There are good reasons as to why dishwashers remain to be one of the most loved home appliances out there. Dishwashing can be daunting and having a machine that would reduce that workload means more after-dinner downtime with family and friends. It is easy to resort to any brand of dishwashers thinking, what could go wrong if they are built for one purpose, right?
In this post, you would know that not all dishwasher brands and for that matter, you need to be aware about what dishwasher brands to avoid. So, take these words of caution and read on.
Related: 5 Appliances That Come In Most Handy In a Kitchen
Does the dishwasher’s brand really matter?
Yes and no. Both top and low rated brands are ranked as such because of their consistency especially in terms of performance. As such, a brand’s reputation is directly correlated to brand issues and reports so yes, brand names matter.
On the other hand, brand names can be overrated too and that is why dishwasher brand names do not always matter too. Sure, some disliked brands can be a steal for some, and some liked brands may be a bust. So, when it comes to brand names, remember that it could only go so much.
9 dishwasher brands to avoid
This list of dishwasher brands to avoid is based on first, statistical evidence from customer surveys and second, through anecdotal evidence from major review platforms posted by actual people who have experienced using it. From these two, overall brand reputation, performance and customer satisfaction led to what dishwasher brands to avoid.
1. Bosch Benchmark
This might come as a shocker because Bosch is a known appliance brand. But when it comes to dishwashers, they might not be the most reputable. For one, they are not very energy efficient. Runtime is at 2.5hrs and longer, plus it consumes a lot of water at every run.
In a Yale Appliance study, they only had a 35.7% efficiency rating and testimonies reveal that Bosch dishwashers might need to be repaired in just 12-months. So, if you insist on having one of these, save some money for repairs.
2. Electrolux
One can easily be lured by the sleek, stainless steel exterior of this dishwasher but you must know that it is one of the dishwasher brands that have consistently taken a ‘POOR’ rating from Consumer Reports in the last five years.
Rummaging through the complaints of those who have tried using one, the major issue is its very noisy dishwashing. Field reports say it is at least at 45dB (which is likened to bird calls). And in contrast to their energy efficient labelling, it rakes electric bill costs. Operation wise, the top controls are said to have stopped working at the 10-12th month.
3. Fisher and Paykel
Check this dishwasher on Amazon
You would not expect a bad dishwasher reputation from a luxury brand like Fisher and Paykel but actual experiences from customers do not lie. At least 29% of all F&P dishwashers have been reported to have faulty controls and required repair in less than a year.
Other issues included inefficient stain removals and noisy running at the 6th month mark. And because they are a premium brand, you would expect more money to be spent when it comes to repairs.
4. Frigidaire
Check this Frigidaire dishwasher on Amazon
5. JennAir
Truth be told, this brand generated mixed results. At one end, it is rated reliable but there is another half claiming it is not. To settle this, we sifted through reviews and reports that expressed their satisfaction with the brand quantitatively.
This was also backed up by a study from Yale, stating that JennAir dishwashers needed to be serviced in less than 12 months after purchasing it. The most common issue would be its loud, grinding sound when it runs.
6. Miele
To be fair, the dishwashers of this brand are rated as one of the longest-lasting ones. In the last three years, appliance studies reveal that at least 20% of their sold dishwashers had to be serviced in just less than a year. But in their defense, this brand’s dishwashers may still have a longer lifespan than most.
Aside from this, their poor rating is also because of their bad customer service. Anecdotal evidence points to impolite sales representatives and lack of action from the company after filing complaints.
7. Samsung
Check this Samsung dishwasher on Amazon
It is shocking to find Samsung on this list given its wide range of high-tech gadgets and appliances. Unfortunately, it does not live up to its technological edge when it comes to their dishwashers.
It is in the top three of the worst-rated dishwasher brands according to Consumer Reports. The main issue customers have with Samsung dishwashers would be its overall reliability and performance. Malfunctions and premature repairs clout these reliability issues the most.
8. Insignia
This brand might have been short when it comes to dishwashers. As usual, the exterior finish and its relative inexpensiveness are attractive and luring but customers claim that the issues appear just a few weeks after installation.
For one, the control panel starts having issues. Some buttons do not work immediately after being pressed and it does not dispense detergent efficiently. The major point of concern, however, is its inability to hold the utensils in place, the dishes not being able to fit inside and its poor performance in removing stains.
9. Viking
This one is a mainstream brand for refrigerators and freezers but when it comes to dishwashers, it might not be the best brand. Consumer Reports claimed that when it comes to overall performance and energy efficiency, this dishwasher brand is just at a 24% rating.
As a matter of fact, their survey revealed that those who owned Viking dishwashers expressed the most regret and frustration over their dishwashers just a few weeks after installation. Its rating is so low that taking a chance on it no matter how your mind insists would just be irrational.
3 most reliable dishwashers
Almost all dishwasher brands use reliability as a selling point but only really a few ones could live up to that talk. With that at hand, here are three of the most reliable dishwasher brands that prove that you are just one good choice away from having a dishwasher that would last for years.
1. GE
This one has been around for a long time and has since established a commendable reputation for all its appliances including dishwashers. Its major upside is the brand’s constant technology innovation to make the dishwashing experience felt at a new level.
The infusion of smart technology has been a source of awe for customers the past three years. Plus, their reliable customer service is off the charts. And considering these advantages, you would be surprised to know that the price is just mid-range.
2. Thermador
When it comes to engineering, quality of materials and reliability, this brand has been racking those departments up through the years and with consistency. Statistics and customer reviews reveal that the first repair you would encounter with this brand is 5 years after continuous using.
In terms of functionality, it also does not disappoint. While it can be considered as high-end, pricewise, it is still a leading dishwasher brand compared to its expensive, damage prone counterparts.
3. Whirlpool
The reliability of Whirlpool as a brand, in general and not just when it comes to dishwashers, is well-earned. Based on the Yale Appliance study which ranked the untrusted dishwasher brands, only 3% of all Whirlpool dishwashers were reported to have working problems.
Aside from this, their customer service is also rated as very responsive and commendable. The interval between the complaint and the action is short and they have a good feedbacking and checking scheme. The major plus is that you get all these services from the dishwasher and the customer service in just a few bucks.
What should I look for when buying a dishwasher?
Dishwashers are a big investment, financially speaking. As such, you do not want to base your decision on what to buy based on just looks and whim. To help you in narrowing down the best dishwasher choice for your home, here is a list of buying tips for you.
#1. Dishwasher type
There are two types of dishwashers: built-in and free standing. For a neat, streamlined look, you can opt for the built-in type as it seamlessly coincides with all the other fixtures of the kitchen.
Free-standing types on the other hand can be large or smaller and more portable. If you do not think that it would not be in the same spot permanently, choose the free-standing type.
#2. Cleaning performance
This should be the top feature to look for because this is what dishwashers are all about.
If you intend to go all-in with a dishwasher, look for upgraded cleaning features such as concentrated wash sprayers for items that need thorough washing like glasswares and sports bottles or power washing feature for greasy items or those with water softeners to reduce the need for hard water and ensure cost-efficiency.
#3. Drying performance
This is another important feature to look out for when it comes to a dishwasher. You would not want to do manual drying that is why you bought a dishwasher in the first place so choose one that is up for it.
Aside from this, poor drying performance means paving way for mold buildup. That is unsanitary and a serious health risk.
#4. Running performance
You would want a dishwasher with a quiet running performance. Since they are usually placed in the kitchen, having a noisy dishwasher can lessen the quality of family time in the dining room and in the adjacent living room.
You must understand however, that the decibel rating of dishwashers also affects their overall cost. But a noiseless dishwasher is always worth the bucks too. Anything less than 44dba is a good deal.
#5. Cycles
Just because a dishwasher comes with many cycles would mean that it would do its job. Chances are, you would not need them all. So, when it comes to this feature, you must look for the following universal dishwasher cycles:
- Normal cycle: the most energy efficient dishwasher cycle
- Quick/express cycle: typically lasts an hour and with an average soiling level
- Heavy cycle: for pots, pans and heavily soiled kitchen ware; uses more water, higher temperature and runs longer
- Auto cycle: sensor detects the soil level of the kitchen ware and adjusts operation accordingly
- Rinse cycle: uses the least amount of water for minimally soiled kitchen ware
- China and crystals: delicate washing cycle for delicate ceramic and glass kitchenware
- Energy saving: duration is like regular cycle but uses less water and energy
- Sanitization: specifically innovated to kill bacteria using very high temperature
- Steam pre-wash: used to eliminate stains and soils before the actual washing cycle
- Steam wash: used for dry soiling
Good dishwashers also come with extra buttons to enhance cycles. The most common ones would be the extra hot button to increase temperature in the washer, half-load for washing just the top and bottom rack, extra dry which activates heaters for faster drying, and delay button to run the dishwasher at a desired duration even when you are not around.
#6. Smart features
When it comes to technological advancement, dishwashers do not come last. We owe the ease of use and energy efficiency of some dishwasher brands on their smart features. One is through WiFi connectivity.
Remote operation means that you can activate and close your dishwasher through a phone app. You can also use smart assistants like Google or Alexa in maintenance checks and other functions like checking the remaining cycle time and more.
#7. Build
When it comes to interior and exterior finishes, stainless steel build is still the prime option. It also pays to have a well-organized dishwasher build for ease of access and for a space-saving arrangement of the kitchenware inside.
Foldable tines are a major plus for extra space especially for delicate ware and those larger ones. Adjustable racks and an additional third rack would seal the deal.
#8. Maintenance and installation
These are the exact reasons why you need to know which dishwasher brands to avoid. Repairs and a lot of premature replacements along the way may become more expensive than the actual price of the dishwasher so you must know the right installation and maintenance steps of your dishwasher.
Regularly check for drain pump clogging. Filters need to be cleaned regularly too. And for what it is worth, only choose reliable dish detergents.
#9. Energy efficiency
If you already have brand options in mind, the final draw would be their energy star rating. This rating is based on a lot of factors but one would be eco-cycle, speed wash option and smart cycle options and other buttons that do not rely on a lot of water and electricity.
FAQs
Given the range of buying tips and the numerous brands of dishwashers out there, you need other handy information to help you in deciding which one to go for. With this, here are some FAQs about dishwashers and dishwasher brands for you.
How long should dishwashers last?
Depending on the brand, dishwashers should last at an average of 10 years. Aside from this average lifespan, good maintenance of course adds to the overall longevity of your dishwasher.
How much do dishwashers cost?
It depends on the brand and the features but on an average, dishwashers range from $500-3000. Washing, drying and soil sensors are staple features of dishwashers, and you can get decent brands that are even below $500 for that. But of course, if you are eyeing for more ergonomic features like smart connectivity, prepare at least $800-1000 for that.
Is Beko a good brand dishwasher?
Beko is an established appliance brand and when it comes to dishwashers, you can count on it for its efficiency. This brand is most notable for its cost efficient, full size free-standing dishwashers. As far as anecdotal evidence is concerned, it is considered economical and with a powerful dishwashing performance.
Is Haier a good dishwasher brand?
The dishwashers of the Haier brand only come in 18” and 24” sizes. So, if you are looking for a compact dishwasher, yes, Haier is a good brand. Their compact dishwashers are rated 3.0 in terms of energy star which is already commendable for such sizes.
Is Tupperware brand dishwashers safe?
While this container brand has earned its ‘built to last’ selling point, you have to know that not all Tupperware containers are dishwasher friendly. Remember that it is an intergenerational brand so to make sure that you have dishwasher safe Tupperware, locate that symbol featuring a glass with water droplets or plates with accompanying diagonal lines.
These are the only Tupperware that is dishwasher safe. Another tip when it comes to containers with this logo is to keep them in the top rack when dishwashing them.
Is Thermos brand dishwasher safe?
Yes. Specifically, all Thermos brands are top-rack dishwasher safe. However, they should not be placed there under high temperature washing and with abrasive or strong detergent because of their delicate coating. Damaging the coating means lessening the insulating level of the Thermos as well as its lifespan.
Are insulated mugs dishwashers safe?
No. The reason behind this is that they are coated with a vacuum seal and the high temperature from the dishwasher would melt this seal. Like Thermos brands and other insulated wares, without their insulating material, they would not last long, causing leaks at some point until they are no longer safe to use.
What other items should not be put in the dishwasher?
To give you a comprehensive view of what not to put in the dishwasher, here is a list of non-dishwasher safe wares.
- Sharp and hollow-handled knives
- Nonstick pots and pans
- China ware with metallic accents
- Iron cast pans
- Hand painted ceramics
- Lead crystal ware
- Pressure cooker lid
- Gold-colored flatware
- Wood or aluminum ware
- Acrylic dish
- Measuring cups
- Anything with paper labels
- Wares with big food pieces
Do dishwashers pose health risks?
In a report by Daily Mail, recent health researchers establish that 60% of dishwashers are potential niches of hot and humid loving fungi like Candida parapsilosis, Rhodotorula, and Exophiala, among others. This is the reason why regular maintenance and ensuring that the dishwasher is dry before and after use are essential in ensuring that this would not happen to your dishwasher.
How much water can be saved when using the dishwasher?
There is a reason why dishwashers are more efficient than hand washing and one of those advantages would be water conservation. Every week, you are saving 100 gallons of water if you are using the dishwasher compared to washing the dishes by hand.
The reason for this is simple: each cycle of the dishwasher uses a fixed amount of water while hand washing the dishes means that the faucet is continuously on during the rinsing phase. You cannot regulate the amount of water from the faucet compared to using a dishwasher.
Should the dishwasher be running daily?
The rule of thumb is to never run the dishwasher until it is full. It is normal to leave the dishwasher for a day if it is not yet full. So, depending on the amount of kitchenware you are washing daily, dishwashers should not be necessarily on the run every day.
Is it cheaper to run dishwashers at night?
Interestingly, yes. There is lesser consumption of electricity late at night and since it no longer competes with some lights on, the TV and other appliances, it was found out that indeed, dishwashers are cheaper to run at night time.
Conclusion
With our fast-paced lifestyle, there is no debate when it comes to dishwashers being necessary appliances every home should have. But it must be understood too that it is a big investment, and it must be chosen well for the benefits to outweigh the cost of buying one.
Thankfully, we have reviews and appliances studies to turn to when the choice is hard and knowing which dishwasher brands to avoid is also a good plus.
