The quietest dishwashers are the perfect appliance for anyone who's ever been fed up of hearing the sloshing and groaning of their dishwasher. Thanks to technological innovations, modern appliances are designed to keep the noise down. Clever features such as insulation, choice of materials, and quiet motors help transform your kitchen into a calmer environment.
Selecting one of the best dishwashers for noise levels may be a priority if you have an open-plan kitchen, allowing you to maximize your space. Plus, a quiet model won’t keep you up at night, making it a superb choice if you tend to run a wash in the early hours.
Noise levels are measured in decibels, with 40 dB being the equivalent of a library. Decibels are on a logarithmic scale, meaning 50 dB sounds about twice as loud as 40 dB. You may also see dBA, which indicates the measurement has been adjusted to reflect how it sounds to the human ear. The dishwashers in our guide range from 38 dB to 44 dB. Be mindful that the same appliance may sound different depending on the setting. Soft furnishings such as rugs can dampen sounds, for example.
The quietest dishwashers we recommend in 2024
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We've found the quietest dishwasher available to consumers so that you can rest assured that you won't hear a peep out of it during its cycle. However, if you don't fancy the LG dishwasher below, we've also provided four other options for you to peruse – including a budget-friendly option at just under $750.
The quietest dishwasher: Our top pick
The LG signature LUDP8908SN is our top pick of the quietest dishwashers. At 38 dBA, it’s the acoustic equivalent of a hushed library.
The LG signature LUDP8908SN scores a decent 4.4 out of 5 on Home Depot. Many reviewers praised the seriously quiet operation. Others were impressed by the thorough cleaning. There were gripes about longer running times and reports that the drying function left a little to be desired, though most customers were satisfied.
That makes it the perfect choice if you work from the kitchen table. It’s gentle on the ears thanks to clever technology, including the Inverter Direct Drive Motor and the triple filtration system.
The minimalist design will fit seamlessly into your kitchen. But it’s not just about looks - this model is packed with impressive features. You can expect sparkling results with Quadwash, with four multi-motion spray arms reaching every nook and cranny. Plus, there are three racks for added flexibility.
A big draw is the TrueSteam feature, which reduces the appearance of watermarks by up to 60%, resulting in crystal-clear glassware. There are ten cycles to choose from, including a half-load option, an eco-friendly choice for smaller loads. This model is smartphone-compatible, enabling you to operate it on the go.
All of this is rounded off with a 1-year parts and labor warranty, and the motor is guaranteed for ten years, giving you peace of mind. At around $1899 (at the time of writing), it is more expensive than other models. However, if a quiet dishwasher is a top priority, then it may be worth the investment to you.
The quietest dishwasher: more great picks
While the LG Signature LUDP8908SN is technically the quietest dishwasher you can buy, the options below only differ by a matter of 1-6 decibels, which may not even be noticeable to you. We're particularly excited by the Magic Chef dishwasher, which is almost half the price of the other models and is still only 44 dBA.
Sound rating: 44 dBA
Features: 3rd rack, Half load, 8 wash cycles, Extra Dry, Delay Start
On a budget? The Magic Chef MCSDW8TCST delivers quiet operation for less at a bargain price of $749. At 44 dBA, it is slightly louder than the other appliances on this list – and there are also fewer bells and whistles. However, it’s a decent machine that's whisper-quiet. Several reviews praise the easy installation. Unlike other quiet models, soundproofing is conveniently built-in. If you’re looking to save money on your energy bills, you’ll be pleased to know that Magic Chef MCSDW8TCST is Energy Star certified, which is better for the planet and your wallet. There are 3 eco-mode settings, including a half-load program, perfect for lighter loads.
For
- Budget option
- Easy installation
Against
- Not as quiet
- No smart controls
Sound rating: 40 dBA
Features: CrystalDry™, PrecisionWash®, RackMatic® adjustable middle rack, InfoLight®
The Bosch 800 Series SHPM88Z75N is a crowd-pleaser, with 90% of Home Depot reviewers recommending it. At 40 dBA, it’s near silent, so you don’t have to worry about a din at dinnertime. It makes so little noise that there’s a handy InfoLight to let you know the dishes are done. With PrecisionWash, you can expect gleaming results. Drying is another plus, with the patented CrystalDry technology finishing off your dishes. It even boasts the drying capability to tackle plastic Tupperware. Some reviewers suggested the buttons could be temperamental, but the vast majority were happy.
For
- Efficient drying
- Quiet operation
Against
- Expensive
- Controls
Sound rating: 39 dBA
Features: ProWash™, Heat Dry, PrintShield™ Finish, Sani-Rinse
The KitchenAid KDFE204KPS keeps noise to a minimum without sacrificing performance. At 39 dBA, it’s a joint second in quiet operation. Thanks to its noise-reducing triple filtration system, it’s a great candidate for an open-plan kitchen. It doesn’t disappoint cleaning-wise. The ProWash cycle stands out, with nifty sensors detecting the level of dirt and adjusting the wash accordingly. It makes drying a breeze, with the Heat Dry option giving dishes a final blast of heat. The KitchenAid makes a stylish addition to your kitchen with its PrintShield finish, minimizing unsightly smudge marks. Not everyone is a fan of the layout, and some reviewers report the racks don’t easily accommodate their dishware and utensils.
For
- Stellar cleaning
- Very quiet
Against
- Pricy
- Layout
Sound rating: 39 dBA
Features: Linear Wash, AutoRelease™ door, SmartThings remote monitoring, half load option
At 39 dBA, the Samsung DW80R9950US is another close contender for the quietest dishwasher. Several reviews report it’s so quiet you may forget it’s running. Luckily, you can keep track of when your dishes are done using the smart monitoring app. With its unique Linear Wash system, it gives a thorough cleaning performance. A nifty self-cleaning option saves you from cleaning it yourself. The drying function draws mixed reviews. It has an auto-release door to promote air circulation, but it doesn’t impress everyone. Other downsides? The 1-year warranty is a little lackluster, though the majority of customers rate the product.
For
- Whisper quiet
- Effective cleaning
Against
- Pricy
- Short warranty
What to look for when choosing the quietest dishwasher
Why is having the quietest dishwasher possible important?
According to a Quiet Mark survey, 84% of Americans agree that noise matters when choosing an appliance.
“A quiet dishwasher can be a game-changer for many households. From enjoying after-dinner conversation in the kitchen to homes where the living room or bedrooms are in close proximity to the kitchen, a quiet dishwasher gives households the flexibility to run the dishwasher at any time without noisy interruptions,” explains Richard Tarrant, Senior Vice President of the Dish & Laundry Care Business Unit at the BSH Home Appliances Corporation.
“Sound affects our brain waves, heart rate, breathing, hormone secretion, and all of our physical rhythms. Simply put, negative sound depletes our concentration, productivity, general balance, and in excess or extremes can even be fatal as it directly impacts the cardiovascular system,” says Poppy Szkiler, Quiet Mark CEO & CoFounder.
Plus, reducing noise levels in your home has a whole host of benefits for your health and well-being. Choosing a quiet appliance can help create a productive and serene working environment if you work from home.
“Noisy distractions that zap our productivity mean we spend more time completing certain tasks. This can result in longer work hours, leading to increased stress levels. Related anxiety can keep us awake at night, impacting our sleep health, preventing us from recuperating and feeling well,” says Simon Gosling, Quiet Mark Chief Marketing Officer and Host of The Quiet Mark Podcast.
The impact on sleep is a top consideration if you tend to run the dishwasher overnight. It can help you avoid a night of tossing and turning while you struggle to filter out the dishwasher noise.
If you have little ones, a quiet model may be a wise choice to avoid waking them up. That means they can nap undisturbed, leaving you free to get on with the rest of your day.
Poppy Szkiler is the Co-Founder & CEO of Quiet Mark, the global certification program public health campaign. The Quiet Mark third-generation platform launched in 2012, leading the battle against worldwide noise pollution with a groundbreaking business strategy to equip the mass market, driving change by creating the Buy-Quiet and Design-Quiet movement.
What are the downsides to having a quiet dishwasher?
While choosing a quiet dishwasher can have wide-ranging health and well-being benefits, it’s crucial to factor in the potential trade-offs.
The big one is the price. You can expect to pay more for the privilege of a quiet model compared to a standard appliance. If you want to keep the noise to a minimum, but you’re on a tight budget, look out for special offers when you can snap up a bargain.
“The lower the decibel rating (dBA), the more material a manufacturer needs to use to insulate and dampen sound. These materials, in conjunction with other features and technologies, all add cost to produce the end product, which can impact the price,” explains Richard.
The other potential downside is installation. It can sometimes be more complex for a quiet model. This is because these appliances tend to have layers of soundproofing to muffle noise. While it may feel like a faff, it’s a one-off job, so on balance, the extra effort may be worth it in the long run.
Bear in mind the cycle speed and how it affects noise levels. “Cycle speed can impact the noise output of a dishwasher. In some cases, selecting a faster cycle/option combination requires the dishwasher to work faster to deliver proper cleaning results – the result can be slight increases in noise output,” says Richard.
