Quiet dishwashers: how to choose the right one

Creating incredible meals should be the focus of your kitchen activity, not cleaning up afterward. A quiet dishwasher helps make clean-up an afterthought—simply start your dishwasher and get back to entertaining or enjoying the meal you’ve just created. Thanks to some recent appliance design innovations, many of today’s dishwashers can take care of cleanup quietly. Here are some things you should look for when shopping for a quiet new dishwasher like these models from KitchenAid brand.

What is a dishwasher’s decibel rating?

Dishwasher noise levels are measured in dBA. This stands for “A-weighted decibels,” which essentially measures how loud something sounds to the human ear. Every increase of 10 decibels doubles the perceived noise level of a dishwasher.

What is a Quiet Dishwasher Decibel?

The decibel level of a quiet dishwasher can be as low as 38 dBA, but any dishwasher with a decibel level of 44 dBA or lower may be considered quiet. A decibel level of 50 dBA or above tends to be thought of as average. While older dishwashers may have a 60 dBA, which is double the noise of 50 dBA.

How loud should your dishwasher be?

The noise level of your dishwasher depends on your personal preference. Consider your sensitivity to noise. Another thing to think about is the location of the appliance. If you have an open concept kitchen close to your family room, you may find a quieter dishwasher more appealing.

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What makes a dishwasher quiet?

Multiple factors—both mechanical and structural—are involved in reducing noise output in today’s dishwashers. Understanding and identifying the following features can help you choose a quiet dishwasher:

1. Insulation

The quality and amount of insulation placed around the exterior of the dishwasher significantly impacts noise output.

2. Tub Materials

A dishwasher with a stainless steel tub is generally quieter than dishwashers with plastic tubs. Additionally, sound dampening on the outside of the tub helps to decrease noise. All KitchenAid^® Dishwashers feature a stainless steel tub with excellent sound dampening that also resists streaks, stains and odors while retaining heat to help improve drying performance.

3. Disposal Feature

Models with food disposals will be noisier than models without. Many dishwashers now use a food trap system instead that is easy to clean and results in quieter dishwasher operation.

4. Water Movement

As water is pumped into the dishwasher, cycled through and pumped out again, it can contribute to much of the sound you hear. Many dishwasher manufacturers have developed solutions that minimize these sounds with innovations to wash cycles, the amount of force and speed used to spray water and quieter pump systems.

Which types of quiet dishwashers are available today?

You can find these noise reducing features on a wide range of dishwasher styles today. If you prefer to keep controls at your fingertips, you can find plenty of front control dishwashers from KitchenAid brand with low dBA ratings like the 39 dBA Dishwasher in PrintShield^™ Finish with Third Level Utensil Rack. Learn more about different types of dishwashers to find the best one for your needs.

KitchenAid^® Quiet Dishwasher Models

For a streamlined look, the 39 dBA Dishwasher in PrintShield^™ Finish with Third Level Utensil Rack is the quietest fully integrated, top-control dishwasher from KitchenAid brand and provides this quiet clean without compromising performance. With controls hidden away when closed, built-in top-control dishwashers provide a sleek, minimalist exterior that blends into any kitchen design—just as its quiet operation blends into the background. Find out what a built-in dishwasher is to see if it aligns with your appliance needs.

If you frequently cook up a feast, look for a quiet dishwasher with features that help you clean a lot at once. The KitchenAid^® line of 360º Max Jets^™ Third Rack Dishwashers help you master the mess of making with three racks of versatile loading possibilities and complete wash coverage. The spacious 360º Max Jets^™ Third Rack fits glasses, mugs, bowls, silverware and cooking tools, freeing up room below for pots, plates and mixing bowls. All of this comes with a 44 dBA rating, which is still quiet enough to comfortably carry on a conversation or enjoy the meal you’ve just created without interruption, even in open concept kitchens. 

Find the perfect quiet dishwasher for you

Understanding how many decibels is considered a quiet dishwasher will help you find the perfect model for your kitchen. With a premium line of dishwashers featuring decibel ratings from 39 to 46 dBA, KitchenAid brand offers a range of quiet dishwashers to choose from with both top-control or front-control designs. The entire KitchenAid^® line of quiet 44 dBA dishwashers featuring the largest third rack available¹ can quietly wash even more dishes in the background while you move on to your next creation.

^{1 Among leading brands based on usable volume.}

Ready to install? Find the dishwasher parts and dishwasher accessories from KitchenAid brand you need to get started.

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