Best Dishwashers With Stainless Steel Tubs: Size, Noise and Drying Compared

The best dishwasher with stainless steel tub is one that matches your cabinet opening, loud-room tolerance and household size: a 24 inch model with a third rack and a rating near 47 to 49 dB suits most kitchens, while an 18 inch model with 8 place settings fits apartments and tight galleys. Below are six stainless-tub dishwashers worth comparing, four more to consider, and a clear explanation of what a stainless tub changes compared with plastic.

Our top picks

Top pickBosch 300 Series 24 in. Stainless Steel

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Also great300 Series 24 in. Stainless Steel Top

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Key takeaways

• A stainless steel tub holds heat better than a plastic one, which generally helps heated drying and resists staining from tomato sauce and turmeric.
• Check the tub wording: “stainless steel tub” is not the same as a “hybrid tub”, which mixes stainless and plastic parts.
• Standard width is 24 inches (12 to 15 place settings); compact is 18 inches (8 place settings). Measure the cabinet opening first.
• Noise ratings in the high 40s dB are quiet for the price class; the low 50s are acceptable in a closed-off kitchen but noticeable in an open plan.
• Always confirm the install type (built-in, freestanding, portable) and the hookups before you order.

Stainless steel tub versus plastic tub: what actually changes

A dishwasher tub is the inside shell that holds the racks and the water. Budget machines often use a plastic tub; many mid-range machines use stainless steel. A third group uses a “hybrid” tub with stainless in some panels and plastic elsewhere. The difference shows up in four places.

• Drying. Steel holds heat longer, so condensation drying and heated drying work better. Plastic cools quickly, so plastic items and the inner walls can stay damp.
• Stains and odor. Plastic can pick up color from tomato sauce and turmeric and may hold odors. Stainless does not.
• Noise. Metal reflects sound more than plastic, so makers add insulation to quiet a stainless tub. A good stainless model can still be very quiet, but the insulation is what counts, not the tub alone.
• Longevity. Stainless resists cracks and warping from repeated hot cycles.

The trade-off is cost and sometimes weight. Stainless tub models in this guide sit mostly in the mid-range tier on the listings, and a few compact models sit slightly below that.

How We Chose

This is a research-based roundup. We did not personally use these dishwashers. We compared maker descriptions and retail listing specifications: tub material as stated, width, place settings, rated noise in dB, number of racks and cycles, and drying type. We kept to a maximum of two models per brand, favored listings that clearly say “stainless steel tub”, and left out models where the tub material was not stated. Specs change between model years, so confirm each one on the maker page.

Dishwashers with stainless steel tubs compared

1. Sharp SDW6726MS: Best for a quiet kitchen with a third rack

• 24 in. · 12 place settings · 47 dB rating
• Stainless steel finish, third rack, Power Wash sprayer
• Tier: mid-range

Best for: open-plan kitchens where noise matters and where a third rack for utensils frees up the lower baskets. Skip if: you need more than 12 place settings; the Empava is rated higher on capacity.

Pros:

• Lowest dB rating among these listings.
• Third rack for cutlery and small tools.
• Standard 24 inch width fits most cabinet openings.

Cons:

• Check the listing to confirm tub material wording, since Sharp also sells a hybrid-tub model nearby in the lineup.
• Mid-range cost.

2. Empava 24 inch built-in dishwasher: Best for large households

• 24 in. · 15 place settings · 49 dB
• Stainless steel tub · 8 wash cycles · top control
• Auto door dry, Energy Star and UL certified per the listing
• Tier: mid-range

Best for: families of five or more, or anyone who hosts and wants the largest capacity on this list. Skip if: you have a standard small kitchen and rarely run a full load; extra capacity can encourage half-empty cycles.

Pros:

• 15 place settings, the highest in this guide.
• Eight wash cycles cover heavy, normal and light loads.
• Auto door dry opens the door at the end to release steam; check the manual for the exact behavior.

Cons:

• Empava is a newer name in dishwashers; read the warranty and service terms.
• Large interior needs a standard-depth cabinet space.

3. Kenmore 24 inch built-in with three racks: Best for a stainless tub and an established appliance name

• 24 in. · 3 racks · 49 dBA
• Stainless steel tub · top control · listed as energy efficient
• Tier: mid-range to upper mid-range

Best for: shoppers who want a known appliance brand and a stainless tub with a third rack. Skip if: you need a specific place-setting count on the listing; check the maker page for capacity before you order. Kenmore also sells hybrid-tub versions, so choose the listing that says stainless steel tub.

Pros:

• Three-rack layout adds loading flexibility.
• 49 dBA rating is in the quiet range for this price class.
• Top controls hide the buttons when the door is closed.

Cons:

• Similar Kenmore models vary by tub type, so read the listing title closely.
• Priced above the budget stainless options.

4. BLACK+DECKER BDW200MS: Best for a straightforward 12 place setting machine

• 24 in. · 12 place settings · stainless steel tub
• 6 wash programs · up to 24-hour delay start · Energy Star
• Stainless-look finish on this version; a black version is sold separately
• Tier: mid-range

Best for: households that want delay start to run cycles overnight or off-peak and a standard capacity. Skip if: noise matters most, since the listing text does not state a dB figure; check the maker page.

Pros:

• Delay start up to 24 hours helps with time-of-use electricity plans.
• Six programs cover normal, heavy and quick washing.
• Known small-appliance brand.

Cons:

• Noise rating is not on the listing.
• Finish is described as stainless look, so confirm door material on the maker page if you care about it.

5. COSMO COS-DIS6502: Best for a premium-look tall tub

• 24 in. · tall tub · three racks
• Stainless steel · fingerprint resistant · heated dry
• Advanced sanitize technology per the listing
• Tier: upper mid-range

Best for: kitchens with a stainless appliance suite where a fingerprint-resistant door matters. Skip if: you want a published dB figure and place-setting count from the listing; check the maker page for both.

Pros:

• Tall tub leaves room for big pots and tall glasses.
• Three racks.
• Fingerprint-resistant exterior stays cleaner on busy doors.

Cons:

• Sits at the higher price end of the 24 inch options here.
• Missing noise and capacity figures on the listing.

6. COMFEE’ 18 inch built-in dishwasher: Best compact stainless tub for apartments

• 18 in. · 8 place settings · 52 dB
• Stainless steel tub · 6 washing cycles · heated dry · adjustable top rack
• Energy Star and NSF listed
• Tier: mid-range for its size

Best for: apartments, small kitchens and RVs where the opening is 18 inches wide. Skip if: you cook for more than three or four people most days, because 8 place settings will force you into more loads.

Pros:

• Fits narrow cabinet openings.
• Adjustable top rack for taller items.
• Heated dry with a stainless tub helps with plastic ware.

Cons:

• 52 dB is louder than the 47 to 49 dB models.
• Compact size means no third rack on this listing.

Also consider

• Sharp SDW6504MS: a 24 inch, 52 dB model with 12 place settings and 5 cycles, but the listing says hybrid tub, so it is not a full stainless tub. Reasonable if you accept a hybrid tub for a lower cost.
• Midea 18 inch built-in: another 18 inch stainless tub with 8 place settings and 6 cycles; listed as slim and quiet for apartments and RVs.
• SPT SD-6505SS: a 24 inch tall-tub stainless model with heated drying and Energy Star listing.
• LG LDFC2423V: a front-control model marketed with LoDecibel quiet operation and Dynamic Dry. Confirm tub material on the maker page before choosing it for this reason alone.

Stainless, hybrid and plastic tubs side by side

These are general patterns, not guarantees for each model. A well-built hybrid tub can outperform a poor stainless one, so check the maker page for the actual construction and warranty terms before you decide.

Running costs, water and installation realities

A dishwasher costs more than its price tag over ten years. Three things shape the real cost.

• Energy and water. Look for the Energy Star mark and the yellow label figures on the maker page. A machine that finishes a normal load using less water and energy usually pays back through the utility bill.
• Cycle time. Eco cycles can run for several hours because they use lower temperatures. If you need dishes fast, check that the machine has a quick cycle and what it does to drying.
• Installation. A built-in replacement is simplest when the new unit matches the old width and the water, drain and power are in the same spots. A new opening, a missing outlet or a different drain height adds cost. Some listings do not include a power cord, a drain hose or a water supply line, so check the box contents.

Also think about delivery. A built-in dishwasher is heavy and awkward; measure the doorways and the path to the kitchen. If the old unit is being replaced, ask about haul-away.

Common stainless-tub dishwasher problems and quick fixes

• White film or spots on glasses. Usually hard water. Use rinse aid, check detergent dose and run a cleaner cycle. Follow the manual for the rinse-aid setting.
• Plastic still wet at the end. Move plastic to the top rack and angled; turn on heated dry or extended dry if the model has it.
• Dishes not clean. Check that spray arms spin freely, clean the filter and avoid blocking the detergent door with tall items.
• Odor. Clean the filter, wipe the door gasket and run a hot empty cycle with a cleaner approved in the manual.
• Rust marks. Often from a metal item or rack coating that has worn off. Replace damaged baskets and do not leave cast iron in the machine.
• Door will not close or latch. Check for an item hanging out of a rack or an installation that is not level.

Which dishwasher fits your home?

Buying guide: how to pick the best dishwasher with stainless steel tub

Measure before you read a single spec

Standard built-in dishwashers fit an opening about 24 inches wide, 34 inches high and 24 inches deep, with the exact range stated in the maker’s installation guide. Compact units are 18 inches wide. Measure the opening, the door swing and the clearance to the counter underside. Also check that the water supply, drain and electrical outlet are where the install manual expects them.

Check the tub wording line by line

Look for “stainless steel tub” in the maker description. If the listing says “hybrid”, “stainless look” or only “stainless steel finish”, it may describe the door. Finish and tub are different things.

Noise rating thresholds

Around 44 dB or lower is very quiet and found on premium machines. 45 to 49 dB is quiet and suits open kitchens. 50 to 54 dB is typical for budget and compact models and is fine if the kitchen is closed off. Above 55 dB you will hear it from the next room.

Capacity and rack layout

12 place settings suits two to five people. 15 suits larger households. 8 suits one to three. A third rack for utensils can free up the lower basket for plates. Adjustable upper racks help fit tall glasses and pans.

Cycles that matter

Most households use a normal cycle, a heavy or pots cycle, a quick cycle and an eco cycle. A sanitize or high-temperature option helps with baby bottles and cutting boards. Do not pay for a long list of cycles you will not use.

Drying type

Heated dry uses a heating element, giving the driest result with plastic items. Condensation drying relies on a hot rinse and the stainless wall and is quieter and more energy efficient. Auto door dry cracks the door at the end of the cycle so steam can escape. Choose heated dry if you wash a lot of plastic containers.

Install type and hookups

Built-in units need a cabinet opening and a hardwired or plug-in connection. Freestanding models have finished sides and can be used in a gap without a fixed countertop. Portable models connect to the sink faucet. All of these change what you can install in a rental, so check with your landlord and read the install guide.

Warranty and service

Read the warranty length for the tub, the motor and the parts. A longer tub warranty is common on stainless models; see the maker page for the current terms and who handles service in your area.

Loading tips that help drying and cleaning

1. Scrape off food but skip pre-rinsing; many sensors rely on soil in the water to set cycle length.
2. Place plastic items on the top rack, facing down and angled so water runs off.
3. Put large dishes at the sides and rear so they do not block the spray arm or detergent door.
4. Leave space between items; nested bowls and spoons stay wet.
5. Use rinse aid if you have hard water, which also helps plastic ware dry.
6. Clean the filter monthly and run an empty hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner a few times a year.

Frequently asked questions

Is a stainless steel tub dishwasher better than a plastic tub?

Generally yes for drying, stain resistance and odor, though a well-insulated plastic tub can be quieter. Compare the whole machine, not only the tub.

What does hybrid tub mean?

A hybrid tub combines stainless steel parts with plastic parts. The exact split varies by maker, so check the manual.

How many decibels is a quiet dishwasher?

Around 47 to 49 dB is quiet for the mid-range, and the lowest ratings are found on premium models. Different makers may measure slightly differently.

Do stainless steel tubs rust?

Stainless is highly resistant but not immune; chlorine bleach and long contact with salt or acidic residue can mark it. Follow the care instructions in the manual.

Is an 18 inch dishwasher big enough?

For one to three people, yes. An 18 inch machine with 8 place settings handles daily dishes but will need more frequent loads for larger households.

Do I need heated dry?

It helps most with plastic items. If you mainly wash glass and ceramics, condensation drying on a stainless tub is often enough.

Can I install a built-in dishwasher myself?

Some homeowners do, but it involves water, drain and power. Follow the installation guide and local codes, and hire a licensed installer if you are unsure.

Which one should you buy?

• Quiet kitchen, 24 inch: Sharp SDW6726MS.
• Large household: Empava 24 inch with 15 place settings.
• Trusted brand and three racks: Kenmore 24 inch with 3 racks.
• Delay start and a standard load: BLACK+DECKER BDW200MS.
• Premium look: COSMO COS-DIS6502.
• Apartment or narrow opening: COMFEE’ 18 inch.

Sources

• Sharp, Empava, Kenmore and BLACK+DECKER maker pages and listing specifications
• COSMO and COMFEE’ maker pages and listing specifications
• Maker installation guides for cabinet cut-out dimensions
• Energy Star product guidance for dishwashers

Last updated: November 2026