QUIET DISHWASHER BUYING GUIDE: COMPARING DBA LEVELS
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 about 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. Older dishwashers may have a 60 dBA, which is double the noise of 50 dBA.
COMPARING DISHWASHER NOISE LEVELS
When comparing dishwashers, noise level is often just as important as performance. The chart below shows some standard dBA ratings alongside real-world sound comparisons to help you understand how different models might sound in your kitchen.
| dBA Rating | Comparable Sound | Noise Perception in the Kitchen |
|---|---|---|
| 38–40 dBA | Library, bird calls | Virtually silent, blends into background |
| 41–45 dBA | Moderate rainfall | Barely noticeable during conversation |
| 46–50 dBA | Normal conversation at home | Noticeable hum, not disruptive |
| 51–55 dBA | Average household refrigerator | Moderate noise, may interrupt quiet moments |
| 56+ dBA | Conversation in office or restaurant | Clearly audible, may be distracting |
The noise level of your dishwasher can depend 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.
SHOP QUIET DISHWASHERS FROM KITCHENAID BRAND
When you’ve just hosted a group of friends and you want to get a jump-start on cleanup, or you’ve wrapped a day of baking and it’s time to sit down and relax, you don’t want to be disrupted by the sounds of a noisy dishwasher. KitchenAid brand has several quiet dishwashers to choose from in top and front control models, like the Third Level Jet Rack Dishwasher, 41 dBA or the Third Level Utensil Rack Dishwasher with 30+ Total Wash Jets, 39 dBA, both with the features you need to help simplify cleanup.
QUIET DISHWASHER FEATURES
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 can significantly impact noise output. The insulation blanket that may have come with your dishwasher is designed to trap heat and muffle sound. It is an internal component that you won’t see once it has been installed.
2. STAINLESS STEEL TUBS
A dishwasher with a stainless steel tub, like these models from KitchenAid brand, 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. FILTRATION SYSTEMS
Models with food disposals will be noisier than models without. Many dishwashers now use a food trap filtration system instead that is easy to clean and results in quieter dishwasher operation.
4. QUIET 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 help minimize these sounds with innovations to wash cycles, the amount of force and speed used to spray water, and quieter pump systems.
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KitchenAid® dishwashers make kitchen cleanup easy, so you can focus less on cleaning and more on making
TYPES OF QUIET DISHWASHERS
You can find noise-reducing features on a wide range of dishwasher styles today, with options designed to match both your kitchen layout and your preferred way of loading and using the dishwasher. Quiet dishwashers can often be found in the following styles:
Front control dishwashers: 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.
Top control dishwashers: A top control, or fully integrated, dishwasher places the controls on the top edge of the door for a clean, streamlined look that enhances modern kitchens. KitchenAid brand offers many quiet top control options, including the Third Level Utensil Rack Dishwasher with 30+ Total Wash Jets at just 39 dBA and the Third Level Jet Rack Dishwasher with 40+ Total Wash Jets and only 41 dBA.
Panel-ready dishwashers: These built-in dishwashers are designed to accept a custom cabinet front (not included), creating a fully integrated look that blends seamlessly with your kitchen design. KitchenAid brand offers quiet panel-ready models like the 39 dBA Panel-Ready Flush-to-Cabinet Dishwasher with FreeFlex™ Fit Third Level Rack.
Third rack dishwashers: These models include an extra rack at the top, perfect for utensils and small items, with some designs deep enough for mugs or bowls. KitchenAid brand has several options to choose from. For powerful cleaning, look for wash action beneath the third rack—like in the KitchenAid® 360° Max Jets™ Third Rack Dishwasher with 50+ Total Wash Jets, operating at just 44 dBA and the Third Level Jet Rack Dishwasher with 40+ Total Wash Jets at only 41 dBA.
Learn more about different types of dishwashers to find the best one for your needs.
KITCHENAID® QUIET DISHWASHER MODELS
When it comes to kitchen comfort, noise level matters just as much as cleaning power. KitchenAid brand offers a range of dishwashers that deliver powerful performance without disrupting your home. Below are some examples of the quiet dishwasher models KitchenAid brand has to offer.
1. 39 dBA DISHWASHER WITH THIRD LEVEL UTENSIL RACK
For a streamlined look, the 39 dBA Dishwasher in PrintShield™ Finish with Third Level Utensil Rack is one of 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.
2. 44 dBA 360º MAX JETS™ THIRD RACK DISHWASHER
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.
3. 41 dBA THIRD LEVEL JET RACK DISHWASHER WITH 40+ TOTAL WASH JETS
Say hello to the only way to dish. With this KitchenAid® dishwasher, 40+ Total Wash Jets across three wash arms offer targeted cleaning on every level. Three Versatile Racks accommodate dishes of all shapes and sizes. The Third Level Jet Rack uses dedicated wash jets to clean mugs and bowls. The ProDry™ System dries from every angle with heating elements, Water Repellent Tech, and natural ventilation, while the Triple Filtration System circulates clean water to wash and rinse.
And the best part is that all of this comes at just 41 dBA, so whether you have family gathered around the table, or you are watching your favorite movie, you don’t have to worry about getting kitchen cleanup started while the night is still young.
4. 39 dBA THIRD LEVEL UTENSIL RACK DISHWASHER WITH 30+ TOTAL WASH JETS
Experience quiet cleaning from KitchenAid brand with this 39 dBA Top Control Dishwasher. The third level utensil rack holds silverware, serving utensils and spatulas, and the adjustable middle rack makes room to fit tall items. Over 30 total wash jets provide targeted cleaning on every level, and the triple filtration system continuously cleans wash and rinse water, so dishes come out sparkling even with dirty cookware in the load.
5. 44 dBA 360° MAX JETS™ THIRD RACK DISHWASHER
This top control dishwasher with a pocket handle has 50+ Total Wash Jets across four wash arms that offer targeted cleaning across the entire 7.25 cu.ft. MaxTub Largest Dishwasher Tub.* The 360° Max Jets™ Third Rack uses 360° wash jets to clean glasses, mugs and bowls, while the Advanced ProDry™ System serves up KitchenAid brand's driest dry. The True Self-Cleaning Filtration eliminates manual filter cleaning by continuously circulating clean water during wash and rinse cycles.
At just 44 dBA, you can carry on conversations in the kitchen while you get cleanup started, so you don’t have to leave the mess for later.
*Based on usable volume.
Need help choosing your next dishwasher?
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 44 dBA dishwashers featuring the largest third rack available* can quietly wash even more dishes in the background while you move on to your next creation.
Ready to install? Find the KitchenAid brand dishwasher parts and dishwasher accessories you need to get started.
*Based on usable volume.
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