What Brands of Dishwashers to Avoid in 2025

If you’ve ever opened your dishwasher after a cycle to find dishes still covered in food bits, or heard it groaning like a dying appliance in the middle of the night, you know how frustrating a bad dishwasher can be. It’s not just about dirty plates-it’s about time, money, and peace of mind. And while some brands deliver years of quiet, efficient service, others are known for breaking down early, leaking, or just refusing to clean properly. Based on thousands of repair calls across Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest, here are the dishwasher brands and models you should think twice about buying in 2025.

Whirlpool: The Brand That Keeps Breaking Down

Whirlpool dishwashers are everywhere. They’re cheap, widely available, and often come with big discounts. But here’s the catch: their internal pumps and spray arms fail way too often. In 2024, repair shops in British Columbia reported Whirlpool as the #1 brand brought in for pump motor replacements. The issue isn’t just the motor-it’s the design. The pump housing is made of thin plastic that cracks under pressure. Once it cracks, water leaks into the bottom of the unit, frying the control board. Many owners report their dishwasher working fine for 3-4 years, then suddenly stopping mid-cycle. And replacement parts? They’re expensive, and the labor often costs more than a new unit.

GE: Quiet, But Not Reliable

GE markets its dishwashers as quiet and high-tech. And yes, they’re quiet-until they stop working. The main problem? The control panel. GE dishwashers from 2018 to 2023 use a touchscreen interface that’s prone to moisture damage. Even small amounts of steam from the wash cycle can cause the circuitry to corrode. Customers report the display going dark, buttons not responding, or the machine starting on its own. One homeowner in Surrey replaced her GE dishwasher three times in five years. Each time, the same issue: a dead control board. GE won’t cover it under warranty after 12 months, even though the design flaw is well-documented. If you buy a GE dishwasher, assume you’ll need to replace the control panel before year five.

Bosch: High Price, High Repair Costs

Bosch dishwashers are sleek, quiet, and expensive. They cost nearly twice as much as a basic model. But here’s what most people don’t tell you: when they break, they break hard. The main drain pump is a known weak point. It’s buried deep inside the unit, requiring you to remove the entire dishwasher from the cabinet just to access it. Repair technicians in Vancouver say Bosch repair jobs take 2-3 hours longer than average. Labor alone can hit $300, and the pump costs $180. Many homeowners end up spending $500 to fix a $1,200 machine. Plus, Bosch uses proprietary parts that aren’t sold at local hardware stores. If your Bosch stops draining, you’re either paying a premium for a specialist or buying a new one.

Maytag: Built Like a Tank-Until It Isn’t

Maytag used to be the gold standard for durability. But since the company was bought out by Whirlpool in 2006, quality has slipped. The biggest issue? The door latch mechanism. On Maytag models from 2019 onward, the latch wears out quickly. The door won’t seal properly, triggering error codes like “E1” or “E2.” Water leaks onto the floor, and the dishwasher won’t start. Replacing the latch requires disassembling the entire door frame. It’s not a simple fix. And the replacement part? It’s made of cheap plastic that bends under pressure. You’ll likely need to replace it again within a year. Many repair techs now refuse to fix Maytag dishwashers older than 5 years-there’s just no point.

LG: The Software-First Brand That Forgot Hardware

LG pushes smart features hard. Wi-Fi connectivity, voice control, app-based cycles-you name it. But behind the flashy interface is a machine that’s not built to last. The most common failure? The heating element. LG dishwashers use a low-wattage element to save energy, but it’s not strong enough to dry dishes properly in cold climates like Vancouver’s. Users report damp dishes, mold buildup, and even water pooling in the bottom. Worse, the control board overheats because the cooling fan is undersized. After 2-3 years, the board fries. And because LG ties the heating element and control board together in one module, you can’t replace just one. You pay $400 for a combo part that’s not even guaranteed to fix the problem.

Why These Brands Keep Failing

It’s not just about parts. It’s about design philosophy. Brands like Whirlpool, GE, and LG are cutting corners to hit price points. They use thinner plastics, smaller motors, and cheaper electronics. They assume you’ll replace the unit before it breaks. But in Canada, where dishwashers run year-round and water hardness varies, these shortcuts become liabilities. A dishwasher that lasts 3 years isn’t a bargain-it’s a money pit. You’ll spend more on repairs and replacements than you would on a solid, well-built model.

What to Look for Instead

Not all brands are bad. If you want reliability, focus on these three: Miele, Bosch Serie 8 (the newer models after 2023), and KitchenAid (with the stainless steel tub and direct-drive motor). Miele is expensive, yes-but their dishwashers last 15+ years. KitchenAid’s direct-drive motor has no belts or pulleys to wear out. Bosch Serie 8 improved their pump housing and control board design after the 2022 recalls. These models cost more upfront, but they cost less over time. You’ll save on repairs, water bills, and frustration.

Red Flags to Watch For

Before you buy, check for these warning signs:

• Model numbers ending in “00” or “01”-these are the base models with the cheapest parts
• Warranty that doesn’t cover the motor or control board beyond 12 months
• Reviews mentioning “leaking,” “not drying,” or “stopped working after 2 years”
• No stainless steel tub-plastic tubs crack and stain over time
• Missing a third rack or adjustable tines-signs of cost-cutting

If you see three or more of these, walk away. Even if it’s on sale.

What to Do If You Already Own One

Maybe you already bought one of these brands. Don’t panic. You can extend its life:

• Use a water softener or rinse aid-hard water kills pumps and spray arms
• Run a vinegar cycle every month to clean the interior
• Don’t overload the dishwasher-clogged spray arms cause motor strain
• Check the filter weekly-clogged filters are the #1 cause of premature failure
• Replace the door gasket if it’s cracked or stiff-it’s a $20 fix that prevents leaks

These steps won’t fix a broken control board, but they can buy you 1-2 extra years.

Final Thought: Buy Once, Buy Right

Dishwashers aren’t like smartphones. You don’t upgrade every two years. You live with it for a decade. Buying the cheapest model might save you $200 today, but it’ll cost you $800 in repairs and replacement before you’re done. The brands listed here have patterns of failure that aren’t random. They’re built that way. Don’t let marketing convince you that a feature-packed, low-priced dishwasher is a good deal. It’s not. Focus on durability, not bells and whistles. Your future self will thank you.