Unlike highly visable ranges and refrigerators, dishwashers are fairly unobtrusive. Dishwashers sit below the countertop and nearly all dishwashers on the market have a plain façade. So shopping for a dishwasher must be all about performance, right? How clean the dishes get, how quickly a cycle runs, etc. This is not the case. The number one question we get about dishwashers is how quiet they are.
It makes sense that people want an ultra quiet dishwasher. Separate dinging rooms are decidedly out of fashion. Today, open floor plans make kitchens the center of the home. When you are eating dinner with the family and entertaining in the kitchen, you need to choose appliances that allow you to have a conversation. No one wants to shout over the noise of a jet engine.
Measuring Loudness
Noise is typically measured in decibels. A quiet library whisper is about 30 decibels. A normal conversation is 60 decibels. A vacuum cleaner typically runs at about 80 decibels. Any dishwasher with a 45 decibel or less sound level will be virtually silent.
The Quietest Dishwashers on the Market in 2015:
- Bosch SHX9PT75UC- Â Bosch makes some of the quietest dishwashers in the world! This model is just above a whisper at 38 decibels .
- Miele G 5915 SCi  Diamond Series Dishwasher This unit from Miel measures 37 decibels with Extra Quiet program in use and 42 decibels without running the Extra Quiet program.
- ASKO Style XXL 24"W Built In Dishwasher-Panel Ready-D5894XXLFIÂ This unit from ASKO measues 44 decibels; just enough that you can hear it running without being too obtrusive.Â
- KitchenAid® Architect® Series II 24" Built In Dishwasher-Stainless Steel-KDTE704DSS At 40 decibels, this model makes only as much noise as a refrigerator.Â
- Thermador Star-Sapphire Series 24" Built In Dishwasher-Stainless Steel-DWHD650JFPÂ With one of the fastest washes in the industry, this 42 decibel model is quick and quiet.Â
- Samsung Chef Collection 24" Built In Dishwasher-Stainless Steel-DW80H9970USÂ The fan condensing drying system ensures that dishes are dry and ready to put away at the end or the cycle. Sound measures only 40 decibels.
- DCS 24" Double Drawer Dishwasher-Stainless Steel-DD24DVT7Â Looking for a drawer pull-out dishwasher? This model from DCS is only 43 decibels.Â
- Whirlpool® 24" Built In Dishwasher-White-WDF320PADW Bargain pick!  At only $349, this dishwasher from Whirlpool gives you are fairly quiet 55 decibel wash. Â
What Makes a Dishwasher Quiet?
Dishwashers used to have plastic tubs. Now, the quietest dishwashers have stainless steel tubs, which cost more, but significantly reduce noise. Premium brands engineer their dishwashers to direct more water towards dishes and not at the tub for a quieter clean. Motors are suspended and sand insulated to absorb noise. Many dishwashers are so quiet that they need and indicator light so that you know they are on.
It is a fact that dishwashers clean and sanitize dishes better while using less water and energy then hand washing. Dishwashers are virtually ubiquitous in the modern home. Thanks to modern sound reducing technology, dishwashers are quieter then ever before.