The best dishwashers in Australia for 2021

Why we chose it

If you're shopping for a new dishwasher, it's hard to look past the SMS66MI02A Serie 6 Freestanding Dishwasher from Bosch. This impressive German-made unit is energy- and water-efficient, has enough room for 15 place settings, and can be easily adjusted to suit tall dishes.

It's picked up plenty of glowing customer reviews too, including:

An average score of 4.8/5 from over 1,400 Google reviews.
An average score of 4.4/5 from 65 ratings on productreview.com.au.

With all these factors in mind, the Bosch SMS66MI02A Serie 6 dishwasher is our top pick as the best overall dishwasher.

A freestanding model, the SMS66MI02A has ample space for the crockery and dishes of a large family. It boasts a 5-star WELS Water Rating and a 4-star Energy Rating, so its running costs aren't going to break the bank, and it's designed to be whisper-quiet while washing.

There are 6 wash programs available, ranging from the 29-minute Quick Wash option for lightly-soiled dishes through to the Auto Intensive setting for pots and pans with baked-on food and grease. There are also special settings for producing extra-dry dishes, washing half loads, and speeding up wash times by up to 50%.

Add in features like a self-closing door, an automatic detergent and rinse aid sensor, and flexible loading layouts, and it's easy to see why the Bosch SMS66MI02A Serie 6 Freestanding Dishwasher could be the perfect choice for your kitchen.

Finally, the $1,499 RRP on this model may be off-putting for some buyers. However, we were able to find the Bosch retailing for less than $1,200 from multiple retailers at the time of writing, so it pays to shop around to find the best deal.

Best dishwasher under $1,000: LG XD5B14WH 14 Place QuadWash Dishwasher

Pros

5-star Water Rating and 4-star Energy Rating
Flexible washing options

Cons

Some complaints about long wash cycles
Some buyers complain that the machine is a little difficult to load

Average online price: $848

Why we chose it

Buying a dishwasher with a budget of $1,000? We recommend checking out the LG XD5B14WH QuadWash Dishwasher. This versatile machine is energy- and water-efficient, offers flexible loading and washing options, and is available for between $800 and $900 from many retailers.

Then there's the fact that it's garnered plenty of positive feedback from happy buyers. The XD5B14 model has an average score of 4.5/5 from over 750 Google reviews, while LG was also named the best-rated dishwasher brand in the 2020-21 Finder Retail Awards. The South Korean manufacturer impressed Aussie consumers with the quietness, features, value for money and performance of its dishwashers, so the XD5B14WH dishwasher is our pick as the best dishwasher under $1,000.

The QuadWash in this machine's name refers to the fact that it features a bottom spray arm with 4 rotating blades, 2 of which have an oscillating nozzle to wash your dishes from multiple angles, with the arm spinning clockwise and anti-clockwise for a thorough clean. There is also a dual-zone wash option that allows you to deliver different water spray intensity to the upper and lower racks, providing the convenience of a gentle wash for some dishes while others get a more powerful clean at the same time.

In terms of efficiency, this model boasts a 5-star Water Rating and 4-star Energy Rating, which helps keep running costs down. Other key features include an inverter direct drive motor, a height-adjustable top basket and fold-down tines for flexible storage, and the ability to control your dishwasher from a compatible smart device.

And if the all-white look isn't a good fit for your decor, there is also a platinum steel finish available with a slightly higher price tag. Thanks to its minimalist design, this model will look right at home in many kitchens.

Best dishwasher under $800: Westinghouse WSF6604XA Freestanding Dishwasher

Pros

4.5-star Water Rating
Fast wash cycles

Cons

Energy Rating could be higher
Some buyers report that it is a little noisy

Average online price: $698

Why we chose it

Searching for a quality dishwasher you can buy with a maximum budget of $800? There are lots of good reasons why you should check out the Westinghouse WSF6604XA Freestanding Dishwasher.

This affordably-priced model is easy to use, has a 4.5-star WELS Water Rating, and offers a choice of 6 wash programs. It's also picked up its fair share of positive reviews, scoring an average of 4.5/5 from 60 The Good Guys customers and generally impressive scores from buyers at other major appliance retailers. As a result, the Westinghouse WSF6604XA is our pick as the best dishwasher under $800.

This freestanding dishwasher features 13 place settings, and a choice of 6 wash programs depending on your needs. There are Heavy, Eco 50°C, Pre-wash and Delicate options, plus 30-minute and 50-minute programs for when you're in a hurry. You can also delay the start of your wash by 3, 6 or 9 hours, and programming the machine is done via push-button electronic controls.

The Westinghouse has a high star rating for water usage, but its 3-star Energy Rating could be a little higher. You can adjust the height of the top basket when you need to fit in bigger or bulky items, while the machine also comes with an AquaStop feature to ensure that accidental flooding doesn't occur.

This model was typically selling in the $700-$800 price range at the time of writing, with savings to be had if you're willing to shop around for the best deal.

Best dishwasher under $600: Beko BDF1410W Freestanding Dishwasher

Pros

14 place settings
Half-load option

Cons

Some complaints about wet dishes at the end of a cycle
Some buyers criticise the lack of a countdown time

Average online price: $542

Why we chose it

If you're looking for a dishwasher that sells for under $600, it's hard to go past the Beko BDF1410W Freestanding Dishwasher. This affordable model can accommodate 14 place settings, comes with a host of flexible storage features, and offers a choice of 6 wash programs.

The BDF1410W has picked up a host of positive customer reviews too, as its average score of 4.6/5 from over 2,200 Google reviews clearly shows. So if you're in the market for a budget-friendly buy, the Beko BDF1410W is our top pick as the best dishwasher under $600.

Made in Europe, the BDF1410W has a WELS Water Rating of 4 stars and an Energy Rating of 3.5 stars. Load it up, turn it on and you'll find 6 wash programs to choose from, including eco-friendly, intensive and delicate settings. There is also a very handy half-load function for when you need to run the dishwasher but it's not fully stacked.

You'll also find versatile layouts and stacking options inside this 14 place setting dishwasher. For example, you can slide the cutlery basket to either the left or right when you need to fit in any bulkier items, while the plate supports easily fold away to make room for big pots and pans. The sliding detergent dispenser is easy to open for added practicality, and you can also delay the start of your dishwashing cycle for up to 9 hours if needed.

A stainless-steel version of the Beko is available if you don't like the white look, but that model usually costs a little bit extra. And if you're looking for a dishwasher under $600, the Beko BDF1410W Freestanding Dishwasher ticks a lot of important boxes.

Best freestanding dishwasher: LG XD3A15MB 60cm QuadWash Dishwasher

Pros

5.5-star Water Rating and 4-star Energy Rating
Versatile layout and loading options

Cons

There are cheaper options available
Some buyers criticise long wash cycles

Price (RRP): $1,569

Why we chose it

If there's a freestanding dishwasher-shaped hole in your life, we recommend filling it with the LG XD3A15MB 60cm QuadWash Dishwasher. This high-end model boasts impressive water- and energy-efficiency, offers versatile loading options, and is quite a sleek and good-looking machine.

These features and the performance of this QuadWash dishwasher have seen it pick up a host of good reviews, with an average score of 4.6/5 from over 110 Google reviews. LG was also the top-rated dishwasher brand in the 2020-21 Finder Retail Awards, scoring well for the features and functions, performance and value for money of its dishwashers. With all these factors taken into account, it's easy to see why the LG XD3A15MB takes out the prize as the best freestanding dishwasher.

As a QuadWash dishwasher, this model features a bottom spray arm mechanism with 4 rotating blades and 2 oscillating nozzles. The arm spins clockwise and anti-clockwise, allowing it to clean your dishes from all angles. There is also a Dual Zone Wash option so you can select different washing intensities for the upper and lower racks.

Loading your dishes is easy thanks to height adjustable upper and cutlery racks, while folding tines also accommodate larger dishes. This model can accommodate up to 15 place settings, and with a 5.5-star Water Rating and a 4-star Energy Rating, it's affordable to run too.

Other features include delay start for up to 12 hours, 7 wash programs (including a 38-minute express cycle), and the ability to download new wash cycles and personalise dishwasher settings via the LG ThinQ app.

All things considered, there are lots of reasons why the LG XD3A15MB could be the perfect fit for your kitchen.

Best under-bench dishwasher: Bosch SMP66MX01A Serie 6 Under Bench Dishwasher

Pros

5-star Water Rating and 4-star Energy Rating
Sleek and stylish

Cons

There are cheaper options available
Some buyers report that drying performance could be better

Price (RRP): $1,599

Why we chose it

If you want to streamline the look of your kitchen with an under-bench dishwasher, there are plenty of reasons why you should check out this Serie 6 model from German manufacturer Bosch.

This sleek and stylish dishwasher is a smooth and quiet operator, loaded with clever washing features, and is a frugal user of water and energy. And with an average score of 4.6/5 from over 260 Google reviews, it's also been well received by consumers. As a result, the Bosch SMP66MX01A Serie 6 Under Bench Dishwasher is our top pick as the best under-bench dishwasher.

Boasting a stainless-steel finish, this model has a 15-place-setting capacity and comes with a 10-year rust-through warranty for the inner tub. It also has a WELS Water Rating of 5 stars and an Energy Rating of 4 stars, so its running costs aren't going to leave you too much out of pocket.

The Bosch SMP66MX01A is also loaded with a variety of clever features to help make doing the dishes that little bit easier. These include a height-adjustable top basket that can also be angled higher or lower, a GlassSecure tray for safely cleaning fragile glasses, and water jets that target the detergent tablet tray to produce better washing results.

Other features include a time delay option, an Extra Dry option, and a self-latching door that automatically closes from an angle of 20 degrees.

There are plenty of cheaper options in this category, and the $1,599 RRP might dissuade some buyers. But, for our money, the Bosch SMP66MX01A Serie 6 Under Bench Dishwasher is definitely worth checking out.

Best benchtop dishwasher: Omega ODW101W Benchtop Dishwasher

Pros

6 wash programs
Easy to use

Cons

Won't fit large plates
Some complaints about dishes being wet at end of cycle

Average online price: $618

Why we chose it

Searching for a compact and practical benchtop dishwasher that won't break the bank? There's a lot to like about the Omega ODW101W Benchtop Dishwasher.

This handy little appliance can hold 6 place settings, offers 6 different wash programs, and offers all the essential features you need to make doing the dishes a breeze. It has also picked up a decent selection of high review scores from impressed customers, including:

An average score of 4.3/5 from over 40 Appliances Online customers.
An average score of 4.6/5 from 12 Bing Lee customers.
An average score of 4.7/5 from 10 productreview.com.au ratings.

So if you're looking for a benchtop dishwasher, the Omega ODW101W is our top pick.

This compact unit is perfect if you don't have a whole lot of space in your existing kitchen. It measures 438mm (H) x 550mm (D) x 500mm (W), and has enough capacity to be the ideal choice for a small apartment.

It offers a choice of 6 wash programs – Intensive, Heavy, Normal, Rinse, Rapid and Soak – and can accommodate plates of up to 25cm. The electronic controls are all easy to understand and use, and the Water and Energy Ratings are 3.5 and 2 stars respectively.

It's also easy to install, features a simple white finish, and comes with a 2-year parts and labour warranty. Be sure to add the Omega ODW101W to your shopping shortlist if you're in the market for a practical and time-saving benchtop dishwasher.

Best integrated dishwasher: Bosch SMV46GX01A Serie 4 Fully Integrated Dishwasher

Pros

4-star Water and Energy Ratings
Flexible loading options

Cons

Some users criticise drying performance
Some buyers claim that installation instructions could be improved

Average online price: $1,099

Why we chose it

If you want to give your kitchen the smooth and seamless look you can only get with an integrated dishwasher, we recommend taking a closer look at the Bosch SMV46GX01A Serie 4 Fully Integrated Dishwasher.

This model boasts decent water- and energy-efficiency, flexible loading options so you can fit in dishes of different shapes and sizes, and has come in for praise from several reviewers for its quiet operation. And with the Bosch SMV46GX01A having picked up its fair share of positive reviews from customers, it takes the win here as the best integrated dishwasher.

Powered by Bosch's EcoSilence Drive, which is designed to be energy-efficient and quiet when in action, this integrated dishwasher is an unobtrusive addition to any kitchen. When washing, this machine actually beams a red LED light onto the floor so you know it's operating.

To improve user-friendliness, this Serie 4 dishwasher features a VarioFlex basket system that allows for plenty of adjustability. Foldable plate racks and a cutlery basket are included, while you can also adjust the height and angle of the top basket to fit in a variety of dishes.

This model uses Bosch's ActiveWater dishwashing system, which is designed to improve its water- and energy-efficiency. It earns 4-star Energy and Water Ratings accordingly, and uses a stain detection system to automatically choose the right wash program for the best results. For added convenience, there is also an ExtraDry option that washes at higher temperatures and uses a longer drying phase.

In short, the Bosch is easy to use and has plenty of fans, so it's well worth a look if you're shopping around for the best integrated dishwasher.

Best smart dishwasher: LG XD3A25BS 15 Place QuadWash Dishwasher

Pros

5.5-star Water Rating and 4-star Energy Rating
Versatile loading options

Cons

Not cheap
Some buyers report heating element reliability problems

Average online price: $1,739

Why we chose it

An increasing number of appliances around the home are connected to the Internet, and dishwashers are no exception. And if you're looking for a dishwasher with smart features, we recommend checking out the LG XD3A25BS 15 Place QuadWash Dishwasher.

This versatile appliance offers convenient connectivity features, a range of wash programs, flexible loading options, and is water- and energy-efficient. It's also been well received by consumers, with an average score of 4.6/5 from over 200 Google reviews. Remember too that LG took home the top prize as the best-rated dishwasher brand in the 2020-21 Finder Retail Awards, impressing consumers with the features, value for money and performance of its appliances.

With all this in mind, the LG XD3A25BS 15 Place QuadWash Dishwasher is our pick as the best smart dishwasher.

All dishwashers in the LG QuadWash range come with what the South Korean brand calls ThinQ technology. This allows you to use your smartphone to download new wash cycles, personalise dishwasher cycles to suit your needs, and troubleshoot any issues.

In terms of performance, the QuadWash arm is designed to clean your dishes from all angles, and the machine is powered by an inverter direct drive motor. The upper rack and cutlery rack are easily adjustable so you can accommodate different-sized dishes, and Water and Energy Ratings are 5.5 and 4 stars respectively.

The $1,700-plus RRP on this LG dishwasher will be a sticking point for some buyers. However, we were able to find this model selling for under $1,300 at the time of writing, so be sure to compare prices before you buy.

Best slimline dishwasher: Bosch SPS60M08AU Serie 6 45cm Freestanding Dishwasher

Pros

Clever features
Several reviewers praise how quiet it is

Cons

Expensive
Some complaints that dishes don't come out completely dry

Average online price: $1,299