At one point, having a dishwasher was a luxury. Nowadays, the appliance is considered a necessity, especially for quickly handling post-dinner cleanup before jumping into the next household chore. It’s amazing—overwhelming, even—the number of models and features available on the market today that are revolutionizing the way dishes are cleaned.
Don’t worry—we’re here to take the pressure off you. In this article, we’re focusing on Whirlpool dishwashers, the lineup that offers a straightforward dishwashing experience that is accessible to every buyer. Follow along as we provide you with a background on what to expect when shopping for Whirlpool dishwashers, followed by our list of three Whirlpool dishwasher reviews for the everyday buyer, the budget shopper, and buyers with a little more to spend.
At a Glance:
The Ideal Whirlpool Dishwasher Buyer
Whirlpool Dishwasher Performance Overview
Whirlpool Dishwashers Pros & Cons
Our Top Whirlpool Dishwasher Picks
Who Are Whirlpool Dishwashers Suited for?
Shopping for a new appliance has changed dramatically in the past two decades, shifting from on-site shopping to an experience that can be done right from the comfort of the couch. So, what does that mean and why does it matter when it comes to shopping for a new dishwasher?
Simple: Manufacturers are racing to cater to this new generation of buyers with forward features and new-age functions—you know, all the bells and whistles. It’s an exciting time for the market, but not every shopper wants a dishwasher that shoots dazzling laser beams on the floor or sends push notifications to a smart device when a load is finished.
Cue the Whirlpool dishwasher lineup. The brand—which counts on over a century of manufacturing domestically in the U.S.—sticks to its roots as a family brand on a mission to make everyday household jobs simple and efficient. By focusing on performance rather than new features, Whirlpool dishwashers are also affordable, with price points between $489–$1,049 across five dishwasher configurations:
- Top control dishwashers
- Front control dishwashers
- Portable dishwashers
- Compact dishwashers
- Panel-ready dishwashers
Overall, we recommend Whirlpool dishwashers to:
∆ Households with families
∆ Buyers who prefer simpler user functions
∆ Shoppers looking for a domestic dishwasher brand
∆ Seekers of value on a budget
Whirlpool Dishwashers Performance Overview
Despite being an inexpensive appliance brand, Whirlpool dishwasher models offer fit performances that don’t cost a fortune. Nearly all models priced $799 and above come with stainless-steel tubs, which are superior at getting dishes dryer versus plastic tubs. Additionally, models $599 and up feature a Sensor Cycle, meaning users don’t have to spend a lot in order to get a quality wash. And with the quietest model registering 41 dBA, select Whirlpool dishwashers rival even the best dishwasher brands, like Bosch at 39 dBA.
All in all, we recommend Whirlpool for their major bang for the buck, which we evaluated across four core factors: dependability, performance & features, efficiency, and convenience.
Dependability
In 2020, Puls, an independent group of technicians headquartered in San Francisco, conducted a survey comparing the best brands for each appliance category. Evaluations were based on several factors, including service rate, how intuitive each brand is to use, and the overall value each brand offers its buyers.
According to the technicians surveyed, Whirlpool is the most reliable appliance brand overall, and its dishwashers are the second best, only outdone by Bosch, the German brand known for its catalog of luxury appliances that run at higher purchasing prices.
With basic maintenance and correct operation, Whirlpool dishwashers can last an average of 10 years. Depending on the model, that means a decade of great features, including:
Performance
⊳ Fan Dry – Whirlpool dishwashers with Fan Dry use a fan to circulate air into the tub for optimum drying.
⊳ Sensor Cycle – Select this cycle and let the dishwasher decide the wash time and water temperature based on soil levels in the water.
⊳ Soil Sensors – These detect how much food is left on dishes and customize the Normal Cycle accordingly.
⊳ Triple Wash Spray – Higher-end Whirlpool dishwashers feature three levels of wash action for total clean coverage.
Efficiency
⊳ 1-Hour Wash Cycle – Go from wash to cabinet in an hour using this speedy dishwashing cycle.
⊳ Energy Star Rating – Energy Star Whirlpool dishwashers help cut down on utility costs and are easy on the environment.
Convenience
⊳ Heated Dry option – This premium dishwasher feature used a heating element to get dishes completely dry the first time.
⊳ Adjustable 2nd Rack – Gain extra clearance for tall and bulky items by adjusting the second rack.
⊳ 3rd Rack with Wash Action – Find extra room for utensils, bowls, cups, and more with this high-end dishwasher feature that comes with its own series of jets sprays.
Whirlpool Dishwasher Pros & Cons
The simple approach to dish care is great for some users but not for others. Before we continue on to our pick of the best Whirlpool dishwashing machines, consider the following:
Pros:
✓ Affordably priced
✓ Reliable brand name
✓ Simple to use
✓ Variety of looks to choose from
Cons:
✗ Limited color options
✗ No smart dishwashers (single model now discontinued)
✗ Entry-level models can be loud
✗ Low-end dishwashers use condensation drying
Our Top Whirlpool Dishwasher Picks
Our experts have reviewed Whirlpool’s dishwasher line, finding the best models we think shoppers from every background should consider. Here are three Whirlpool dishwasher ratings and recommendations based on performance, efficiency, and convenience.
Best Overall: Whirlpool® 24" Built-In Dishwasher-Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel (WDT730PAHZ)
Unload your after-dinner messes into this best Whirlpool dishwasher for fast and efficient cleanup that is as savory as the family meal. Powerful features work for you, including the Sensor Cycle that actively monitors soil and load size to customize a wash, and Fan Dry that finishes the job with no spots, droplets, or puddles. This stainless-steel dishwasher is loaded with convenience, too, offering a 1-Hour Wash cycle, an adjustable second rack, heated drying, and Energy Star-rated performance, all on a dishwasher for under $750.
Best Budget: Whirlpool® 24" Built In Dishwasher-Stainless Steel (WDF130PAHS)
Did you know hand-washing dishes wastes more water than a dishwasher? Instead of pinching pennies, consider this best budget dishwasher from Whirlpool and ditch the rubber gloves. Its large 12 place setting is ideal for lighter dishwashing needs, but with four wash levels and three wash cycles, even heavy-duty loads are a cinch. And with a 1-Hour Wash cycle and heated drying, this affordable dishwasher is a major value that takes care of dishes like a champ.
Best Luxury: Whirlpool® 24" Fingerprint Resistant Black Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher (WDT970SAKV)
Get a taste of affordable luxury with this black Whirlpool dishwasher that provides features just as appealing as its modern look. Maximum loading flexibility is at your fingertips with an adjustable 2nd rack and an upper 3rd rack with dedicated spray jets to access every surface on utensils and dishes placed above. This mid-end dishwasher also includes a Triple Wash Spray system that showers every zone across 15 place settings, just one more perk on top of soil sensors and heated drying for a premium experience at a fraction of the cost.
Shop Whirlpool Dishwashers at Albert Lee
Just like the Whirlpool brand, Albert Lee is driven by dependability and a family-oriented approach to appliance shopping. When you shop a Whirlpool dishwasher—or any appliance from our catalog—you can count on the reliability of experts and our experience in servicing shoppers in the Pacific Northwest since 1939.
To explore more, shop online or visit an appliance showroom near you, including locations in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, and Lynnwood today!
Discover More: Top 3 Built-in Dishwashers + More