Buy It For Life
Dishwashers

Updated Jul 20, 2026

Buy it for life: the most durable dishwashers,
according to r/BuyItForLife on Reddit.
Recommended by people who have owned them for years. How we pick.
Do you know of an item that should be on this list? Let us know!

Bosch 800 Series (SHP78CM5N)

Premium quiet dishwasher praised for strong cleaning, drying performance, and long-term owner satisfaction.

Very quiet
Excellent cleaning
Good drying performance

Two years ago I got the Bosch 800 (German made model with built in water softener). Bought and installed by local appliance store, all in about $1,400 (Memorial Day sale) It's been through 400+ cycles. It's fantastic
– Sonarav

Bosch is the answer. I've had mine for 10+ years. Have replaced the door springs and the pump. Easy repairs. Cheap parts.
– InmateThirtyFour

We've had our Bosch 800 series dishwasher for a couple years and still love it! It's so quiet and I'm still so glad we bought it.
– cre8ivedabbler

Miele Dishwasher

High-end dishwasher noted for longevity, strong cleaning results, and optional built-in water softener.

Long-lasting
Cleans very well
No app required

I was between bosch and miele, got the miele and its been great so far. Ask me again in 10 years lol
– Rokae

I've had a Miele dishwasher in our house going on 6 years without issue.
– atclew

Thirded. This sub landed us on a Miele dishwasher a year or two ago, and it's been Good.
– dilettwat

Available at ABT Electronics

Bosch 300 Series

Entry Bosch dishwasher commonly recommended for value, cleaning, and long service life.

Good value
Cleans very well
Can last many years

Bosch 300, 500, 800, or Benchmark series depending on budget.
– cookingguy1999

I have a 300 and it kicks ass.
– seamus_mc

Bought a Bosch 13 years ago. Household of 2 but we cook and eat almost every meal at home, so A LOT of dishes. Plus pet dishes. We do about 350 loads a year. About 2 years ago we did a DIY drain pump replacement for about $60; other than that it has needed nothing. It does a flawless job every single time.
– Burlap_linen

KitchenAid Dishwasher

Popular alternative dishwasher appreciated for capacity, third rack design, and cleaning performance.

Useful third rack
Good capacity
Cleans well

I ended up getting a KitchenAid from Lowes, and had them install it. I really like the 3rd rack configuration, seems to add a lot of capacity and I got the model where the 3rd rack has its own jets.
– my_cat_wears_socks

Chucked that shit and bought a kitchen aid. It holds more, cleans better, and parts are easy to acquire and replace.
– DEMAG

I loved the new KitchenAid that replaced this one (and bought the same one for my new house)
– marmot83

Available at Lowes

Whirlpool Dishwasher

Budget-friendly dishwasher with mixed but notable praise for repairability and long service life.

Repairable lower module
Can last many years
Budget-friendly

Whirpool. You can replace the entire lower module for 160$ containing all pumps and Motors the shell will last for life.
– Tempestzl1

This is obviously my highly subjective experience, but I have a Whirlpool portable dishwasher that's been going strong since 2003.
– DelicatessenCataract

We do 2-3 loads a day in our dishwasher and our Bosch has been awesome.
– Fantastic_Love_9451

Back to Kitchen Appliances

Sources:
What's the best dishwasher or brand that people recommend the most in 2026?
Who’s got the best/longest lasting dishwasher?
What’s the best dishwasher to buy for longevity?
Are LG dishwashers that bad? Walked into a store to buy a Bosch, but after learning I needed to use an app every single time I wanted to run a delayed start, I really don't want to buy one.
Is the Bosch 800 series dishwasher the one?
My friend bought a house with this KichenAid dishwasher from 1974. He says it works better than any of the other ones he has owned. He just has to convince his wife not to replace it.
Dishwasher with no smart features

Buy It For LifeDishwashers