At a Glance
Top Dishwasher Brands for Longevity
Maintenance Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Dishwasher
Why Trust Plaza Appliance Mart?
A kitchen appliance is an investment. You want to make sure the money you spend goes toward an item that will last several years – even decades. However, this isn’t always the case. Oftentimes, consumers buy products like dishwashers and expect them to last more than a decade, only to notice problems within the first five years.
Fortunately, some quality brands in today’s market create appliances that last – you just have to know what to look for. Here’s an in-depth answer to “How long do dishwashers last?” and how you can extend their lifespans.
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Make dishwashing a breeze with Plaza Appliance Mart's extensive collection of dishwashers. Shop at Plaza Appliance Mart today for your next kitchen upgrade!
Shop DishwashersHow Long Do Dishwashers Last?
The average life of a dishwasher is made to last 10 years. Most appliance manufacturers will claim that their dishwashers will last up to 20 years if they are properly cared for. However, the reality is that after five years, most people notice that their dishwashers aren’t performing as well as they used to. Keep this in mind as you shop for appliances.
It’s hard to talk about the dishwasher life expectancy without covering the factors that contribute to it. The average dishwasher lifespan is determined by the brand that created it (specifically the quality of the materials they use) and how the appliance is used. A dishwasher that is used several times throughout the day will wear out faster than a model that is only used a few times each week. If you have a large family or enjoy cooking delicious meals, you might need to use your dishwasher more often, wearing it out faster.
Know your usage levels as you search for dishwashers. You can often control the life of a dishwasher based on your usage and maintenance of the appliance.
Top Dishwasher Brands for Longevity
Once you have an answer to, “How long do dishwashers last?” you can compare dishwasher models from different brands. Read customer reviews to see which dishwashers wear out quickly and which ones last longer than expected. This can help you narrow down your search. Here are five brands we recommend and the top dishwashers produced by them.
KitchenAid 24" PrintShield Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
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KitchenAid is one of the most trusted kitchen appliance brands because of its stand mixer. This KitchenAid dishwasher comes with an advanced clean wash system that breaks down food and removes it quickly. This way, the bulk of the dishwashing is done with clean water.
★ KitchenAid Model KDPM704KPS Customer Review ★
This is a highly rated dishwasher with more than 94% of buyers saying they would recommend it to others. One reviewer speaks about the durability of the brand as a whole:
“We've had Kitchen Aid appliances that have lasted over 25 years and have always had good luck with them.”
→ Learn More: 5 Best Quiet Dishwasher Models
GE 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
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If you are trying to answer, “How long do dishwashers last?” know that the price of the dishwasher doesn’t necessarily make an impact. You can take home a durable one without paying a lot of money. This dishwasher by GE is a great example. It is highly rated while offering a basic option for customers.
★ GE Model GDT550PYRFS Customer Review ★
Several people have left positive reviews of this dishwasher. One person says:
“What impressed me the most was the reliability of this product. It consistently delivers top-notch results, making it a valuable addition to my daily routine.”
Maytag 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Built-in Dishwasher
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Maytag is another brand that is known for producing quality appliances at fair prices. This option is a top-control model, which means you select your settings before closing the door. A top-control dishwasher looks sleek and high-end, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay a lot for it.
★ Maytag Model MDB8959SKZ Customer Review ★
This is another highly rated Maytag Dishwasher with a 94% recommendation rate. One person says:
“Maytag really outdid themselves with this one, very stylish inside and out, very quiet, and you can hardly tell when it's running, our last Maytag dishwasher lasted 12 years, I'll bet this one does, too.”
→ Learn More: Front Control vs Top Control Dishwashers: Does it Matter?
Café 24" Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
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For a higher-end option, look into this dishwasher by GE Café. This model stands apart because of the careful placement of the cleaning jets. Four bottle jets wash your bottles after the gym or clean baby bottles if you have an infant in your home. There are also cleaning jets placed underneath the silverware basket for a better cleaning experience.
★ Café Model CDT845P2NS1 Customer Review ★
See what other buyers have to say about this dishwasher. One customer writes:
“This dishwasher does a great job cleaning the dishes. It is so quiet. It is easy to load, especially since the middle rack is adjustable. I love the upper utensil rack.”
Bosch 300 Series 24" Custom Panel Built-In Dishwasher
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Finally, you can’t go wrong with a Bosch dishwasher. This is one of the most trusted brands on the market. German engineering and quality materials set Bosch appliances apart from other brands. This dishwasher is a panel-ready model, which means it will look good and perform well in your kitchen.
★ Bosch Model SHV53CM3N Customer Review ★
There are multiple positive comments about this appliance. One person writes:
“Super clean dishes in a reasonable amount of time and reasonably quiet. It is very easy to keep clean, and I think the red light on the floor has finally trained my family not to open the dishwasher while it is running!”
Maintenance Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Dishwasher
You can’t answer the question “How long do dishwashers usually last,” without talking about maintenance. You can significantly extend the life of your dishwasher by caring for it and regularly cleaning it. This prevents clogs and means your motor won’t have to work as hard. Here are a few maintenance steps to keep in mind.
- Frequently clean the filter: dishwasher filters catch food particles that can’t drain. These particles can build up over time. At least quarterly, remove your dishwasher filter and clean it so your appliance runs at its best.
- Don’t overload it: whenever you run your dishwasher, make sure all your dishes can get clean. It’s better to do two loads instead of a single overpacked one.
- Clear it with vinegar: run your dishwasher on empty at least every other month. Place a bowl of vinegar at the bottom to break up grime.
- Check the rotator blades and other elements: visually inspect your dishwasher to catch any issues.
- Don’t let issues go unchecked: dishwashers do not heal themselves. Call a repair person when you notice a problem, so a small issue doesn’t bloom into a major problem.
The next time you ask, “How long do dishwashers last?” calculate your answer based on the basic maintenance habits you have adopted.
Replacement vs. Repair
Along with asking “What is the life expectancy of a dishwasher?” homeowners typically want to know whether it is better to replace or repair a broken appliance. Multiple factors affect the answer. First, get a quote on the cost of repairing a dishwasher. Most people will pay between $160 to $300 to get theirs fixed. Next, consider the cost of a replacement model. It might be more cost-efficient to put your money toward buying a new dishwasher instead. If your dishwasher is wearing out, this might be the first of several repairs with bills that add up.
Replacing your dishwasher is also a good idea if you want a more efficient model. Upgrading your old appliance will help you switch to a quiet dishwasher that uses less electricity and water. This could help you save a little money each month.
Before you consider replacing your current model, check your dishwasher warranty. Certain repairs might still be covered which will help you save money.
If you know that it’s time to replace your dishwasher, visit your nearest Plaza Appliance Mart location. Buy from a locally-owned appliance store that supports the community. We can help you choose the best dishwasher for your home that will last for years.
→ Learn More: GE Profile Dishwashers: Price vs Features
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about dishwashers.
How often should you replace your dishwasher?
The expected life of a dishwasher is around 10 years, but there is no guarantee that yours will last that long. Consider replacing your dishwasher if it reaches that age or past the decade mark. Some models will last up to 20 years, but these are usually high-end appliances.
Is it worth repairing a dishwasher?
To understand whether it is better to repair or replace a dishwasher, consider the age of the appliance and the cost to fix it. If the appliance is more than five years old, it could be starting to wear out. The money you put into repairing it could go toward getting a new one.
How do I know if my dishwasher is going bad?
There are a few warning signs that your dishwasher is getting older. First, it won’t clean as effectively. Bits of food will be left behind and it might have a hard time draining. Next, it will get louder and will start making new, unwanted noises. This is a sign that the machine is wearing out.
Why Trust Plaza Appliance Mart?
Plaza Appliance Mart is a local, family-owned, appliance store in North Carolina where you can get personalized, expert service that you won’t find at the big box stores. Plaza Appliance Mart is YOUR source for competitive prices with knowledgeable in-store professionals here to help you every step of the way, whether you need to replace an old appliance, or if you're remodeling and need an entire kitchen full of new brand-name products. And our delivery and installation specialists will ensure that your new appliances arrive safely and are installed properly.
If you were to ask the employees at Plaza Appliance Mart about their roles in the company, they'd say they're not just employees, they're family. So as you might imagine. a team of professionals like this who are already so tightly knit and bonded together makes for a perfect partner with the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. Apart from their community ties, Plaza Appliance is an accredited Better Business Bureau company with an A+ Rating.
Shop Dishwashers at Plaza Appliance Mart
Stop by Plaza’s Charlotte, Huntersville, Matthews, or Pineville locations to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop for dishwashers online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you explore our entire selection of dishwashers — whether you call us at 704-568-7600, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.