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A Whirlpool dishwasher is a workhorse in the kitchen: load it with grimy dishes and the dishwasher spits them out gleaming clean, no elbow grease needed. Whirlpool has been manufacturing appliances for over a decade, and the brand has earned its reputation for building reliable and effective products. The brand’s dishwashers are among the best on the market, but even if you’ve decided on the Whirlpool brand, there are several models to choose from. Read on to discover the best Whirlpool dishwasher for your kitchen.
- BEST OVERALL: Whirlpool Stainless Steel Top Control Dishwasher
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Whirlpool Energy Star Certified Dishwasher
- BEST QUIET: Whirlpool Dishwasher Large Capacity 3rd Rack, 47 dBA
- BEST FOR SMALL KITCHENS: Whirlpool 18-Inch Built-In Dishwasher
- BEST PORTABLE: Whirlpool 24-Inch Front Control Portable Dishwasher
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Whirlpool Dishwasher
The best Whirlpool dishwashers easily and efficiently remove tough grease and grime from dishes. Since needs can differ from home to home, the ideal dishwasher for your home has the right size, capacity, and wash cycle options for your needs. When shopping for a Whirlpool dishwasher, consider its size, design, material, cycle options, and additional smart functions and convenient features.
Size
Whirlpool manufactures built-in and portable dishwashers. Built-in dishwashers fit under a countertop, while portable dishwashers are set on wheels to move around the kitchen. Most built-in dishwashers are a standard 24-inch width, which will fit most kitchens. Compact dishwashers come in an 18-inch width. To ensure a dishwasher is the right fit, measure the dishwasher space in your kitchen before buying.
Beyond the dishwasher size, also consider its capacity. A 24-inch-wide dishwasher should fit around 12 to 16 place settings in each wash. Additional features can help improve capacity, like an extra flatware tray, an adjustable second-rack height to fit tall items, and folding tines to fit deeper dishes.
Design
Whirlpool dishwashers don’t lack in style; the brand carries a range of aesthetic designs to suit any kitchen. Common exterior finishes include white, black, and stainless steel, and some models also have fingerprint-resistant finishes. Design features can also make the best-cleaning dishwasher options easier to use.
Handle type can influence both the look and the utility of a dishwasher. Some Whirlpool dishwashers feature a recessed handle, while others have a bar handle. A recessed handle keeps the front of the dishwasher flush to the cupboards, but it’s not the best option for those with poor hand dexterity. Recessed handles are often paired with a control panel on the front of the door, which is easier to access but does not have as seamless a look.
Bar handles stick out from the front of the dishwasher. They’re easy to use and provide a place to hang a dish towel. Dishwashers with a bar handle often hide their control panel on the top edge of the door, so it’s hidden when the dishwasher door is closed.
Material
Dishwashers come in a range of finishes, which can include plastic, steel, and stainless steel. The outer material and finish is mainly a matter of style (although metal tends to be the most durable). Choose the finish that best suits your kitchen.
The outside of the dishwasher is important to the appearance, but don’t forget about the tub and rack materials either. While the tub material won’t affect how well the dishwasher cleans, it can affect durability.
Whirlpool dishwashers have a plastic or a stainless steel tub. Stainless steel is more durable, more resistant to odors and stains, and dries faster, but it comes at a premium price. Plastic tubs tend to be more affordable. Plastic also has excellent durability to general wear, but it’s more likely to stain or absorb odors.
The dishwasher rack material is another feature to consider. Most dishwasher racks are made of steel that’s coated with a nylon or a vinyl. These dish racks are affordable and durable, although the coating can break down over time. The most durable option is a fully stainless steel rack, although dishwashers with this rack type are harder to find.
Wash and Dry Cycles
Dishwasher wash cycles vary from appliance to appliance, but almost every machine will have at least three cycle options: light, regular, and heavy. Some other wash cycle options can include an eco-friendly, a sanitize, a delicate, a quick wash, an auto, a half load, or a rinse-only cycle.
Dishwashers with more cycles often come at a higher cost, but this is well worth it for many homes. The option to run a faster cycle (quick wash), cut energy costs (eco-friendly), or ensure that dishes are properly sanitized can save time and give you peace of mind.
Some cheaper dishwashers use the residual heat that is left behind after the cycle finishes to dry the dishes. Others come with dry cycles and use a heating element or a fan to dry dishes. Dry cycles can help ensure that dishes are fully dried every time.
Extra Features
Many dishwashers share a decibel rating which indicates how loud the dishwasher runs. The lower the decibel rating, the quieter the dishwasher (and likely the more expensive). To put decibel rating in perspective, 50 decibels is as loud as an indoor conversation, so a dishwasher running around this level won’t be too disturbing. A rating under 50 decibels is even better, and a rating under 45 decibels is a quiet model.
Almost every appliance nowadays has smart models that can integrate into a smart home, and dishwashers are no exception. Smart dishwashers connect to your local network so you can control and monitor the dishwasher via an app. These convenient models tend to be pricier than their “dumb” counterparts, but they can be worth the extra cost for robust smart homes.
Like other appliances, dishwashers have become more eco-friendly over the last few decades. For even better efficiency, look for features like an eco-mode or an auto-sensing cycle. Eco-modes use less energy, and auto-sensing cycles can use a soil sensor to automatically adjust water use and cycle length, saving energy on lightly soiled loads.
To save energy, also look for Energy Star certification. Energy Star–certified products consume less energy and water than their non-certified counterparts—an Energy Star–certified dishwasher saves around 3,870 gallons of water over its lifetime.
Our Top Picks
A good dishwasher can make cleaning dishes a breeze. We’ve rounded up the best Whirlpool dishwashers to tackle this daily chore.
Best Overall
Whirlpool Stainless Steel Top Control Dishwasher
Pros
- A large capacity
- Excellent wash-cycle options
- A built-in drying fan
- Energy Star certified
Cons
- Lacks a flatware tray
A sleek stainless steel design and several useful functions make this dishwasher a good pick for the average kitchen. It’s a standard size (a 24-inch built-in) and has a clean design with a glossy fingerprint-resistant finish, a bar handle, and hidden top controls.
Besides its sleek look, this dishwasher also has a large capacity and a range of features that make doing dishes easier. Along with a normal and a heavy-duty cycle, this dishwasher also has an eco-friendly sensor cycle, a 1-hour wash cycle for busy days, and a high-temperature and a sani-rinse cycle to more thoroughly clean dishware. The adjustable upper rack allows users to fit in tall items like large pans and serving trays.
Once the cycle is set, this Energy Star–certified dishwasher runs reasonably quietly at just 51 decibels so it won’t disturb day-to-day activities. A built-in fan pulls air into the plastic interior tub to ensure dishes are cabinet-ready when the cycle is done.
Product Specs
- Size: 24-inch built-in
- Capacity: 15 place settings
- Noise level: 51 decibels
Get the Whirlpool stainless steel top control dishwasher at The Home Depot, at Whirlpool, or at AJ Madison.
Best Bang for the Buck
Whirlpool Energy Star Certified Dishwasher
Pros
- An economical price
- Energy Star certified
- A good capacity
- A heated-dry option
Cons
- Lacks adjustable racks
- Lacks a flatware tray
- A less stylish design
This affordable and Energy Star–certified option is the best built-in dishwasher for those who are on a budget but still want a high-performing appliance. And since this appliance is Energy Star certified, it will also help households save on energy and water bills.
To tackle a range of needs, this dishwasher has the expected normal and heavy-duty wash options, as well as a speedy 1-hour wash cycle, a soak and clean cycle, and a sani-rinse option. To make more space for dishes, this dishwasher features a removable silverware basket that can fit on the rack or in the door. For full loads, a heated-dry option helps ensure that dishes and cutlery come out dry.
Part of the savings come from this dishwasher’s plastic inner tub and its lack of adjustable racks or a third flatware rack. This appliance also runs a little louder than many Whirlpool dishwashers at 55 decibels.
Product Specs
- Size: 24-inch built-in
- Capacity: 14 place settings
- Noise level: 55 decibels
Get the Whirlpool Energy Star certified dishwasher at Whirlpool, at The Home Depot, or at AJ Madison.
Best Quiet
Whirlpool Dishwasher Large Capacity 3rd Rack, 47 dBA
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Includes a flatware tray and an adjustable second rack
- Energy Star certified
- A delay-start function
Cons
- Long wash cycles
A loud dishwasher can be disruptive, especially in small homes or in households that use the kitchen for relaxing, working, or studying. This Energy Star–certified model from Whirlpool is the best 24-inch dishwasher for those looking for a quieter option. Running at 47 decibels, it’s the quietest choice on this list.
This built-in dishwasher packs in several features along with its hushed operation. It features a stainless steel tub with an adjustable second rack, folding tines, and a third flatware rack to free up space and accommodate hard-to-fit dishware and utensils. A sensor cycle, a quick-wash cycle, a soak-and-clean cycle, and a sani-rinse option help to tackle any cleaning job.
For those who prefer to run the dishwasher overnight or when the house is empty, this dishwasher has a 1- to 24-hour delay-start option that lets users set a time when the dishes will be washed. When dishes are spick and span, users can opt to use the heated-dry feature.
Product Specs
- Size: 24-inch built-in
- Capacity: 13 place settings
- Noise level: 47 decibels
Get the Whirlpool large-capacity dishwasher with a 3rd rack at Best Buy, Abt, or Appliances Connection.
Best for Small Kitchens
Whirlpool 18-Inch Built-In Dishwasher
Pros
- A compact size
- Energy Star certified
- A stainless steel tub
- A heated-dry option
Cons
- Has fewer cycle options than others
- Smaller capacity
Some small kitchens lack the space for a standard dishwasher. For tight spaces, compact dishwashers (which usually measure 18 inches wide) are an excellent option. This 18-inch built-in model from Whirlpool is the best stainless steel dishwasher for those with limited kitchen space.
Despite its smaller size (it fits only eight place settings), it’s still packed with various features to get dishes clean and dry. It features a normal cycle, a heavy cycle, a quick wash, and a hi-temp wash cycle to cater to different levels of grime. A heated-dry setting gets dishes cupboard-ready so you can unload them without using a dish towel.
An adjustable upper rack allows users to make space for tall items. One last nice touch in this Energy Star–certified dishwasher is the stain- and odor-resistant stainless steel tub.
Product Specs
- Size: 18-inch built-in
- Capacity: 8 place settings
- Noise level: 50 decibels
Get the Whirlpool 18-inch built-in compact dishwasher at Appliances Connection and AJ Madison.
Best Portable
Whirlpool 24-Inch Front Control Portable Dishwasher
Pros
- Easy to move
- A decent capacity
- Provides extra counter space
Cons
- Not Energy Star certified
- Noisy
Portable dishwashers are the best choice for homes that don’t have counter space for a built-in option. This portable dishwasher includes many of the best Whirlpool dishwasher features into an appliance on wheels.
This Energy Star–certified dishwasher includes some of Whirlpool’s most useful wash cycle options, with a normal, a heavy, a 1-hour wash, and a high-temperature wash option. On the normal cycle, a soil sensor helps to adjust the cycle to how dirty the load is, saving water and energy on daily cycles. Like the other dishwashers on this list, this portable model also has a heated-dry option that helps dry out the dishes in the plastic interior.
A tabletop cover allows this dishwasher to double as an extra worktop, and rolling casters make it easier to move the appliance around the kitchen.
Product Specs
- Size: 24-inch portable
- Capacity: 12 place settings
- Noise level: 64 decibels
Get the Whirlpool 24-inch front control portable dishwasher at Best Buy or at Abt.
Our Verdict
The Whirlpool Stainless Steel Top Control Dishwasher features an attractive design, a large capacity, and robust wash cycle options to tackle daily dish scrubbing. For a more affordable option, consider the Whirlpool Energy Star certified dishwasher, which includes excellent features for its reasonable price.
How We Chose the Best Whirlpool Dishwashers
Compared to some other household appliances, choosing a dishwasher is rather straightforward. Dishwashers tend to have fewer fancy features than refrigerators or washing machines, but their relative simplicity makes performance all the more important—the best dishwashers get dishes sparkling clean with little effort on your part.
We considered 15 Whirlpool dishwashers, judging each model based on performance. Through researching product specifications and reading reviews from trusted sources and consumers, we evaluated dishwashers based on ease of use, design, and cleaning performance. When it came to ease of use, we took ease of loading, capacity, and noise level into consideration. Design encompassed aesthetics, performance, and durability. Lastly, the dishwashers on our list have a good track record of cleaning and drying dishes; no prewashing or additional cycles needed.
FAQs
Not only do dishwashers save time in the kitchen, they also tend to use less water than washing dishes by hand. A good dishwasher is an excellent investment for your kitchen, and Whirlpool makes some of the best. If you’re still considering which is the best Whirlpool dishwasher for your home, consider the frequently asked questions and answers ahead.
Q. Are Whirlpool dishwashers dependable?
Yes, Whirlpool has a good track record for making dependable products, and their dishwashers come with a limited warranty.
Q. How long do Whirlpool dishwashers last?
Similar to other dishwashers, you can expect a Whirlpool dishwasher to last around 10 years.
Q. How quiet are Whirlpool dishwashers?
Many Whirlpool dishwashers have an average decibel rating around 50 decibels.
Q. Do I need to rinse my dishes before putting them in my Whirlpool dishwasher?
No, it is not necessary to prerinse dishes before loading them in a Whirlpool dishwasher.
Q. How well does a Whirlpool dishwasher dry dishes?
Drying performance can depend on the model. In general, Whirlpool has a reputation for good performance, but checking consumer reviews can help determine if the Whirlpool model you are considering leaves dishes dry.
Q. Are there child locks on Whirlpool dishwashers?
Many Whirlpool dishwashers have a child-lock feature, which is an excellent function to consider for homes with young children.
Q. Are Whirlpool and KitchenAid the same company?
No. Although KitchenAid is owned by the Whirlpool Corporation parent company, Whirlpool and KitchenAid are not the same company.
Q. Do I need extra Whirlpool dishwasher parts to install a new Whirlpool dishwasher?
It depends on the model. Check the manual or installation guide to determine if additional parts are needed for installation.
