3 Of Costco's Highest-Rated Dishwashers And Which Our Expert Recommends
Buying a new dishwasher is a big deal. The right one can make your life infinitely easier, while the wrong one can turn into a big (and expensive) pain. And while ratings and reviews can help you find the right dishwasher for your kitchen, sometimes it's overwhelming to figure out which features matter most. House Digest spoke exclusively with Garrett Bergstrom, Virtual Appliance Repair Expert at Frontdoor, to learn more about Costco's highest-rated dishwashers and which one stands out most.
Why shop for a dishwasher at Costco? The wholesale retailer often beats big box store prices on kitchen appliances, and that includes dishwashers. They also offer a two-year extended warranty (in addition to the manufacturer's warranty) and free delivery, installation, and haul-away of your old dishwasher, which makes the shopping process a little less daunting.
Bergstrom says to look for two main things in a dishwasher: a reasonable noise level and a stainless steel tub. The three top-rated dishwashers at Costco are the Whirlpool Top Control Dishwasher with Soak and Clean Cycle, Bosch 800 Series Top Control Dishwasher, and Maytag Front Control Dishwasher with Dual Power Filtration. All three of these options have a stainless steel tub and are relatively quiet.
Why these two features matter in a dishwasher
According to Bergstrom, all three of the top-rated dishwashers at Costco "have high ratings because they do stand out." They have relatively low noise levels and stainless steel tubs, which are two of the most important features in a dishwasher. "Many homes today have an open floor design which means you could notice the dishwasher running while watching your favorite TV shows or while entertaining guests," Bergstrom told House Digest exclusively. "If you have ever had a noisy dishwasher, a quiet dishwasher is a big deal."
Meanwhile, stainless steel is important for washing and drying dishes effectively. It makes a difference because most dishwashers today are energy efficient, which "increases the reliance on the material the tub is made of," Bergstrom explained. Whirlpool, Maytag, and Bosch also offer generous warranties for their dishwashers, which shows that the "company has faith in their products," he said. However, there are some differences between the three dishwashers, according to Bergstrom, with one standing out as the best.
Why the Bosch is the best at Costco
Bergstrom recommends the Bosch 800 series above the other two top-rated dishwashers at Costco. "Bosch, with its German engineering, is known for its great washing and drying abilities," Bosch told House Digest exclusively. Plus, it "offers a much quieter wash" and a "sleeker front."
Compared to the Whirlpool and the Maytag, the Bosch dishwasher is at least 8 decibels quieter; the company claims you won't even be able to tell it's running sometimes. The sleeker look is because the Bosch has a hidden control panel and no visible branding on the front. Bergstrom also pointed out that the Bosch offers seven different wash cycles, while the Whirlpool and Maytag only offer five. "The Bosch also has a built-in sump to catch water if there is ever a leak," he added. "This not only protects your floor and home, but it also offers peace of mind."
With Wi-Fi connectivity, a flexible third rack on top, and a 4.5 overall customer rating, the Bosch also happens to be a bit pricey. But according to Bergstrom, that shouldn't deter you. "You get what you pay for," he said.