13 Dishwasher Brands To Avoid (Based on Recall Data)

Dishwashers remain one of the most in-demand optional appliances in the world, and who can blame people for loving them? They’re great and they reduce the workload you have. Of course, your dishwasher will only be loved if it works. That’s why so many people make an effort to buy a machine from a brand they trust. But, which brands do you trust? And more importantly, which should you avoid.

Based on our research and recall data from CPSC, avoid dishwasher brands like Viking, Maytag, Kenmore, JennAir, and Bosch Benchmark. Maytag recalled 1.7 million dishwashers in 2015, and GE recalled 1.3 million units in 2012. Brands such as Frigidaire and MOOSOO have low consumer ratings for poor customer service and performance.

Wondering why these brands have been nailed as some of the worst? Curious about why people have been having a rough time with them? We’re going to take a look at which dishwasher brands you’re going to want to avoid…and if avoiding them is actually that important.

A dishwasher’s brand only goes so far, but knowing what the brand’s reputation is can make a huge impact on what you should expect. While you can get a great dishwasher from a disliked brand, the truth is that there is a lot of correlation when it comes to brand reports and problems.

The best way to explain away a dishwasher’s reputational impact is that it’s a lot like buying a car brand. Yes, there’s a lot of clout that is carried in the brand’s name. But is it a be-all, end-all of your dishwasher’s ability to perform its job? Absolutely not.

These days, there are a lot of nameless companies that are offering discounted dishwashers on sites like Amazon. It’s tempting to save a bunch of cash on a new machine, but it is not wise. Unbranded dishwashers are unbranded for a reason. Companies that try to sell their products without attaching their name to it are not going to stand by their quality. They’re looking for a quick buck.

Moreover, if you get an unbranded dishwasher, you’re going to run into some problems if or when it breaks. Since it doesn’t have a specific name attached to it, you’re not going to be able to find replacement parts for it. In fact, you won’t even be able to *know* whether or not the parts you should use are universal or not.

In other words, buying an off-brand or “aftermarket” dishwasher is a good way to pay less upfront only to find yourself in a situation where replacement is necessary way ahead of time. It’s better to cry once about the price tag and buy it once, rather than to cry multiple times over several terrible machines.

JennAir is one of those brands where we got a ton of mixed results. Some people claim that they are highly reliable, but others just aren’t having it. We decided to go with the reports that used hard numbers. A Yale Appliance study revealed that 38.3 percent of all JennAir dishwashers that were ordered from the company required servicing and repair within 12 months of purchase.

The study cited JennAir as the most unreliable washer brand that they sold. Customers report problems with the drying function on models such as the JennAir® 24” Built-In Dishwasher-Panel Ready. Another common customer complaint is that the third rack isn’t as useful as the primary racks and gets in the way.

According to the CSPC, 4 JennAir dishwasher models were recalled due to a fire hazard with the cord, and that’s reason enough to avoid them

Bosch Benchmark might not have the high rates of failure that JennAir has, but they are not without problems. In fact, they clocked in at number two on the least reliable scale in the exact same Yale Appliance study as JennAir. With that said, only 70 units were sold during the study and 25 of them needed to be serviced or repaired within those 12 months.

This roughly translates into a 35.71 percent failure rate. So, if you have a Bosch, expect to set aside some money for a repair or two…you know, just because.

The worst-reviewed Bosch dishwasher is the 300 Series 24 in. ADA Front Control and customers complain about the lack of space and long wash cycles. Common customer complaints about Bosch dishwashers include the weak drying cycle and problems with the unit filling with water on its own. Recent recalls involving a fire hazard, space problems, and a weak drying function are all reasons to avoid Bosch dishwashers.

Though Miele is generally seen as a high-quality brand, but it seems like the brand missed the mark when it comes to dishwashers. The Yale Appliance study revealed that 20 percent of all Miele units had to be called for a service session within a year of the purchase. It’s not certain whether or not it’s due to a specific model going on the fritz or if Miele just had a bad year.

Common customer complaints about Miele dishwashers include problems with the “Start/Stop” button and water inlet valve. Consumers also report excessive noise while draining and that parts such as the back kick plate don’t go with the rest of the dishwasher. Miele dishwashers are affordable, but their low customer service rating and bad reviews are a sign that you should avoid them.

So, it’s a mixed bag here. On one hand, you’ll have a washer that won’t die. On the other hand, you might still need repairs on occasion, even if it’s early on. It’s up to you to decide if the staying power is worth it.

Admittedly, we weren’t totally familiar with this brand, but it seems like it’s an indie brand for a reason. That reason is, of course, that Fisher & Paykel ended up being a luxury line with a steep price tag and a slew of problems. The Yale Appliance study revealed that a whopping 29 percent of all people who bought one of their washers needed a repair within a year.

What makes this such a huge slap across the face is that Fisher & Paykel is a premium brand, and that means the components of the machines are sold at a premium price. Repairs are going to be a major hit in your pocket.

The Fisher Paykel DD24DCTX7 DishDrawer 24″ is one of the poorest performing models and customers complain about drainage problems. Other common customer complaints include space problems, flawed drawers, and a short lifespan. Fisher & Paykel dishwashers have a 9.9% service rate according to Yale Appliance, and they may not be worth the cost of service and repairs.

Viking?! Really? Yes, it’s true. Viking is usually considered to be a mainstream, popular appliance brand, especially for refrigerators and freezers. However, it’s becoming fairly clear that their dishwasher line could use a little overhaul. Consumer Reports cited Viking as one of the least reliable brands on the market this year, despite Yale Appliance saying otherwise.

Sadly, it seems like Viking’s problems aren’t just about reliability at this point. Many customer reviews complain about a flawed drying cycle and poor customer service with Viking dishwashers. Other reports state that their Viking dishwasher failed upon arrival or within months of use. According to CSPC,

Viking recalled 17,300 dishwashers due to a flawed part and fire hazard in 2015, and that is a major reason to consider another brand.

Consumer Reports didn’t just single out Viking as a low-rated company in their study. Electrolux also was cited as being one of the least reliable of all dishwasher brands tested, with a rating firmly cited as “POOR” by the group. This means that you should expect to have a repair call sooner rather than later, and that you might need to replace your machine earlier, too.

Along with having shockingly low-reliability results, the study also revealed that people who own Electrolux machines were the least satisfied with both their purchase and the customer service they received. Consumer Reports therefore stated that they could not, in good honesty, advise people to get an Electrolux.

Models such as the Electrolux 24″ Tall Tub Built-In Dishwasher have negative customer reviews that cite inefficient washing. Customers report needing service several times in one year and consistently noisy operation. There are countless 1-star reviews for Electrolux dishwashers, and it’s best to heed customer reports and avoid them altogether in this case.

Rounding out our list of the worst dishwasher brands is a name that we all know: Samsung. Admittedly, Samsung makes a ton of high-tech equipment, including smart refrigerators and cellphones. Most of the time, this brand is virtually synonymous with having high-quality work. Unfortunately, that’s not the case when it comes to their dishwashers.

Samsung’s issue is reliability, according to Consumer Reports. It was one of only three brands to get a “POOR” rating from the publisher, with a note that the rating they received was the lowest they possibly could have gotten. This is not what you’d expect from Samsung, so until they start working on quality control, take a look at other brands instead.

Customer reviews for the Samsung Chef Collection Stainless Steel Dishwasher are generally negative and report continually requiring service. The most common customer complaints include difficulty starting, problems cleaning dishes, and a flawed drying function.

To be honest, we felt a bit conflicted about including Frigidaire on here. It’s not just because it’s the parent company of Electrolux, either. It’s also because Frigidaire actually has excellent reliability ratings despite being the parent company of Electrolux. So in terms of reliability, you absolutely can expect the best from this company.

So, what’s the problem with Frigidaire, you ask? It’s the customer service and support that clients get. People have claimed that the company’s help is extremely difficult to get a hold of, and that customer service reps often don’t appear knowledgeable about their own products. Anecdotal evidence suggests that they may also have pretty terrible manners too.

Many customer reviews state that there are problems with the water inlet valve on new Frigidaire dishwashers. Other common complaints include the lack of space inside of a Frigidaire dishwasher and a weak heat dry setting. The average dishwasher repair costs $230, so it’s worth avoiding Frigidaire dishwashers given the high service rate.

Insignia is an affordable line of appliances that Best Buy produces, but many errors and poor performance make the brand worth avoiding. Customers report unclean dishes, long cycles, and problems with the water inlet valve on Insignia dishwashers. The drying function on Insignia dishwashers can fail in some cases and leave consumers with wet dishes after a cycle.

It can be hard to tell when a cycle is complete because the display on some Insignia models isn’t clear. The low cost is enticing, but Insignia dishwashers don’t offer as much bang for your buck as brands like Whirlpool and Thermador.

Negative reviews for the Insignia Top Control Built-In Dishwasher with Recessed Handle report problems with standing water and noisy operation. Standing water in a dishwasher can cause mold and mildew problems. Poor customer reviews and reports of continual service are great reasons to avoid Insignia dishwashers.

MOOSOO dishwashers are affordable, but they contain cheap parts and are prone to frequent problems. It is common for dishwashers to have parts fail, but you can generally find replacement parts easily. However, that is not the case with MOOSOO dishwashers as parts are difficult to find in the United States.

You can get a 2-year warranty for a MOOSOO dishwasher, but you are out of luck after that time. MOOSOO dishwasher parts aren’t always reliable and they are prone to breaking. It may be worth the investment if you have technicians in the area or are savvy with repairs, but it’s worth avoiding MOOSHOO dishwashers otherwise.

The brand is best known for its portable MOOSOO Countertop Dishwasher, and negative reviews point to packaging and height problems. MOOSOO dishwashers may work well for single customers, but reviews indicate that they are only ideal for light loads.

Magic Chef dishwashers may be enticing because of their affordable cost, but they are far from practical or reliable. They specialize in miniature dishwashers such as the Mini Countertop Dishwasher with 3-Place Setting Capacity that have small capacities. Mini dishwashers are convenient for some homeowners, but customer reviews for Magic Chef dishwashers point to frequent errors and a short lifespan.

Common problems with Magic Chef dishwashers include barely cleaning dishes and failing after only a few loads. Of course, these complaints are among some positive reviews as well, but critical reviews for Magic Chef dishwashers generally point to similar complaints.

Several 1-star reviews on Home Depot reference problems with the pump failing and the dishwasher fitting on the countertop. The low cost of Magic Chef dishwashers isn’t worth the risk of frequent repairs, warranty or not.

Danby dishwashers are affordable, but critical customer reports suggest that could be due to cheap construction. Common problems with Danby dishwashers include heating element errors and drainage problems. Most dishwashers need to be serviced at some point, but that is tricky with Danby models because parts are hard to find.

Danby dishwashers are also loud and operate at 52dBA instead of the average 46 dBA. Models such as the Danby DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher are known to stop working in as little time as one year in some cases.

Customers generally get a 1-year warranty with Danby dishwashers, but negative reviews suggest that is not enough. Don’t let the low prices fool you, there are better dishwasher brands worth considering, such as Thermador and Café Appliances.

SPT dishwashers appeal to homeowners looking for a simple countertop unit, but that may be a mistake. A model like the 18 in. White Front Control Smart Dishwasher is an example of a cheaply made unit with many negative customer reviews. Durability is important for a dishwasher, but several customer accounts suggest that simply isn’t possible with an SPT dishwasher.

Replacement parts are often required for SPT dishwashers, but they aren’t readily available. Common complaints include weak washing cycles, drainage problems, and cheaply made parts.

Perhaps the biggest problem with SPT dishwashers is that many service professionals don’t work on them. That may change if SPT dishwashers become more popular, but for now, you are largely out of luck if it stops working.

To a point, this should come as no surprise. Whirlpool’s reputation for being reliable across the board precedes it, and honestly, it’s well-earned. The Yale Appliance study revealed that under three percent of all Whirlpool units sold ever needed a service call within the first 12 months of purchase.

Whirlpool dishwashers are dependable have a 4.1% service rate according to Yale Appliance. Their service reliability rate has improved since 2017 when it was 4.3%. Whirlpool dishwashers often contain stainless steel, and that generally increases the durability of any unit.

While there have been some conflicts between sources on other brands, just about every resource we used agreed that Whirlpool was incredibly reliable. Moreover, Whirlpool users are rated among the happiest with their purchases as well as the quality of the service they get from their staff. Not too bad at all!

Hailed by Consumer Reports as one of the most reliable companies for dishwashers, Thermador is yet another classic example of what happens when you have great engineering paired with quality materials. It’s just plain good, and the reliability remains off the charts. If you’re looking for one of the least likely washer to break in five years, this is it.

Thermador dishwashers are easy to rely on and it is no surprise that they have a 3.6% service rate. They have always had a great reputation, but Thermador has improved their reliability by improving their service rate by nearly 15% in the last 4 years. Models such as the Thermador – 24″ Top Control Smart Built-In Dishwasher have great customer reviews and are worth the investment.

What we love about Thermador is that they offer excellent quality and amenities alongside a great price tag. If you’re worried about customer service, don’t be. Their satisfaction rates are through the roof.

GE Appliances has been around since most of our grandparents were young, and it might be that long history that makes them such a good brand. Despite all those years, GE shows no sign of slowing down and no sign of giving up on quality. That’s worth talking about, don’t you think?

GE also happens to be one of the best when it comes to model variety as well as the number of advances they helped bring about. Due to the excellent reliability and the many features GE Appliances have put into their washers, we’re pretty sure that they warrant a shout out on our list.

With a 12.2% service rate, you always know that you can depend on GE dishwashers. It doesn’t hurt that you can find GE dishwashers anywhere and that their parts are readily available in case something does go wrong. However, that shouldn’t be an issue given the improvements in service rates, customer reviews, and construction over the last several years.

Café Appliances isn’t as well-known as Whirlpool, but their dishwashers are high-performing and well-reviewed. According to Yale Appliance, only 10.7% of Café Appliances dishwashers needed to be serviced. Several of their models, such as the 24 in. Stainless Steel Top Control Smart Built-In Dishwasher are recommended by 82% of Home Depot customers.

Another well-reviewed model is the 24 in. Platinum Glass Top Control Built-In Tall Tub Dishwasher has 604 five-star ratings through Home Depot. The reliability rate for Café Appliances dishwashers has improved by 8.1% since 2019. It should come as no surprise that Café Appliances are so reliable considering that GE owns them.

Customers praise the 5dBa quiet operation and spacious interior of Café dishwashers. A high reliability rating, scores of great reviews, and a convenient third rack are reasons to consider Café Appliances.

Asko may not be a household name in appliances just yet, but their dishwashers have a great reputation and high reliability rating. A Yale Appliance study shows that Asko dishwashers have a 12.5% service rate. It makes sense that Asko dishwashers are so reliable when you consider their steel construction and durable parts.

Customer reviews for flagship models such as the Asko DBI663THS Built-in 24″ Dishwasher praise Asko dishwashers for their great performance and long lifespan. Ask dishwashers come fitted with premium parts and are known to last for an average of 10 years. Customers praise Asko dishwashers for their high capacity, and models like the Asko Extra Tall Tub XXL Design are unique for their extra storage.

Service rates for Asko dishwashers have steadily declined since 2017. According to Yale Appliance, Asko dishwasher service rates went from 54.2% to 12.5% in the last 4 years.

Not every dishwasher comes equipped with a variety of washing cycles. It is ideal to choose a dishwasher that features light, heavy, and regular wash cycles. Many homeowners opt for dishwashers with specialty cycles such as pots and pans and economy.

Generally, dishwashers that feature multiple washing cycle options perform better than barebones models. That is not always the case, however, but it is beneficial to have a unit with cycles for several situations. Homeowners that use several types of dishes frequently or have children can benefit from a dishwasher with several cycles.

Size matters when it comes to dishwashers, and it can greatly affect how many loads you wash. Dishwashers with a small capacity limit how many dishes you can wash at once. It is difficult for families or homes with multiple residents to get by with a small dishwasher.

Look for a dishwasher with a capacity that suits your needs and how many dishes you go through. Many dishwashers have additional racks and compartments that improve the capacity. Choose a dishwasher with a generous capacity and efficient design to maximize how many dishes you can wash.

Modern dishwashers have more features than ever, and many of them include “smart” functions. Everyone from LG and Samsung to Frigidaire produces smart dishwashers now. The ability to monitor your dishwasher from your phone or with devices such as Alexa appeals to many modern homeowners.

Smart dishwashers range from $600 to $1,000 or more, and they come with several helpful features. You get access to information that standard dishwashers don’t provide, such as remotely stopping or starting a cycle. Users can receive alerts and updates from smart dishwashers, and many consumers find that it’s worth the extra cost.

Consider a smart dishwasher whether you have existing smart home features or not. Smart dishwashers pair perfectly with smart systems such as Nest, Google Assistant, and Alexa.

Homeowners can universally agree that noisy dishwashers are annoying, but there is no shortage of them on the market. Loud dishwasher cycles can permeate throughout a small or open concept home. The Whirlpool WDTA50SAKZ is one of the quietest dishwashers on the market, especially if you select the pots and pans washing cycle.

It is hard to tell whether or not a dishwasher will run loudly until you test drive it. Pay close attention to reviews and look for a dishwasher that runs between 44dB and 49dB. Don’t purchase a dishwasher if it runs at 50dB or above because that is as loud as modern dishwashers get.

Low-maintenance dishwashers are what any homeowner could want, but not all of them are. Most great dishwashers feature an integrated disposal system, and that alone can minimize a lot of maintenance. Choose a dishwasher that contains stainless steel if you want it to hold up over time and withstand wear and tear.

Dishwasher brands such as Thermador are among the least likely to break within 5 years. You can expect your dishwasher to last for 10 years or longer if you choose a low-maintenance brand such as Thermador.

Hisense is a good brand and producers dishwashers that perform well. Models such as the Hisense HUI6220XCUS have earned many great reviews, despite a few problems with the cutlery basket. The $579 price tag is enticing, and the HUI6220XCUS has several great washing cycle options.

Other models, such as the Hisense HV6120UK are affordable and effective but suffer from more problems. The HV6120UK’s biggest problems are energy efficiency and water consumption, and that can increase your bills. Overall, Hisense is a great option if you want a simple dishwasher that gets the job done, but spending the extra money on a brand like Thermador may be worthwhile.

Related Questions

What is the longest-lasting dishwasher brand?

The longest-lasting dishwasher brand is Miele, which has a lifespan that is almost double the standard lifespan. You can expect a Miele dishwasher to last a whopping 15 years. For comparison, a typical dishwasher will only last for about seven to eight years. This takes regular maintenance into account, too.

What is the quietest dishwasher on the market?

Tired of the hum of a dishwasher that’s in-action? Currently, the quietest dishwasher on the market is the Bosch 800 Series SHPM88Z75N, which clocks in at around 40 decibels when it’s in use. For comparison, this is about the same level as a quiet library or most bird calls.