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Best Top-Control Dishwashers
Updated March 2023
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Samsung Top Control Dishwasher
Samsung
Top Control Dishwasher
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Bottom Line

A reliable, quiet and powerful dishwasher. Smart technology makes it the most advanced out of its peer group.

Pros

Adjustable top rack fits longer-stem wine glasses. Waterfall sprayer attacks dirty dishes on lower rack. Runs very quietly. Hidden controls give unit a sleek look.

Cons

Indicator panel is confusing. No pause feature available. Heated dry doesn’t fully dry dishes.

Best Bang for the Buck
Frigidaire Gallery Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
Frigidaire
Gallery Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
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Bottom Line

Decent performance for this dishwasher at a lower price point, but its long-term value is questionable.

Pros

Smudge-proof stainless steel front is a godsend for many. Cleans dishes very well. Lower rack is spacious, with plenty of room for taller objects.

Cons

Pressure sensor can get clogged over time, leading to control errors. No indicator lights on door. Cleans less well after a few months of use.

KitchenAid Top Control Dishwasher
KitchenAid
Top Control Dishwasher
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Bottom Line

A solid performer with intuitive controls, this dishwasher is the best in its class.

Pros

Does a great job of cleaning dishes. Feels sturdy, with little vibration when operating. Controls are intuitive. Delayed start function is helpful.

Cons

Stainless steel front collects fingerprints. Silverware basket cover makes it hard to put larger utensils into it. Full wash and heat dry cycle takes more than 3 hours.

GE Top Control Built-In Tall Tub Dishwasher
GE
Top Control Built-In Tall Tub Dishwasher
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Bottom Line

Numerous extras and options, like top- or bottom-only wash, are attractive pluses for this dishwasher.

Pros

Cleans dishes well. Extra silverware rack is a nice bonus. Fast cleaning cycles, from under an hour for express to just over 2 hours for full cycles. Easy to operate.

Cons

Really baked-on gunk may not completely come off in regular wash cycle. Dishwasher construction seems flimsy.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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52
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
20
Hours
Researched
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The team that worked on this review
Our Top Picks
Samsung
Best of the Best
Samsung
Top Control Dishwasher
Bottom Line
A reliable, quiet and powerful dishwasher. Smart technology makes it the most advanced out of its peer group.
Shop Now
Frigidaire
Best Bang for the Buck
Frigidaire
Gallery Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
Bottom Line
Decent performance for this dishwasher at a lower price point, but its long-term value is questionable.
Shop Now
KitchenAid
Top Pick
KitchenAid
Top Control Dishwasher
Bottom Line
A solid performer with intuitive controls, this dishwasher is the best in its class.
Shop Now
GE
Top Pick
GE
Top Control Built-In Tall Tub Dishwasher
Bottom Line
Numerous extras and options, like top- or bottom-only wash, are attractive pluses for this dishwasher.
Shop Now
Whirlpool
Top Pick
Whirlpool
Gold Series Top Control Dishwasher
Bottom Line
Quiet-running, with no problem getting dishes clean, this dishwasher is a real value at its mid-range price point.
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