBA for $679. Our under $800 guide covers that range in detail.
We did not measure any of these dishwashers. Every figure is the maker's own, quoted as published, with the condition or quantity each maker attaches to it.
