High-end dishwashers have become the centerpiece of many modern kitchens. Packed with premium features—from WiFi connectivity and customizable LED lighting to stainless steel interiors and advanced wash-zone programming—these machines go well beyond simple cleaning performance. But with prices that often exceed $1,500, it’s worth asking: which of these luxury dishwashers are actually worth it?
Consumer Reports recently released updated ratings for 2025, highlighting the top high-end dishwashers across the most respected brands, including Bosch, Miele, Thermador, LG, and KitchenAid. CR’s engineers evaluated each model for washing, drying, noise, ease of use, water efficiency, and overall performance—making this list the most comprehensive guide available for premium dishwashers.
Below, we break down CR’s top-rated high-end dishwashers of 2025, including key features, performance notes, and what you’re really getting for your money.
Best High-End Dishwashers of 2025
These five models earned high overall scores in Consumer Reports’ lab testing and offer the most advanced features available on the market today. While you don’t need to spend this much to get a great dishwasher, these units deliver the full luxury experience—quiet operation, customizable washing power, premium interiors, and smart-home integration.
Comparison Table: CR’s Top High-End Dishwashers
| Model | Brand | Price Range | CR Score | Notable Features | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch Benchmark SHP9PCM5N | Bosch | $1,794 – $2,384 | 85 | Motorized wash arm, WiFi, stainless interior, lighted tub, hidden controls | Best overall blend of washing, drying, quietness, and advanced cleaning features |
| Miele G7176SCVI | Miele | $1,849 | 79 | Auto-open drying, Energy Star, auto detergent dispensing, extremely low water use | Most water-efficient model with elite washing and drying |
| Thermador Star Sapphire DWHD661EFP | Thermador | $2,499 | 78 | Programmable LED colors, time-to-finish floor projection, adjustable third rack | Luxury features + strong performance, ideal for premium kitchens |
| LG Studio SDWB24S3 | LG | $1,095 – $1,368 | 75 | Interior lighting, WiFi, adjustable racks, quiet operation | Best value high-end model under $1,400 |
| KitchenAid KDTF924PPS | KitchenAid | $1,888 – $2,099 | 77 | Auto-open drying, upper-rack wash focus, adjustable tines, third rack | Top-tier ease of use and excellent upper-rack cleaning |
Bosch Benchmark SHP9PCM5N — Best Overall
CR Score: 85
Price: $1,794 – $2,384
The Bosch Benchmark SHP9PCM5N sits at the top of Consumer Reports’ high-end rankings thanks to a rare combination of exceptional washing performance, ultra-quiet operation, and a suite of premium features. Unlike most dishwashers, this model has a motorized wash arm that moves independently from water pressure, allowing you to program specific quadrants for heavier cleaning—perfect for pots, pans, and baked-on messes.
The stainless steel interior, third rack, adjustable upper rack, hidden controls, and full WiFi integration make this dishwasher feel unmistakably premium. Interior lighting is the final luxury touch. Bosch also offers variants (SHV9PCM3N and SHX9PCM5N) with similar performance.
Best for homeowners who want the highest performance and the most advanced cleaning system available.
Miele G7176SCVI — Best for Water & Energy Efficiency
CR Score: 79
Price: $1,849
Miele dishwashers have long been admired for their engineering, and the G7176SCVI continues that tradition. It uses just 3 gallons of water per cycle—almost half of what many competitors consume—while still delivering excellent washing and drying scores.
The door automatically pops open after the cycle to improve drying, and Miele’s automatic detergent dispensing helps optimize cleaning. While it lacks a time-remaining display, its reliability, efficiency, and consistent performance earned it CR’s Green Choice designation.
Ideal for buyers who prioritize energy efficiency without compromising performance.
Thermador Star Sapphire DWHD661EFP — Best Premium Features
CR Score: 78
Price: $2,499
The Star Sapphire is one of the most visually impressive dishwashers on the market. Its interior lighting includes programmable colors, and a projected time display on the floor makes it easy to check cycle progress at a glance.
It performs very well in both washing and drying, and its adjustable third rack allows customization for unusually shaped items. Like the Bosch, it offers app-only zone-wash controls and delayed start options.
The best choice for homeowners designing a high-end kitchen with showpiece appliances.
LG Studio SDWB24S3 — Best High-End Value
CR Score: 75
Price: $1,095 – $1,368
LG’s Studio series provides a taste of luxury for far less than other premium brands. The SDWB24S3 earns strong washing and drying scores, runs quietly, and offers most of the upscale features you’d expect: interior lighting, an adjustable upper rack, a third rack, and WiFi connectivity.
Though LG’s owner satisfaction scores are only average, this model is a CR Green Choice and remains one of the best deals in high-end dishwashers.
Best for shoppers wanting premium features without the $2,000+ price tag.
KitchenAid KDTF924PPS — Best Ease of Use
CR Score: 77
Price: $1,888 – $2,099
KitchenAid’s KDTF924PPS stands out for its exceptionally intuitive controls and outstanding upper-rack cleaning performance. It opens automatically after cycles for better drying and includes a robust feature set: a third rack, adjustable tines, plenty of flatware slots, and targeted wash options.
While KitchenAid doesn’t match Bosch or Miele in reliability, this model still performed well in every major CR test category.
Great for users who want strong cleaning and maximum convenience.
What Features Do High-End Dishwashers Offer?
High-end dishwashers deliver far more than basic cleaning. These are some of the luxury features you’ll find across Consumer Reports’ top picks:
- Stainless steel tubs for better drying and reduced staining
- Hidden controls for sleek, modern aesthetics
- Interior LED lighting (sometimes programmable in multiple colors)
- WiFi connectivity for remote start, diagnostics, and cycle customization
- Custom panel options to blend seamlessly with kitchen cabinetry
- Advanced rack designs with adjustable tines and third racks
- Zone-wash programming to target heavily soiled items
How Consumer Reports Tests Dishwashers
Every dishwasher tested by Consumer Reports undergoes about 30 hours of rigorous evaluation. Engineers use photo imaging to measure cleaning performance on both racks, track energy and water use, evaluate drying on challenging items like plastics, and assess noise via listening panels.
CR also recently added an ease-of-use category, examining control-panel accessibility, third-rack usefulness, adjustability, and how intuitive each dishwasher is to operate.
Final Thoughts
While you don’t need to spend top dollar for a great dishwasher, high-end models earn their premium pricing through advanced performance features, elegant design, and smart-home functionality. From Bosch’s exceptional cleaning system to Miele’s unmatched efficiency and Thermador’s show-stopping lighting, each model on this list brings something special to the table.
If you’re planning a kitchen upgrade or simply want the best performance available, Consumer Reports’ top-rated high-end dishwashers are a smart place to start your search.
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