Hard water is one of our biggest enemies when cleaning dishes. The harder the water, the more stains accumulated on the cookware after washed.
But the good news is there has now been a specific dishwasher that can deal with hard water to clean them spotlessly. Below are the best of best dishwashers for hard water that we’ve picked from the market:
Here are the best dishwashers for hard water you can buy in 2025:
- Best Overall: Sunpentown SD-2213W
- Ultra-Quiet: Danby DDW621WDB
- Energy-Efficient: Danby DDW611WLED
- Best Overall: Frigidaire FFCD2418US
- Best For Small Loads: SD-9254W: Energy Star 18″ Built-In Dishwasher
- Best For Big Families: Bosch SHPM78Z54N
| Top 6 Best Dishwashers For Hard Water | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Sunpentown SD-2213W | Read Our Review |
Ultra-Quiet | Danby DDW621WDB | Read Our Review |
Energy-Efficient | Danby DDW611WLED | Read Our Review |
Best Overall | Frigidaire FFCD2418US | Read Our Review |
Best For Small Loads | SD-9254W: Energy Star 18″ Built-In Dishwasher | Read Our Review |
Best For Big Families | Bosch SHPM78Z54N | Read Our Review |
Countertop Dishwashers
Best Overall: Sunpentown SD-2213W
- Flexible and fit most countertop under the cabinet – the height of 17.24”
- Energy and water-saving – automatic detergent and rinse agent dispenser
- Extra convenience – delay start
- Easy hookup
- Wish the function buttons worked better
- Do not have a dry function
If you’re living alone or two in a super-small apartment, we greatly suggest trying the Sunpentown SD-2213W.
It gives you one less worry about the size or whether it fits the counter under your cabinets. But meanwhile, with a capacity of 6 place settings, the unit is functional enough to clean piles of dishes spotlessly and super-quietly.
While being a good performer, this dishwasher helps you save much energy and water thanks to the integrated automatic detergent and rinse agent dispenser.
A bonus is the delay start with four options of two, four, six, and eight hours for extra convenience. This feature is only added in the SD-2213W only, which is considered the key element making it apart from the rest.
Installation won’t be an issue with this machine as it is easy to hook up for any standard faucet.
| Sunpentown SD-2213W Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 21.6 x 19.7 x 17.2 inches |
Noise Level | 55 dB |
No of Place Settings | 6 |
Highlight Features | Height of 17.24" Faucet adapter fits standard-sized Aerator openings Delay start Automatic detergent and rinse agent dispenser |
For those who are considering the best overall full-sized portable dishwasher for hard water for under $700, this is the shiniest contender.
Ultra-Quiet: Danby DDW621WDB
- Ultra-quiet – run at 52 decibels
- Perfect for small households of 1-3 people – feature 3.1 gallons of capacity and 6 place settings
- Not fit large dishes well
- No indication of time remaining or cycles
Move into a new apartment with a tiny sink and no dishwasher? No problem! The Danby DDW621WDB is our top suggestion.
Don’t let its modest appearance fool you, its stainless-steel interior can give you 6 place settings with a capacity of 3.1 gallons, which is perfect for small households of 1-3 people. It is very efficient, simple to set up, easy to use, and especially quite.
While most countertop dishwashers operate at 55-57 decibels, this Danby model is only 52 decibels. Besides, it consumes very little water compared to hand washing.
The machine even breaks down the water and energy usage for each of the cycles.
| Danby DDW621WDB Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 19.7 x 21.6 x 17.2 inches |
No of Place Settings | 6 |
Noise Level | 52db |
Capacity | 3. 1 gallons |
Highlight Features | 52db 6 wash cycles Water consumption up to 3.1 gallons of water (11.7L) per wash |
We highly suggest going for this unit if you’re looking for a way to have an ultra-quiet dishwasher but can’t due to renting or whatever.
Energy-Efficient: Danby DDW611WLED
- Higher energy efficiency rating – meet Energy Star standards
- User-friendly – electronic controls with LED display
- Not fit large spatulas or silverware
Featuring a 3.17-gallon and 6 place settings, this dishwasher is fantastic to handle a small pan in addition to a sink full of dirty dishes like a breeze.
It performs beautifully and dishes come out perfectly clean. Setup isn’t a headache as well. You also take advantage of the electronic controls with LED display, which is very visual and user-friendly.
What we love the most about this model is its Energy-Star certification.
It will be a big bonus for people who have to clean the dishes many times daily. Just go ahead with no worries that it would pile up your monthly electricity bill.
| Danby DDW611WLED Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 19.7 x 21.6 x 17.2 inches |
No of Place Settings | 6 |
Noise Level | 55db |
Capacity | 3.17 gallons |
Highlight Features | Electronic controls with LED display Energy Star certificated |
When it comes to a dishwasher for hard water, some people really care about its energy efficiency rating. For them, we recommend this model.
Built-In Dishwashers
Best Overall: Frigidaire FFCD2418US
- Wish there was more space between racks both top and bottom A bit noisy
- Wish there was more space between racks both top and bottom
- A bit noisy
While looking for an efficient dishwasher to clean your dishes spotlessly, pay attention to its self-cleaning ability as well if you’re a busy person.
Out of many options we’ve tried, the Frigidaire FFCD2418US outperforms for its self-cleaning filtration system that can get rid of residue food particles to keep both your dishes and its interior clean with no unpleasant odors.
Besides, it is built with a drying system so dishes come out not just clean but also dry to use immediately.
Our team testers also appreciate its stay-put door which uses heavy-duty metal springs so when opening, it doesn’t easily fall down, hence, it allows for easier loading/unloading when in need.
| Frigidaire FFCD2418US Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 36 x 25 x 24 inches |
No of Place Settings | 14 |
Noise Level | 55 dBA |
Highlight Features | Heated Drying System Stay-Put Door Filtration System |
Compact design, great self-cleaning filtration system, and ease of using, the Frigidaire FFCD2418US is obviously our winner for the Best Overall Built-In Dishwasher for Hard Water.
Best For Small Loads: SD-9254W: Energy Star 18″ Built-In Dishwasher
- Flexible and versatile – 6 wash programs
- Extra convenience – heating function, automatic dispenser detergent and rinse agent, time delay function, error alarm, and rinse aid warning indicator
- Energy-efficient - Energy Star certificated
- Not aesthetic
If you’re living alone, this SD-9254W is the best bet.
It is measured by 17.6 x 22.6 x 32.4 inches with 6 place settings, 6 wash programs, and a heating function to clean thoroughly different types of kitchenware with no extra steps required. You can use the dishes after washed because all are dried completely.
As you’re living alone, the energy consumption is even worthier considering. But luckily for you that this model is Energy Star certificated.
Other notable features are automatic dispenser detergent and rinse agent, time delay function, error alarm, and rinse aid warning indicator.
| SD-9254W: Energy Star 18″ Built-In Dishwasher Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 17.6 x 22.6 x 32.4 inches |
No of Place Settings | 6 |
Noise Level | 52 dB |
Capacity | 4.9 gallons |
Highlight Features | Energy Star HEATING function 6 Wash Programs |
Whether you’re in need of a dishwasher for small loads or solos, the SD-9254W is all worth-considering.
Best For Big Families: Bosch SHPM78Z54N
- Run whisper silently – 42-decibel noise level
- Huge capacity – 24” full-sized construction
- Clean dishes thoroughly – have intelligent sensors
- Expensive
The Bosch SHPM78Z54N is a 24-inch full-sized stainless-steel built-in dishwasher with 16 place settings and 3 racks. Therefore, it’s extremely suitable for big family use.
What impressed us the most is how it cleans the dishes.
Aside from the Bosch Precision Wash, it is integrated several intelligent sensors to scan and check continuously the cleaning progress to ensure every item is thoroughly cleaned.
Despite the powerful construction, it is surprisingly quiet while running. The maximum noise level we’ve measured is 42 decibels.
That’s a big thank you to the 18 ways of noise reduction that Bosch has approached this product line, including a sound-absorbing base, an EcoSilence motor system, and groundless food filtration. So, for the price, it’s totally worth it!
| Bosch SHPM78Z54N Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 24" |
No of Place Settings | 16 |
Noise Level | 42 dB |
Highlight Features | Undergoes 485 quality checks 18 ways of noise reduction 24" full-size stainless steel tub dishwasher |
In need of an ultra-powerful dishwasher to handle the dirty kitchenware of your big family but still afraid of the noise? Rest assured, this model will give you the best of both worlds.
How To Choose The Best Dishwashers For Hard Water?
Filtration
- This is key to eliminate all salt ions off your kitchenware while cleaning. Moreover, it helps soften the impact on them to keep your dishes last longer.
- So, when it comes to choosing the best dishwasher for hard water, pay extra attention to the filter. Keep in mind two vital features: the number of stages and materials. For the optimum performance, we suggest going for stainless steel because it’s durable, sturdy, and rust-free.
- About the number of stages in the dishwasher filtration system, it’s varied depending on the level of hard water in your area.
- A basic rule of thumb is the more the number of stages, the better the cleaning. But take note that it’s equivalent to the higher prices.
Options And Cycles
- Two other features that impact the cleaning results of your hard water dishwasher are cycles and options. The more the selections of modifying options, the better the lime deposit removal.
- About the number of cycles, we suggest going for 14 to 16.
Noise Level
- Last but not least, don’t forget to consider the noise level of a dishwasher.
- This feature describes the loudness levels of a dishwasher when it is operating. It’s measured in decibels, or dB, or dBA.
- 45dB to 55dB is the most ideal range to consider because it’s just as loud as a normal conversation of two people or a whisper. Don’t go anything higher than that, or, your neighbors probably get mad on you.
Which Brands Make The Best Dishwashers For Hard Water?
Sunpentown
- Or SPT. It was established in 1993 as a company specializing in appliance distribution. Gradually, they have changed into manufacturing kitchen appliances that offer quality, value, and innovation. At Sunpentown, there are hundreds of options to choose from.
Danby
- Danby has been in the dishwasher industry for over 65 years, therefore, they understand the extensive needs and demands of customers in different spaces and budgets. Their products are extremely outstanding in innovations and services.
Frigidaire
- Founded in 1918, Frigidaire has now been the leader in both major appliances and small appliance industries.
Bosch
- Bosch is like an OG in-home appliance market with nearly 135 years’ expertise and has been built up by innovative strength and social commitment.
FAQs
How long do dishwashers last?
7-12 years, depending on the frequency of usage, maintenance, care, brand, quality, and cost.
Is it worth fixing a dishwasher?
This issue depends on the problem it has. We encourage you to fix it if the problem is important but simple, like a fill valve, drain pump, or soap dispenser.
But if it’s been using for over 7 years and the fixing cost is more than ½ the original cost, it’s time to change into the new one.
What can I use in my dishwasher for hard water?
Our two secrets to using a dishwasher for hard water are:
- Put small kitchenware filled with baking soda, lime juice, or vinegar on the top rack of the machine during the cycle
- To avoid lime buildup, mix some teaspoons of Borax or baking soda to your dishwashing detergent.
How do you remove hard water deposits?
Spray a mixture of 50% white vinegar and 50% water onto the affected areas, let them sit for 10 minutes if they’re stubborn stains, then wipe with a clean cloth.
When should you replace your dishwasher?
When you’ve used it for over 7 years and it has serious problems that cost over ½ the original price in repair.
Conclusion
Having the best dishwasher for hard water can make a huge difference between a great deal of annoyance and an enjoyable time at home.
As there is a wide range of options, choosing the right one might be a bit tough so we hope this ultimate guide has provided valuable insight as you search through the marketplace.
