Before dishwashers became commonplace, the words ‘washing up’ could make an entire family scramble in an effort to avoid the chore altogether. If you did get roped into dish duty, you were probably in charge of either the ‘washing’ or the ‘drying’ (and by tacit agreement, putting everything away). Then there were the debates around whether you should fill the sink or wash plates under a running tap, or whether it’s more effective to wash in cold or hot water (definitely hot).
Thankfully, a dishwasher pulls the plug on these particular kitchen cleaning chores. That is, of course, unless you don’t have a dishwasher (yet) or if your worn-out model has finally kicked the bucket. And if you fall into either of these categories, we think it’sabout time you treated yourself to a new one.
Home Beautiful’s top 3 dishwashers of 2026
- Overall best: LG 15-Place QuadWash Dishwasher
- Under $1000: Bosch 60cm Series 2 Freestanding Silver Dishwasher
- Benchtop Dishwasher: Kogan Benchtop Dishwasher
Whether you’re upgrading from a noisy model or investing in your first, you’re in the right place. We’ve picked out nine of the best dishwashers in Australia, based on a range of different budgets, goals and features. For ease, each top pick has been categorised based on two of the biggest considerations for buying a dishwasher: price (with options under $1000 and over $1000) and noise. Complete with insights on the benefits of dishwashers, tips on how to use them, top-rated features and dishwasher installation and maintenance tips, this guide covers all you need to pick your perfect model. So, ditch the scrubbing brush and put your feet up; you deserve it.
You might also like: Australia’s best fridge brands of 2026
The best dishwashers in Australia 2026
Top 5 premium dishwashers
- Best for big families & busy households: LG 15-Place QuadWash Dishwasher
- Best for high-tech features: Fisher & Paykel Series 5 Contemporary Built Under Dishwasher
- Best freestanding dishwasher: Bosch Series 8 Freestanding Stainless Steel Dishwasher
- Best integrated dishwasher: Bosch 60cm Series 6 Fully Integrated Dishwasher
- Best efficient XL dishwasher: Miele AutoDos CleanSteel Fully Integrated XXL Dishwasher
01
LG 15-Place QuadWash Dishwasher
$998 (was $1319) from Winnings
Best for: big families and busy households
The LG QuadWash Dishwasher is designed to provide a thorough clean for dirty dishes, with a very generous capacity that fits up to 15 place settings. The secret to the QuadWash’s unmatched cleaning ability? Four rotating blades, with two oscillating nozzles that pulse and deliver water throughout the cycle. You can also clean loads faster with ‘Turbo’ mode, which can clean light to moderately soiled dishes in just 59 minutes.
Boasting a 4.5-star average rating on Winnings, it’s a model you can trust to get the job done (and look good while doing it). One happy 5-star reviewer writes, “I never knew a dishwasher could be so quiet! I have lived a life of having to choose between putting a load on or watching a program in the living room. Never been able to do both together! We’ve not had it long to review much else, but so far, everything seems to be coming out clean. Can’t wait to try the online features.”
Key features:
- Water efficiency rating: 5
- Energy efficiency rating: 4
- Noise level: 44 dB
- Programs: 11
- Capacity: 15 place settings
- Parts warranty: 10 years on direct-drive motor
- Manufacturer warranty: 2 years
- Half load option
- Eco mode
- Wifi & ThinQ app connectivity
- Height-adjustable baskets and upper rack
- Electronic touch control panel
Also available at:
02
Fisher & Paykel Series 5 Contemporary Built Under Dishwasher Black
$1399, Appliances Online
Best for: all the bells and whistles
We’ve already crowned Fisher & Paykel as one of the best refrigerator brands of 2026, and their extensive range of top-rated dishwashers makes them a standout in this category, too. This particular model offers a total of seven wash programs to suit all kinds of cleaning tasks and time constraints. Our favourite part? Selecting the Auto mode detects and applies the optimal wash settings for that particular load, increasing efficiency and effectiveness. Combine these smart features with the Series 5’s 4-star power efficiency rating and excellent 5-star WELS water efficiency rating, and you have a machine ready to tackle whatever your household throws at it without driving up bills.
The Fisher & Paykel Series 5 Contemporary model has proven to be a crowd favourite, too. With an impressive average rating of 4.8 stars on Appliances Online, it’s clearly delivering the premium performance that we expect from Fished and Paykel. One happy customer writes, “Believe me, this dishwasher is just fantastic; it is very quiet while washing through its cycles. It has many options and is very smooth to operate. Installation by professional installers was all done within 45 minutes. Would definitely recommend this dishwasher.”
Key features:
- Water efficiency rating: 5
- Energy efficiency rating: 4
- Noise level: 46 dB
- Programs: 7
- Capacity: 15 place settings
- Manufacturer warranty: 2 years
- Half load option
- Eco mode
- Auto door-opening
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Flood protection
- Thermadry system
- Flexible loading
Also available at
03
Bosch Series 8 Freestanding Stainless Steel Dishwasher
$1878 (RRP $2199), Appliances Online
Best freestanding dishwasher
When picking out your next dishwasher upgrade, Bosch is always a safe bet, with many of their models known for deep, efficient cleaning, ultra-quiet operation, and quick, effective drying. One standout model is their Series 8 Freestanding Dishwasher, featuring a streamlined design that is packed with functionality, including dosage assist to maximise the effectiveness of dishwasher tablets, ‘Extra Clean Zone’, sensor technology and easy glide baskets.
With over 226 reviews and an average overall rating of 4.7 on Appliances Online, it only takes a quick peek at the customer insights to quell any reservations. Barney, one of Bosch’s very satisfied customers, writes, “My new dishwasher does exactly what I purchased it to do – i.e. wash dishes. BUT it is quiet, water and energy efficient, fully functional, solidly built, sturdy, easy to connect and is even able to be operated, monitored, and provide usage statistics, via the BOSCH ‘Home Connect’ app. via my mobile phone. Now this is good.”
Key features:
- Water efficiency rating: 5
- Energy efficiency rating: 4
- Noise level: 42 dB
- Programs: 8
- Capacity: 14 place settings
- Manufacturer warranty: 2 years
- 14 place setting capacity
- Adjustable racks & baskets
- Quiet & energy-efficient brushless motor
- Wifi connectivity
Also available at:
04
Bosch 60cm Series 6 Fully Integrated Dishwasher
$1599, The Good Guys
Best integrated dishwasher
Dependable, reliable, and completely out-of-sight, this fully integrated dishwasher is one model that even the most design-driven shoppers will adore. In addition to not being able to see this dishwasher, users will barely hear it; coming in at just 44 dB, the Series 6 is an appliance that doesn’t have to announce itself; it just gets the job done. Add in this model’s handy extra-dry option and DosageAssist technology, and you’re getting pretty close to appliance perfection.
What’s more, this top-rated model boasts consistently impressive reviews and ratings across all retailer sites. 191 customer reviews on Winnings make for a 4.8-star average, those from The Good Guys average out at 4.5-stars, and the model’s reviews on Bing Lee make up an unmatched 4.9-star average. Brian, who posted about the Series 6 Integrated Dishwasher last December, writes, “We decided to spend a little extra and switch to a Bosch. And honestly? Best decision ever. This machine has been rock solid from day one. The build quality feels premium, and the design actually makes sense (a shocking rarity in the world of appliances). The height-adjustable drawers are absolute magic when you’ve got a mix of tall glasses, short glasses, and the mysterious “just won’t fit anywhere” glasses.”
Key features:
- Water efficiency rating: 5.5
- Energy efficiency rating: 4
- Noise level: 44 dB
- Programs: 8
- Capacity: 15 place settings
- Manufacturer warranty: 2 years
- Extra-dry option
- Flexible and adjustable baskets & racks
- DosageAssist technology
- AutoBrillance
- Wifi connectivity
Also available at:
05
Miele AutoDos CleanSteel Fully Integrated XXL Dishwasher
$3199, The Good Guys
Best extra-large dishwasher
If you’re after a premium XL dishwasher that’s eco-friendly and built to last, the Miele AutoDos CleanSteel XXL Dishwasher could be your perfect fit. Equipped with a 2-year warranty, you can feel confident that your investment won’t be short-circuiting anytime soon, and by spending a little more upfront, you can avoid high running costs further down the line. After all, this is one of the most efficient models we’ve seen, with a water efficiency rating of 6 and a 4.5-star energy rating.
And with raving reviews that average out to 4.7 on Winnings and a perfect 5.0 on Appliances online, it’s an investment you can feel good about making. One happy customer writes, “The dishwasher was fitted by Miele, and we were really pleased with the engineer who was very efficient. The model we chose gave us options on the Miele auto dose or our own dishwasher tablets. At first, we found the machine slightly more technical than we were expecting, but after a few “goes” we soon became more confident about different functions.” Another states, “This is a really excellent quality dishwasher, with a good range of settings, easy to use and more importantly, great options to fill the racks efficiently. I’m very happy with it. It is quiet and washes very well.
Key features:
- Water efficiency rating: 6
- Energy efficiency rating: 4.5
- Noise level: 43 dB
- Programs: 11
- Capacity: 14 place settings
- Manufacturer warranty: 10 years
- Eco mode
- Fully integrated
- Flexible racks
Also available at:
Best affordable dishwashers under $1000
Top 5 affordable dishwashers
- Best-rated dishwasher: Bosch 60cm Series 2 Freestanding Silver Dishwasher
- Best affordable alternative to our #1 premium dishwasher: LG 14-Place QuadWash Dishwasher
- Best dishwasher under $500: Seiki Dark Stainless Steel Freestanding Dishwasher
- Best benchtop dishwasher: Kogan Benchtop Dishwasher
- Best affordable model for large households: Westinghouse 60cm Stainless Steel Freestanding Dishwasher
01
Bosch 60cm Series 2 Freestanding Silver Dishwasher
$799, Bing Lee
#1 Best dishwasher under $1000
This affordable model is the perfect wallet-friendly alternative to the Bosch Series 8 Freestanding Dishwasher, except it’s over $1000 cheaper. While this dishwasher isn’t quite as new or premium as the previously mentioned Bosch pick, it’s reliable, consistent, quick, and quiet, which means it meets all our criteria to qualify as a top model. The only downside is that the model only has 4 wash cycle options, but according to customers, the auto function is often all they need.
In fact, the Bosch Series 2 Freestanding Dishwasher boasts an impressive 4.8-star average rating on both Bing Lee and Appliances Online (as well as a 4.7 rating on The Good Guys), so you can feel confident about your choice while still sticking to budget. One five-star reviewer writes, “Love how user-friendly the controls are for this model. To be honest, we just leave it set on auto, and the dishes come out clean, dry and streak-free. The auto function on this model makes it a great choice for the older generation or anyone who struggles with controls/settings, etc. We got our dishwasher on special as a bonus. Bravo Bosch, very satisfied customers!”
Key features:
- Water efficiency rating: 5
- Energy efficiency rating: 4
- Noise level: 44 dB
- Programs: 4
- Capacity: 14 place settings
- Manufacturer warranty: 2 years
- Parts warranty: 10 years
- Dual Zone wash
- Flexible and adjustable racks
- Quiet, Direct Drive motor
- Freestanding
Also available at:
02
LG 14-Place QuadWash Dishwasher
$799 (was $899), LG
Best affordable alternative to our #1 best dishwasher
If you liked the look of our top pick from the over $1000 category, but couldn’t justify the price tag, the LG 14-Place QuadWash Dishwasher is the best alternative. Featuring many of the same features of the 15-Place QuadWash (minus one setting’s worth of dish space), this wallet-friendly model could save you hundreds, while still delivering the level of efficiency and effectiveness that LG is known for. It’s extremely quiet at just 44 dB, features flexible racks for customised loading, and plenty of cycles to choose from; the fact that it’s under $1000 is just the icing on the cake.
With a 4.3-star average from over 522 reviews on LG, it’s clear that shoppers don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability. One satisfied customer writes that this model is a “Great quality LG product that performs for every load,” adding that “The dishes and glasses are always spotless. The cycles are quite long, but with the energy efficiency rating for both electricity and water consumption, that is ok. The performance of the product makes up for the length of the cycle.”
Key features:
- Water efficiency rating: 5
- Energy efficiency rating: 4
- Noise level: 44 dB
- Programs: 7
- Capacity: 14 place settings
- Manufacturer warranty: 2 years
- Parts warranty: 10 years
- Dual Zone wash
- Flexible and adjustable racks
- Quiet, Direct Drive motor
- Freestanding
Also available at:
03
Seiki Dark Stainless Steel Freestanding Dishwasher
$449, Appliances Online
Best dishwasher under $500
If you think you have to break the bank to cut down on time spent doing the dishes, you’re about to be proven wrong. This freestanding dishwasher from Seiki is sleek, practical, and features a higher water efficiency rating than many luxury models. What’s more, it’s also capable of washing up to 13 place settings per wash. However, as expected from lower-end models, it is a tad louder and less energy efficient. But overall, it’s a great machine that may even be underpriced considering the features it has on offer.
If you’re sceptical, simply turn to the many raving reviews. On Appliances Online, this Seiki dishwasher boasts an average rating of 4.4 stars, with many satisfied customers praising the sleek design and efficiency. One reviewer writes, “I bought this dishwasher to replace a faulty one. It seems to be good value and within our budget. I am pleasantly surprised by the quality, by how quiet it is and how easy it was to install. It cleans extremely well, which isn’t always the case. I’m extremely happy with this purchase.”
Key features:
- Water efficiency rating: 6
- Energy efficiency rating: 3
- Noise level: 49 dB
- Programs: 9
- Capacity: 13 place settings
- Manufacturer warranty: 1 year
- Dual wash capability
- Child safety lock
- Overflow protection
04
Kogan Benchtop Dishwasher
$349, Kogan
Best dishwasher for singles, couples, and smaller kitchens
This is not a regular dishwasher, but for those without space for a traditional model, it’s even better. The Benchtop Dishwasher from Kogan is compact enough be popped on any countertop, yet spacious enough to wash up to 8 place settings in one go. Add in this model’s 6 wash settings, removable cutlery compartment, and its unbeatable price, and it becomes very clear why this unconventional model made our list of Australia’s best dishwashers.
Despite its small size, this mighty benchtop dishwasher boasts an average rating of 4.8 stars on the Kogan website, proving that good things really do come in small packages. Brielle, who took one home late last year, writes, “Being a home cook and baker, dishes have been the bane of my existence for a long time. Finally got myself a dishwasher as a birthday gift, and what a blessing! Great size for a couple or a single person, cleans better than I’ve seen anyone do by hand, and now I have a constantly clean bench, and I can cook and bake without dishes piling up!! Best investment.”
Key features:
- Water efficiency rating: 3.5
- Energy efficiency rating: 2.5
- Noise level: 49 dB
- Programs: 6
- Capacity: 8 place settings
- Manufacturer warranty: 1 year
- Eco mode
- removable cutlery compartment
- Compact measurements (59 x 55 x 50)
05
Westinghouse 60cm Stainless Steel Freestanding Dishwasher
$979, The Good Guys
Best affordable model for large households
This is not a regular dishwasher, but for those without space for a traditional model, it’s even better.
an average rating of 4.8 stars on the Bing Lee website, proving that good things really do come in small packages. One review, titled, ‘At last I have confidence in a dishwasher,’ states, “This Westinghouse dishwasher seems to be in another class, and the way it functions seems clearly superior. Surprisingly, it is slightly lower than other models (and so fits under my benchtop without having to rip off the top panel), but it is also bigger inside than its predecessors. It is quiet; I love the cutlery drawer; I love the automatic door opening function at the end of the wash, which then turns on the internal fan for superior drying. It is also a good-looking model. Most importantly, all dishes are sparkling clean.”
Key features:
- Water efficiency rating: 5.5
- Energy efficiency rating: 4
- Noise level: 45 dB
- Programs: 8
- Capacity: 15 place settings
- Manufacturer warranty: 2 years
How we determined Australia’s best dishwashers of 2026
To compile this guide, the Home Beautiful team applied a tailored assessment framework to a vast range of dishwashers available in Australia. Each brand has reviewed across a set of carefully considered criteria, including the following markers:
- Industry recognition and awards
- Independent reviews, our personal experiences, and consumer insights
- Reliability and durability insights
- Warranty details
- Energy efficiency
- Design, storage, and capacity
- Affordability and value
With these details in mind, we then determine the rankings of these top fridge brands based on an overall assessment that favours well-balanced scores.
(Credit: Photographer: Simon Whitbread)
Is using a dishwasher better than hand washing?
Using a dishwasher is superior to hand washing in almost every way. They’re hands down more water efficient, more energy efficient and more time efficient than handwashing. Efficiency aside, they also offer a range of other benefits: they save your hands (by reducing contact with harsh detergents), are better at killing germs, remove the visual clutter of dirty dishes on your kitchen bench and even basic models can dry everything as well. They also remove the need for your physical labour – so once you stack it and press ‘Go’, you can do something way more interesting with your time.
Best dishwasher brands
According to Canstar, the highest-rated dishwasher brands for customer satisfaction (which rates according to performance, features, value for money, ease of use, design and overall satisfaction) are:
Other highly reputable dishwasher manufacturers with legions of loyal customers include Miele, ASKO and Dishlex.
Are expensive dishwashers worth it?
Colin Jones, category expert at Appliances Online, says the main difference between expensive dishwashers and affordable dishwashers are the features. “Higher-end dishwashers may incorporate more advanced cleaning technology, better insulation and noise reduction, energy-saving options, including sensors that adjust cycle length based on load size and soil level, additional wash cycles and smart features.”
Tim Rosenzweig, the owner-operator at That Appliance Repair Guy and HiPages customer advisory board member, says that while expensive machines are often well-built, they can sometimes be more expensive to repair. “I went to repair a dishwasher that was just three years old and the cost of the control board alone, which was at the front of the machine, was $900. And that dishwasher cost $2000 to buy, so the part was half the price of a new dishwasher.”
Tim’s solution? To buy a dishwasher that is well-built, simple (because less can go wrong) and has affordable repair parts. “Look at the cost of the repairs to the unit because it is going to fail.”
How long should a dishwasher last?
Which brings us to the next question, how long can you expect a dishwasher to last?
“If it’s just a cheap unit to get you by, then expect to replace it every 2-3 years,” says Tim. “A good dishwasher should last at least 10 years and may require about 2-3 repairs in that time period.”
Features to consider when buying a dishwasher
The best dishwasher will be one that suits your family’s needs, your budget and your kitchen. As category expert at Appliances Online, Colin says the key features to consider include: capacity, size, efficiency, noise levels and whether the racks are flexible or adjustable. “If you have lots of large pots and pans, you may want to consider a unit with adjustable racks, this can make it easier to load different types of dishes,” he says.
Pro tip: dishwasher noise levels typically range from 40-60 dBA unless you have an older model. And a difference of just 10 dBA can be perceived as a 50% change in the noise level, according to Commercial Acoustics (a US industry specialist business).
Operational features you may want to compare across models include:
- Energy saving mode
- Half load
- Racks that lift up (great for those with back pain)
- Assisted drying (either with a fan or automatic door-open feature)
- Additional wash cycles: including delicate, steam cleaning and extra rinse options
- Wifi connectivity and smart capabilities
- Child lock
- Cutlery basket or cutlery drawer
“Some brands and models may supply both a cutlery basket and a tray,” says Colin. “Cutlery baskets are great for easy loading as you just need to place everything in the basket. Cutlery trays will help your utensils get a better wash as the items are washed separately within the tray. A cutlery tray also means you have more room in the lower rack, providing you with a larger capacity.”
Cutlery drawer or cutlery basket – which is better?
Another important thing to consider …
Tim says one thing people don’t often consider when buying a dishwasher is how much it will cost to repair down the line. “If you buy a good dishwasher, then you’ll want to repair it, rather than replace it,” he says.
“When researching a dishwasher to buy, look up the cost of repair parts first, look at the quality of the unit, the reputation of the unit and whether it’s going to be worth repairing in the future.”
Having repaired countless dishwashers over the years, he admits, “Dishwashers don’t last as long as they used to, so in my opinion, it’s a good idea to get the extended warranty.”
Can I install a dishwasher by myself?
If your kitchen has had a dishwasher installed previously, and there is a water supply, energy supply and a drainage point, installing a new machine yourself is possible.
“If you’re a DIY-er, installing a dishwasher is probably medium-level difficulty as long as you follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions,” says Tim. “It can be as simple as pushing back a freestanding dishwasher into place, making sure that the hoses are in the correct position so they’re not going to get crushed at the back, behind the machine.”
“Install the dishwasher outside of the cavity, making sure the hoses reach to the water point, to the drainage point and the cord reaches the power point so you can test the machine while it’s outside and everything is visible. If you have the ability to run it outside of the cavity and you have any issues or need to repair it later on, it will be really easy to slide out, diagnose and fault-find and it will save you a whole lot of money and hassle.”
Tim’s top tip for installing a dishwasher DIY
Common dishwasher installation mistakes
Aside from crushing pipes and hoses behind or underneath the machine, Tim says some of the most common dishwasher installation mistakes include:
- Trapping the dishwasher inside the cavity with flooring. “If you put in a new floor, remove your dishwasher first, floor all the way to the back of the cavity, then re-install the dishwasher.”
- Not taking steam and moisture into account: “Make sure that the steam released by the dishwasher isn’t going to cause any damage to your cabinetry.”
- Failing to use the correct adhesives: “Cabinet-makers will often use a higher heat-resistant glue around the oven and dishwasher cavities, but if you’re doing it yourself and haven’t allowed for higher heats, it could be an issue.”
Maintaining your dishwasher
One way you can ensure your dishwasher cleans well for years to come is to keep it clean! This means running a hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner once every six months. “What these do is they clean away all the limescale and any mould build up,” says Tim.
How to clean a dishwasher filter
Cleaning your dishwasher filters is the key to sparkling clean dishes. But Tim says the task requires more than just tapping out the food scraps and putting it back in. He says most people ignore the most important part: the oil filter or oil element, which can usually be found around the dishwasher filter.
“Oil filters, or oil elements, should really be cleaned every week,” he says. “If you haven’t been doing it weekly, then take out that element filter and run it under hot water and scrub it with a nylon brush (or toothbrush). Get all the oil off the element filter.”
It may be a wonder cleaner, but there are some things you should never clean with vinegar – and your dishwasher is one of them, says Tim. “I’ve worked on a lot of units that have had people putting vinegar and other things through them, but it actually perishes the plastics, because they’re not really designed for that type of acid. They’re only designed to take certain detergents.”
Should you clean a dishwasher with vinegar?
How to stack a dishwasher correctly
Plates should be placed at the bottom of the dishwasher, ensuring there is enough space between them to allow water and soap to reach. Cups, glasses and bowls should be placed at an angle so water can reach from below. Forks and spoons should be placed in the cutlery basket handle down, and knives handle up (for safety). The key is to avoid overloading your dishwasher.
While there are some things you should never clean in the dishwasher, many dishwashers are gentle enough to handle delicate glassware and other items including kids toys and faux flowers.
There is no need to rinse plates before placing them in the dishwasher. (Photographer: Louise Roche | Styling: Kylie Jackes)
Do you need to rinse dishes before placing them in the dishwasher?
No, you don’t need to rinse dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. Rinsing the dishes before washing them in the dishwasher just uses unnecessary extra water and may actually lead to a poorer wash. That’s because most modern dishwashers have sensors that detect how dirty the dishes are, and will adjust their jets accordingly. If the plates already look clean, the dishwasher may only conduct a light wash.
Not convinced? Try using the dishwasher’s pre-rinse cycle instead. A pre-rinse cycle runs for approximately 11 minutes and only uses 5 litres of water, compared to 9.5 litres per minute under a running tap.
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