The 8 Best Built In Dishwashers
Updated by · How we research
Eight 24-inch and 18-inch built-in dishwashers compared by noise, racks, sensors, capacity and drying. The Sharp SDW6736MS ranks first. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Built-in dishwashers usually run 24 inches wide, but slim 18-inch models suit small kitchens, and one here is narrow enough to slip into the opening left by an old trash compactor. A built-in sits permanently under the counter, wired in and plumbed to a hot water line and drain. This list covers both sizes, for apartments and condos as well as big households.
Editor's Notes
October 17, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Admin:
The Sharp SDW6736MS now ranks first, bringing features usually found on pricier machines, such as a sliding third rack and wash zones, to a 24-inch built-in. Most of the 2021 version of this list had disappeared. The Bosch 800 Series, the Danby 18 Inch, the Avanti SS Panel and the Hotpoint Full Console are no longer available, and we couldn't confirm that the Frigidaire, Fisher & Paykel and Amana models are still sold new. The Kuppet Countertop was never a built-in at all. The LG LDP6810SS and the EdgeStar BIDW1802WH stay, joined by newer 24-inch machines such as the Sharp SDW6736MS and the SPT SD-6505SS, and slim 18-inch picks like the Midea MDF18A1AST.
One honest caveat. The brands that win lab tests, such as Bosch and Miele, are sold mostly through appliance dealers, so they appear as special honors instead of ranked entries we couldn't verify. We also left out several 18-inch models that share the same chassis, because they'd have been near-copies of each other. That's why this list stops at eight.
March 30, 2021:
Not only great for busy households and large families, a dishwasher can also clean more effectively and is more hygienic. Most modern machines are built into the kitchen cabinets and feature a drop-down door, which can either be in the same finish as the appliance or can be retrofitted with a panel to match the rest of the kitchen. In this update, we removed several outdated models and replaced them with their most up-to-date counterparts.
Dishwashers generally come in two sizes, a standard 24-inch model and a compact 18-inch one. 18-inch models are good for small families or kitchens with limited space and usually have an eight-place setting capacity. The EdgeStar 8-Place, the Avanti SS Panel, and the Danby 18 Inch are all compact options that are available in a variety of finishes, with the latter featuring a smart setting that detects how dirty the dishes are and selects the best cycle. The Kuppet Countertop is a notable option as it can also be used as a freestanding model. Its sleek glass door and stainless steel accents will complement any modern kitchen decor and incorporate the electronic touch controls.
24-inch models usually have a 12-16 place setting capacity, and choosing the best one will depend on which features you value the most. The Bosch 800 Series is an extremely quiet option thanks to multiple insulation layers and a sound-absorbing base, it also is one of the largest, with room for 16 place settings. The LG Top Control, although quite expensive, boasts Wi-Fi connectivity that works with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to start wash cycles at any time, monitor performance, check cycle status and lock and unlock the door, all from your smartphone.
February 21, 2020:
A lot of the models on our previous list were a bit outdated, as various companies have come out with new versions since. One of those new models is the Frigidaire Energy Star 24-Inch, which offers very simple controls that let you manipulate a variety of effective cycle settings. The balance of features, from its capacity to its run times and self-cleaning filtration system, position this model at the top of the market.
We added a few new models from a selection of trustworthy companies, as well, including the Bosch Benchmark Series 24-Inch, which is one of the quietest options available, running below 40 decibels. The only thing holding this otherwise very capable model back is the user interface, which may require frequent trips to the included manual until you find the settings that work best for your dishes.
We also included a few boutique models in our special honors section that offer things like app connectivity, a wide variety of color options, and reliable cleaning functions. They're all a bit more expensive than our primary offerings, but are worth it if you want to customize the look and performance of your kitchen.
Special Honors
Bosch Dishwashers Bosch's 24-inch dishwashers are the ones independent testers rank highest most often. Reviewed's top overall pick for 2026 is the Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N, which Bosch rates at 42 decibels, and Yale Appliance's 2026 service data puts Bosch at 7.8% service calls, below the 8.8% average. Panel-ready versions blend into cabinetry. They're sold mainly through appliance dealers and Bosch's own site. bosch-home.com
Miele Dishwashers Miele makes premium dishwashers and had the lowest service-call rate, 5.6%, in Yale Appliance's 2026 data. Yale's top panel-ready pick is the Miele G 7186, rated at 42 decibels, and Reviewed also recommends the Miele G 5266. Expect to pay well above anything on the main list, which is why Miele sits here. mieleusa.com
Measure The Opening, Then Pick A Width
Slimline models are 18 inches wide and hold about eight, which suits one or two people, a small kitchen or the space left by an old trash compactor.
A built-in dishwasher is fixed under the counter and connected to a hot water line, a drain and a 120-volt power supply, unlike a portable model on wheels or a countertop unit that hooks to the faucet. Most are 24 inches wide and hold about 12 to 16 place settings. Slimline models are 18 inches wide and hold about eight, which suits one or two people, a small kitchen or the space left by an old trash compactor. Measure before you shop: Sharp gives a typical 24-inch cutout as 24 inches wide, 34 inches high (35 at most) and 24 inches deep, and Reviewed's buying guide advises checking width and depth for a flush fit. The two widths aren't interchangeable. Check what's in the box, too. Several of these machines come without a power cord plug or a water supply line, and the drain needs a high loop or an air gap as your local code requires. If you're not comfortable with plumbing and wiring, hire a licensed installer and follow the manual. Panel-ready models take a front that matches your cabinets.
Noise, Cleaning Power And Reliability
Noise is rated in decibels (dBA), and lower is quieter. Reviewed calls about 44 to 49 dBA quiet enough for most homes and 38 to 43 dBA the range to look for in an open-plan kitchen. Every rating on this list comes from the maker, not an independent measurement. For cleaning, look for a soil sensor that adjusts the wash to how dirty the water is, an internal water heater, extra spray arms or a sprayer for pots, and steam or high-temperature options for baked-on food. Reviewed's buying guide notes that much cheaper machines often skip sensors and heaters, so they can use more water and energy and clean less thoroughly. That's the trade-off with the budget models here. A third rack frees space for utensils, and a stainless steel tub holds heat for drying better than plastic. On reliability, Yale Appliance's 2026 service data, drawn from more than 7,000 units it sold, puts the average service-call rate at 8.8%, with Miele at 5.6%, Bosch at 7.8%, KitchenAid at 8.2% and Fisher & Paykel at 16.6%. No comparable figures exist for Sharp, SPT, Midea, EdgeStar, Cosmo or Honeywell.
Energy Star, Water Use And The Pre-Rinse Question
Under the current Energy Star criteria, a standard dishwasher may use no more than 240 kilowatt-hours a year and 3.2 gallons a cycle, and a compact one no more than 155 kilowatt-hours and 2 gallons. Compact means fewer than eight place settings plus six serving pieces, so most 18-inch models count as standard. The yellow EnergyGuide label shows each model's yearly energy use and estimated running cost. The Energy Star claims on this page come from sellers, so confirm a model in the Energy Star product finder before you buy. Energy Star's own advice answers the most common question: don't rinse dishes before loading. Scrape food into the trash and let the machine do the rest, and use a rinse cycle only if dishes will sit overnight. Run full loads, use an energy-saving cycle when you can, and turn off heated drying if you don't need it. By Energy Star's count, a certified machine uses less than half the energy of washing the same dishes by hand.
How we researched this
We screened about 30 built-in dishwasher listings, looked closely at 21 models and narrowed them to eight. We read makers' and sellers' spec sheets, used Reviewed's lab results and buying guide and Yale Appliance's service-call data as benchmarks for the category, followed Energy Star's published criteria, analyzed patterns in owner feedback, and checked every brand for recalls with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. No independent lab tests exist for most of these models. Noise ratings and Energy Star claims are the makers' and sellers' figures.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best built-in dishwasher?
Among models sold widely online, the Sharp SDW6736MS offers the best mix of a low noise rating, a sliding third rack and an extra sprayer for pots at a moderate price. For a major brand with steam cleaning, consider the LG LDP6810SS. Lab testers' favorites, mainly Bosch and Miele, are sold through appliance dealers.
Do I need to rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher?
No. Energy Star advises scraping food off and skipping the rinse, which wastes water. Use the machine's rinse cycle if dishes will sit for a while. Models with a soil sensor, steam or a high-temperature wash handle dried-on food best.
How quiet should a dishwasher be?
Reviewed calls 44 to 49 decibels quiet enough for most homes and 38 to 43 decibels the target for open-plan kitchens. The ratings on this page come from the makers, not independent tests.
Is an 18-inch dishwasher big enough?
For one or two people, usually. Most 18-inch models hold about eight place settings, against 12 to 16 for a 24-inch machine. Large pots and platters are harder to fit.
Which dishwashers are the most energy efficient?
Look for Energy Star certification: a standard model may use no more than 240 kilowatt-hours a year and 3.2 gallons a cycle. Compare the yearly figures on the yellow EnergyGuide label, and confirm a model in Energy Star's product finder.
Which dishwasher brands are the most reliable?
In Yale Appliance's 2026 service data, Miele had the lowest service-call rate at 5.6%, followed by Bosch at 7.8% and KitchenAid at 8.2%, against an 8.8% average. No such data exists for most budget brands.
