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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
The best energy efficient dishwasher is the one that gets your plates spotless without turning your utility bill into a horror story. That usually means an ENERGY STAR certified model, which uses less water and power per cycle than a standard machine — and in this list, that certification is non-negotiable on every single pick.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind WellFizz. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Whether you are swapping out an old unit in a tiny apartment or outfitting a full kitchen, the right energy efficient dishwasher balances capacity, noise, and wash programs against the space you actually have.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Energy Efficient Dishwasher
Before you fall for a shiny stainless front, you need to match the machine to your kitchen’s physical reality and your household’s daily dish load. The three numbers that decide everything are the width, the place-setting count, and the decibel rating.
Measure your space and count your dishes
If you are remodeling a small kitchen or an apartment, the 18-inch dishwasher is often the only thing that fits under the counter — and it is plenty for a couple or a single person who runs a load every day or two. Most built-in dishwashers come in two widths: a standard 24-inch model that holds 12 to 16 place settings, and a compact 18-inch model that fits 8.
Decibels and wash programs are quality-of-life specs
A dishwasher running at 45 decibels is quieter than a normal conversation, which matters if your kitchen opens into your living room. Beyond that, the wash program list tells you how flexible the machine is: an ECO or Energy Saver cycle uses less water for lightly soiled loads, while a Heavy or Intensive cycle blasts baked-on food. Look for a heated dry function if you hate pulling out dripping plates.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Place Settings | Noise (dBA) | Width | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fisher Paykel DD24SAX9★ Best Overall | Drawer-style flexibility | 7 | 45 | 24″ | Amazon |
| Avanti Built-In 18″Budget 18-Inch | Budget 18-inch install | 8 | 53 | 18″ | Amazon |
| Midea 18 Inch Built-inCompact Value Winner | Compact value winner | 8 | — | 18″ | Amazon |
| SPT SD-9254SSA | Sanitizing 18-inch clean | 8 | — | 18″ | Amazon |
| Honeywell 18-Inch | RVs and tiny kitchens | 8 | — | 18″ | Amazon |
| GE Profile Countertop | No-install flexibility | 6 | 52 | 21.7″ | Amazon |
| SUNVIVIPRO 24″ Built-in | Large family capacity | 14–16 | 49 | 24″ | Amazon |
| SPT SD-9263W Portable | Renters without hookups | 8 | — | 18″ | Amazon |
| Kenmore 24″ Hybrid Tub | Smart soil sensing | 12 | 54 | 24″ | Amazon |
| Frigidaire 18 in. ADA | Sanitizing compact clean | 8 | 52 | 18″ | Amazon |
| KoolMore 24 in. Panel Ready | Custom cabinet integration | 14 | 45 | 24″ | Amazon |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Fisher Paykel DD24SAX9 Drawer Dishwasher
Our pick — over 4★ from 100+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The drawer-style design that slides out like a cabinet, not a door.
This is the pick for anyone who hates bending down to load a traditional dishwasher. The drawer format pulls out at counter height, and its 7 place settings make it a fit for small to medium households that want easy access without a full-size machine.
It runs at just 45 decibels — quieter than a typical conversation — and the 6 cycles include a Rapid Wash for quick clean-ups. Buyers report the install is a breeze and that it is “super quiet,” with low energy and water use praised across the board. The ENERGY STAR rating backs up the efficiency claims.
The honest trade-off here is capacity. It is also a premium purchase, and shipping damage is a recurring theme in the reviews — though most owners say a replacement panel arrives quickly.
Drawer convenience: The standout feature is loading at waist height, which is a genuine daily comfort win.
Capacity caveat: Expect to run it more often than a 14-setting machine if you cook for a crowd.
Reach for this if: you want the easiest loading experience and a whisper-quiet 45 dBA wash.
Think twice if: you need to wash a whole family’s dinner in one go — the 7 place settings will feel tight.
2. Avanti Built-In Dishwasher 18-Inch
A made-in-USA compact that keeps the price honest.
If you want an 18-inch built-in without spending for a brand name, this Avanti holds 8 standard place settings plus a silverware basket and cup tray. The six automatic cycles — Regular, Automatic, Super, Intensive, Delicate, and Rinse — give you room to match the wash to the load, and it adds a Sanitize option on top.
At 53 dBA it is not the quietest machine here, but it is still a low-noise option for a compact unit, and the eco half-load mode cuts water and energy when you only have a few dishes. It is also ADA-compliant, which matters if accessibility is a consideration in your home.
The catch is durability. Owners mention that the thin metal door and sides dent easily in shipping, and one owner’s latch broke after two months of use. It is a fair deal for the price, but treat the delivery box gently and inspect it before the installer arrives.
Value angle: You get a full-featured 18-inch built-in with sanitize and eco modes at a budget-friendly price.
Build note: The thin panels are the weak point — check for shipping dents immediately.
Best for: budget-conscious buyers who need an 18-inch fit and want USA assembly.
Not for: anyone who cannot handle the risk of a dented delivery or a possible early latch failure.
3. Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher
The 18-inch that fits larger plates and still sips energy.
This Midea is the smart money pick for a three-person household, and the reviews back it up — cleaning performance is what owners praise most, with over 90 buyers singling it out. The slim body fits tight spaces, but it is designed to hold plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches tall, so you are not stuck with only small dishes.
It runs six programs — Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse — plus Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions. The HYGIENE cycle holds water at 136°F (58°C) max, which is a solid option for baby bottles and kids’ dinner sets. The stainless steel tub gives it a classier feel than the price suggests.
The one thing to know: it does not come with any hoses or an install kit, so have those ready when it arrives. Customers note the included instructions are clear, but you will need a quick trip to the hardware store before the plumber shows up.
Cleaning first: Spotless results are the consistent theme across owner experiences here.
Install heads-up: Plan for the missing hose kit — it is the most common surprise mentioned in reviews.
Grab this if: you want a compact machine that handles real pots and pans, not just plates.
Plan around: the lack of included hoses and the occasional quality-control complaint about customer service.
4. SPT SD-9254SSA 18″ Built-In Dishwasher
An 18-inch cleaner that heats water to sanitize and runs a 1–24 hour delay.
This SPT is for the two-person household that wants a serious clean in a compact footprint. It heats water to sanitize during the cycle, and the reviews consistently call out sparkling, spotless dishes — cleaning performance is the top praise, with 20 owners noting it. The stainless steel interior adds to the durability story.
Efficiency is concrete here: it uses 234 kilowatt hours per year, and the ENERGY STAR rating confirms it meets federal guidelines for year-round energy and money savings. The time delay feature lets you program a later start (1–24 hours), which is handy for running it on off-peak power or having dishes ready in the morning.
The honest caveats are mixed installation experiences and some durability complaints — a few units arrived dented, and others report it lasting about 5 years. The manual is also weak, so experienced DIYers will have an easier time than first-timers.
Efficiency proof: At 234 kWh per year, this is one of the more energy-frugal machines in the lineup.
Longevity note: The door latch is the known weak point, though newer models improved it.
Choose this for: a small household that wants sanitize-level cleaning without a full-size machine.
Expect: a learning curve on installation and the possibility of a dented delivery.
5. Honeywell 18-Inch Dishwasher
The compact that earns its keep in RVs and galley kitchens.
This Honeywell is the go-to for tiny spaces, and the reviews reflect it — owners in RVs and small apartments consistently praise the compact size and quiet operation. The stainless steel tub is built for efficiency, and the 6 washing programs cover heavy, normal, eco, glass, rapid, and rinse, so you can protect delicate stemware or blast baked-on food.
The sanitize function is a real plus for baby items, which several owners mention using it for. A 24-hour delay start lets you schedule washes around your day, and the bar handle is easy to grip. It holds 8 place settings across two racks with a removable cutlery basket.
Reliability is the mixed note here. While many reviewers point out it working reliably past a year, others had touch buttons go unresponsive after a couple of months, and one found an internal valve inverted at the factory. It is a good value when it works, but quality control is not flawless.
Space saver: Owners love that it fits into tight 18-inch gaps where a standard unit never would.
QC check: A minority of units arrive with electronic glitches — test it thoroughly right after install.
Ideal for: RV owners and anyone with a genuinely tiny kitchen who needs a reliable compact washer.
Be ready for: occasional button or valve quirks that may need a reset or a service call.
6. GE Profile Countertop Dishwasher
The countertop that thinks, connects, and can be plumbed in three ways.
This GE Profile is the most flexible machine in the lineup for renters and small-space dwellers. You can run it as a countertop unit, build it in, or install it under the sink — the included unicouple makes faucet hookup quick, and the power cord, drain hose, and inlet hose come in the box.
The smart features are the headline. Built-in WiFi connects to the SmartHQ app so you can customize cycles, monitor status, and get alerts from anywhere. At 52 dBA it is quiet, and ENERGY STAR certification cuts water use by over 75% versus handwashing, a concrete efficiency win. — a concrete efficiency win.
The 6 place settings and 17.3-inch height make it best for one or two people, and the 30-minute quick wash is a crowd favorite for its speed. The catch is reliability: one unit died from a control board failure within three weeks, though others run flawlessly past a month of heavy use.
Smart convenience: App control and a 30-minute quick cycle are the features owners rave about.
Size reality: At 6 place settings, this is for small loads — not a family’s daily dishes.
Pick this if: you want app control and three installation options in one compact machine.
Know this: a small minority of units fail early on the control board, so test it within the return window.
7. SUNVIVIPRO 24″ Built-in Dishwasher
A full-size 24-inch that holds 14–16 settings and sanitizes to 149°F.
If you are feeding a big family, this SUNVIVIPRO gives you the largest capacity in the list — 14–16 place settings with adjustable racks and a removable cutlery basket. Its high-temp wash reaches 149°F (65°C) to sanitize dishes, a standout for large families., and the hidden controls prevent accidental button presses from kids.
It runs 8 programs — Auto, Heavy, Normal, ECO, Glass, Express (35 min), Soak, and Self-Clean — which is the deepest program list here. The half-load mode saves water and energy on smaller loads, and the leak detection system automatically stops water flow if something goes wrong. At 49 dBA, it is quieter than a normal conversation.
The mixed reality is installation and reliability. Owners praise the quiet operation, but the water hookup sits at the very front, which is unusual and makes retrofitting into an existing American kitchen difficult. Some also worry the plate holders are thin metal, and a few units arrived dented.
Capacity king: No other pick here matches the 14–16 place-setting capacity for big households.
Install watch: The front water hookup is a real quirk — confirm your plumbing setup before buying.
Best for: large families who need maximum capacity and an Express cycle in a 24-inch footprint.
Be cautious if: you are swapping into a standard American kitchen — the hookup location may fight you.
8. SPT SD-9263W Portable Dishwasher
The rolling washer that hooks to a faucet and disappears into a corner.
This SPT portable is the answer for renters who cannot hardwire a built-in. It rolls on wheels, connects to your sink faucet with the included adapter, and drains through a hose — no permanent installation required. At 8 place settings, it suits singles and couples who run a load every day or two.
Efficiency is solid at 237 kilowatt hours per year, and the ENERGY STAR rating backs the water savings. The functionality is what owners praise most — 80 buyers single it out — and the build quality gets strong marks too. One owner reports using it 2–3 times a week for six years straight, which is a great longevity signal.
The recurring gripe is the hoses. They loosen at the base every 10–15 washes and need tightening, which can cause flooding if ignored. Owners also note the outer metal is thin and the LED display is hard to see when the lid is closed. It is a maintenance relationship, not a set-and-forget machine.
Proven longevity: Six years of weekly use from one owner is the standout durability story here.
Hose discipline: Plan to check and tighten the connections regularly — this is the machine’s one nagging habit.
Grab this if: you rent and want a real dishwasher without any permanent installation.
Commit to: routine hose checks; skipping them risks a wet floor.
9. Kenmore 24″ Hybrid Tub Dishwasher
A full-size washer that reads how dirty your dishes are and adjusts the wash.
This Kenmore is for households that want a full-size 24-inch machine with smarter washing. The SmartWash cycle uses sensor technology to detect soil levels and automatically adjust water temperature, pressure, and cycle time — so a light load does not get a heavy-duty soak. The UltraWash system adds two pressurized spray arms to blast off stuck-on food.
It fits 12 place settings, and the MoreSpace Adjustable Upper Rack can be lifted, lowered, or removed entirely for tall or awkward items. The UL-certified Sani Rinse option and Heated Dry round out the cleaning arsenal, and the 3-stage filter captures particles as small as a grain of fine sand. It sips along at 240 kilowatt hours per year.
The mixed note is reliability and noise. Some shoppers say the start button malfunctioning on day one, while others say it works great for months. The 54 dBA rating is the loudest in the premium tier, so it is not the quietest option if that is your top priority.
Smart washing: Auto-adjusting cycles mean you use only the water and heat each load needs.
Reliability spread: Experiences split between flawless and early button failure — buy with a good return policy.
Choose this for: a full-size machine with sensor-driven efficiency and a removable upper rack.
Accept: a 54 dBA noise level and some reliability variance from the start.
10. Frigidaire 18 in. ADA Compact Dishwasher
The NSF-certified sanitizer that fits tiny kitchens and meets ADA standards.
This Frigidaire is the compact pick for buyers who take sanitization seriously. The NSF-certified Sanitize cycle kills 99.9% of common household germs, a key feature for homes with babies., which makes it a strong choice for homes with babies or anyone wanting an extra layer of clean. The dual spray arm system covers both racks for a thorough wash.
At 8 place settings with a 52 dBA noise level, it suits small kitchens and runs quietly enough to use while you are in the same room. Clean performance is what owners praise most, with 16 buyers noting it, and the compact size is a close second at 13 mentions — it fits neatly into removed cabinets and even has adjustable legs for height.
The trade-off is the drying. The heating element is smaller than on previous Frigidaire models, and several owners find dishes come out wetter than expected. Installation is straightforward for DIYers, though you may need a hot water connection and possibly an air gap depending on local code.
Sanitize power: The NSF-certified cycle is the standout reason to choose this over other compacts.
Drying lag: The smaller heating coil means you may hand-dry plastic items or run the cycle again.
Pick this for: a compact, sanitizing machine that meets ADA accessibility standards.
Expect: mediocre drying performance on some loads — a fair trade for the sanitize certification.
11. KoolMore 24 in. Panel Ready Dishwasher
This built-in hides behind a cabinet panel, so your kitchen looks smooth and custom.
This KoolMore is for design-conscious buyers who want the dishwasher to disappear into the cabinetry. It is panel ready, meaning you attach your own cabinet front so the machine blends in as just another cupboard. Inside, you get 14 place settings across two ergonomic racks with pop-up and pop-down holders, plus a top pull-out rack for long spatulas and turners.
It is also one of the quietest full-size machines here at 45 dBA, and the heating element dries dishes without water spots — a feature owners explicitly praise. The UL and ENERGY STAR certifications cover both safety and efficiency. A buyer even fit a tall blender jar by using the customizable rack holders.
The catch is the panel itself. The unit ships without a door panel, and the manufacturer does not sell one, so you will need to source a cabinet end panel and build a frame yourself. That takes woodworking tools and skill. A few owners also report structural issues with the upper drawer over time.
Design integration: The panel-ready format lets you attach your own cabinet front, so the dishwasher disappears into your kitchen’s design.
DIY requirement: Budget for sourcing and building your own door panel — it is not included or sold separately.
Ideal for: custom kitchen builds where the dishwasher must match your cabinet fronts exactly.
Only if: you are comfortable with woodworking — the missing door panel is a real project.
Understanding the Specs
Place settings
This tells you how many full table settings fit in one load. An 8-place-setting machine handles a couple’s daily dishes, while 14–16 settings suit a family. Match the number to how many people eat at your table most nights.
Decibel rating (dBA)
Noise is measured in decibels. A 45 dBA machine is quieter than a normal conversation, while 52–54 dBA is noticeable but still calm. If your kitchen opens into living space, aim for 50 dBA or under.
Wash cycles
Programs range from Heavy for baked-on food to ECO for light loads. A machine with 6–8 programs lets you match water and energy use to the actual dirt level, which is the real efficiency win over a one-size-fits-all wash.
ENERGY STAR and kWh/year
ENERGY STAR certification means the model meets federal efficiency guidelines. The kilowatt-hours-per-year figure is the concrete number that tells you how much electricity the machine draws annually — lower is better for your bill.
FAQ
How much energy does an energy efficient dishwasher use per year?
Is an 18-inch dishwasher big enough for a family?
What does the dBA number mean on a dishwasher?
Does an ENERGY STAR dishwasher actually save money on utilities?
Can a portable dishwasher connect to any kitchen faucet?
What is the difference between a built-in and a countertop dishwasher?
Why do some dishwashers not dry dishes completely?
What does a sanitize cycle do in a dishwasher?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the energy efficient dishwasher winner is the Fisher Paykel DD24SAX9 because its drawer design, 45 dBA whisper, and ENERGY STAR efficiency solve the daily loading and noise complaints that dominate dishwasher reviews. If you want a compact 18-inch that fits real pots and pans on a budget, grab the Midea 18 Inch Built-in — its place-setting count and program depth make it the value pick. And for renters who cannot hardwire a unit, the SPT SD-9263W Portable is the one to reach for, with a track record of years of reliable service behind it.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, WellFizz earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
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Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.