The average dishwasher can serve 2-3 people satisfactorily, a privilege not extended to large families. Households of five or more members must consider extra space, water efficiency, energy consumption, and excellent performance when buying a dishwasher. However, finding an option with such features can be challenging, despite several market offerings. To make shopping easy, we researched the best dishwashers for large families, which we will share with you. We will also answer a few questions on this topic and discuss the factors to consider when buying a dishwasher for your family. Read through to see our recommendations.
It has several special features that ensure energy-efficient operation and enhanced usability.
It has ten-place settings and six wash programs for diverse dishwashing needs.
It is light, compact, and energy-efficient.
It has several special features that ensure energy-efficient operation and enhanced usability.
It has ten-place settings and six wash programs for diverse dishwashing needs.
It is light, compact, and energy-efficient.
Last update on 2025-03-16 at 02:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Dishwashers for Large Families Reviewed
When dealing with the needs of large families, selecting the ideal dishwasher becomes a task of utmost importance. You need a model that is spacious enough to handle the substantial load generated by a large family’s dishes while maintaining efficiency and performance.
Below, we’ve gathered a collection of the top dishwashers that seamlessly blend capacity, functionality, and effectiveness, ensuring they are a valuable addition to any household with extensive dishwashing demands.
- Bosch SHEM63W55N
- SPT SD-6513SSA
- EdgeStar B1DW1802SS
- Kalamera 24-Inch Dishwasher
- SHARP Slide-in Built-in Dishwasher
- Midea MDF18A1AST
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Dishwasher for Large Families
Consider the following factors if you need a quality dishwasher for your family:
Space/ Capacity
A spacious dishwasher saves you from multiple cycles if you have a big family. Settling for an option with eight or more place settings allows you to wash several pots, pans, and dishes in one cycle.
Wash Cycles
A dishwasher with multiple wash cycle options allows you to tailor your cleaning process to different loads. At the minimum, your dishwasher should offer quick washing, heavy-duty cleaning, and eco-friendly washing settings.
Adjustable Racks
Dishwashers with adjustable racks accommodate different dish sizes and shapes, making them suitable for large households. Setting up such an option allows you to load several dishes in a single wash cycle.
Low Power Consumption
Your electricity bill shouldn’t increase excessively every time your dishwasher runs. Options with an ENERGY STAR label consume less power and champion environmental sustainability goals.
Durability
You shouldn’t budget for a new dishwasher in the next 5–10 years after your purchase. Therefore, settle for one with a solid build and quality construction materials. An option with a stainless steel interior and a robust exterior should serve you for a long duration.
Quiet Operation
Buying a dishwasher that runs quietly is advisable, especially if your kitchen is close to common family rooms. Options that operate quietly have low decibels.
Efficient Water Usage
To save resources and avoid high water bills, settle for a dishwasher with enhanced water-saving capabilities, such as automatic load-based water optimization.
Additional Features
High-end dishwasher models have additional features you may find useful. A good example is the soil sensor technology, which automatically adjusts the washing cycle based on your dishes’ dirt levels. Some dishwashers also offer smart features for remote monitoring and control, which can be helpful if you have young children.
Warranty
A warranty is important, especially for high-end dishwashers. Please choose an option with a longer warranty period, as apart from protecting you from unnecessary future expenses; it indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the product.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Find out what people who have used the product have to say about it before purchasing it to avoid falling prey to colorful, misleading advertisements.
The Best Dishwashers for Large Families
Pros
- It has multiple wash cycles
- It has a solid build for durability
- It has several special features, including a PureDry drying system and a sanitizing option.
Cons
- There have been a few complaints about the loading configurations
At the top of our list is this amazing built-in full-console dishwasher from Bosch, a renowned appliance brand. It comes with an array of features that you will find useful. It has a stainless steel tub interior, assuring you of its durability, and measures 24 inches, making it one of the best options for large households.
Its most notable features are its sanitize option, which thoroughly cleans and sanitizes items; its PureDry drying system that automatically dries your dishes; an Energy Star certification for low power consumption guarantee; an adjustable plate spike; and five wash cycles. It also guarantees users a quiet operation thanks to its 44 dB ratings. It would be an excellent option if your kitchen is near common family rooms.
It’s also worth noting that this product is quite lightweight despite being a built-in dishwasher. It has been hailed for its easy installation and top-third rack for large utensils. Paired with the right detergent, you are assured of sparkling clean utensils.
Pros
- It has a time-delay feature for programmed washing
- It allows up to 10 standard place settings
- It has six wash programs for tailored dishwashing
Cons
- Complaints about uniform drying
In second place is this portable, freestanding 24-inch dishwasher from SPT. Like our first product, it has a stainless steel construction with a clean finish, making it not only durable but also aesthetically pleasing. Let’s look at some of the features you stand to enjoy when you buy this product.
Among its prominent features are a time delay function that allows you to program your wash cycle to start at a later time, an error alarm feature that displays fault codes, a rinse aid indicator that reminds you to refill your rinse aid, and a 52dBA rating that assures you of a quiet operation. You will also get a drain hose and a faucet adapter upon purchase. One of the reasons why this product is suitable for large families is its ten-place settings. It also has six wash programs for tailored washing; you can choose between its normal, heavy, eco-friendly, rapid, glass, and 90-minute programs depending on the type of utensil and overall purpose. This product also has an adjustable upper rack for larger plates and pots and an automatic detergent and rinse agent dispenser for enhanced convenience.
Pros
- It is compact, light, quiet and energy-efficient
- It has an automatic leakage detector
- It is easy to use, thanks to its push-button control console.
Cons
- It is relatively slow.
The Edgestar BIDW1802SS 18-inch dishwasher is one of the best options available if you are looking for an affordable dishwasher for a large family with a compact design. Don’t let the size fool you; it offers 8-place settings and other useful features such as a silverware basket and cup tray.
At roughly $500, buyers enjoy six wash cycles (glass, rapid, heavy, normal, ECO, and rinse) and three options (Hi-Temp, Sanitize, and Heated Dry) depending on their intended purpose and target results. It is also compact enough to fit tiny spaces, leaving room to maneuver freely in your kitchen.
Other features worth noting are its leakage sensor, which automatically stops water from flowing when a leak is detected; its 52dB noise rating, which assures you of a quiet operation; and its stainless steel construction for durability.
Pros
- It offers 14-place settings
- It has adjustable racks for extra space
- It has a heat-dry function to keep off bacteria
Cons
- Check for plastic hinges
The Kalamera 24-inch dishwasher is one of the best products if you want a power and water-efficient option that can serve a family of more than ten. It has fourteen place settings, making it the best choice for large households. You will also enjoy three racks, with the upper rack meant for spoons, forks, and knives, leaving more space on the lower shelves for dishes and pots.
Its upper rack can be raised or lowered to create extra space for taller dishes. The four filter meshes in the system separate soiled and clean water in different chambers, while the included STEAM wash option adds thirty more minutes to the cycle time for heavily soiled items. This product also has a smart wash system made possible by a cycle sensor. It will sense partial loads or lightly dirty dishes and perform a short wash cycle.
The heat-dry feature creates an unsuitable environment for bacteria, leading to clean, sanitized dishes. At the same time, the top control panel saves you from unnecessarily bending or looking up when setting up or switching between the six wash cycles.
Pros
- It offers six wash cycles and 14 place settings
- You can adjust the washing racks to create extra space
- It has an Energy Star certification for low power consumption.
Cons
- You may have to buy the power cable separately.
The SHARP slide-in built-in dishwasher is one of the best options if you are looking for an eco-friendly dishwasher for a large family. You can choose the touch panel option or the smart Alexa-enabled model; the latter costs $100 more. Both choices offer a range of excellent features worth exploring.
This product comes with soil sensors that automatically optimize your washing cycles, giving you an easy time doing your laundry. Its heated dry option makes it fast, efficient, and more dependable than options that only offer condensation drying. It also comes with premium LED interior lighting for better visibility.
The dishwasher’s half-load feature allows you to wash smaller loads, while the auto-delay function allows for programmed cleaning. With its 14-place setting and a decibel rating of 45, this option is worth considering.
Pros
- It is compact and well-built
- It has six programs and three wash cycles
- It has a functional and easy-to-use control panel
Cons
- Its basket location may not be convenient.
The Midea MDF18A1AST built-in dishwasher is an excellent option if you are looking for an affordable, compact dishwasher. Despite its slimline design, it can wash several utensils at once, making it an ideal choice if you have a large family and limited kitchen space. Users get a digital control panel with an LED display for easy control.
This product also comes with six programs (normal, heavy, delicate, quick, ECO, and rinse) and three washing functions, namely Hi-Temp, Heated Dry, and Sanitize, for different washing needs. The heated dry function offers thorough drying performance, eliminating the need for towel drying.
To properly clean soiled dishes, children’s dinner sets, and baby bottles, this dishwasher has a HYGIENE wash cycle that maintains the water temperature at 58 degrees Celsius, which you will find worthwhile.
Conclusion
You need the best dishwasher if you have a large family. However, it would be best to exercise caution when shopping for one owing to the influx of low-quality dishwashers. Out of the six products we reviewed, we can confidently say that the Bosch SHEM63W55N is our first recommendation. It comes with several desirable features, including five wash cycles, automatic drying technology, and a sanitizing option. It also guarantees a super quiet operation, which is not the case for many dishwashers.
In second place is the SPT SD-6513SSSA 24-inch dishwasher, which also has great features, including an automatic detergent and rinse agent dispenser, an error alarm, and a time-delaying feature. If you are looking for a budget option, the EdgeStar BIDW1802SS is an excellent option. With it, you will enjoy six wash cycles, eight place settings, and an automatic leakage sensor. The three other options are equally good and can serve you well if you are not impressed with the first three.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Features Should Dishwashers for Large Families Have?
Large families need a dishwasher with a spacious interior, multiple wash cycle options, and adjustable racks. Check out the buying guide below for more features.
What Detergent Should I Buy for My Dispenser if I Have a Large Family?
The type of detergent used in a dishwasher can determine its overall performance and washing results. If you use your dishwasher frequently, you need a high-quality, low-foam detergent and a rinse aid for excellent washing results.
How Can I Save Power When Using a Dishwasher in a Big Household?
Getting a dishwasher with a low power consumption is an excellent choice, especially with the soaring cost of electricity. How do you tell that a dishwasher is energy efficient? Look for an ENERGY STAR label or certification. Other power-saving tips include maximizing your dishwasher’s capacity by loading it properly and washing during off-peak energy hours to save energy.
How Often Should I Clean or Maintain My Dispenser If I Have a Large Family?
Regularly cleaning your dishwasher’s filter helps maintain high hygiene standards and keeps your family safe. It is advisable to check the spray arm for clogs as regularly as possible. For regular maintenance, run an empty cycle with the dishwasher monthly. Note that regular cleaning and maintenance also enhance dishwasher performance.
Must I Buy a High-End Model if I Need a Durable Dishwasher for My Big Family?
Although most high-end options have a durable build and other useful features, many mid-range dishwashers have sturdy constructions too. Please browse through our product review section to see some.