Article By: Suraiya Fardous
- December 9, 2023 , Last updated on : December 10, 2023
The best dishwasher for hard water will be a game changer if you live in an area where hard water is very common, like Arizona, Phoenix, Minneapolis, etc. This is because hard water can easily damage dishwashers that are not made to handle it. As a result, you must get the best hard water dishwasher if you live in such places.
What type of dishwasher is best for hard water?
The best dishwashers for hard water have a stainless steel tub since they promote better condensation and can resist higher temperatures, which are required for dissolving the minerals found in hard water. Additionally, stainless steel components resist rust and last longer, so they can fight hard water longer than other materials. Hard water also damages dishes and glassware.
Besides the build material, you can go for dishwashers with water softeners built into them. The water softener will filter the water and remove the calcium and other minerals that tend to damage your dishwasher. Alternatively, you can get one with a rinse aid dispenser and add the water-softening agents yourself.
Buying guide for the best dishwashers for hard water
The requirements for buying a dishwasher for hard water will be different from the requirements for buying a panel-ready dishwasher. For example, a dishwasher with a built-in water softener is good at dealing with hard water, but you do not need it for a panel-ready dishwasher. Here is how you can select the best dishwashers for hard water.
Build Material
First and foremost, the dishwasher you have in mind needs to have stainless steel components. You need to ensure that the tub and the dispensing tubes are made from stainless steel. Since hard water damages dishwashers quickly, stainless steel components will ensure you can get your money’s worth.
Functionality
Besides the stainless steel build, you can also get dishwashers with various additional features like water softener, filtration system, heating system, high water pressure, etc. These features help reduce or even completely remove the minerals from the hard water to clean your dishes optimally and ensure that your dishwasher lasts longer.
Rinse Aid
One of the best features you can get in a dishwasher for hard water is an automatic rinse aid dispenser that will automatically add a water-softening agent when cleaning your dishes. You can get the best dishwashing detergent for hard water on Amazon if you choose to get a dishwasher with the rinse aid feature.
Size
Last but not least, the best dishwasher for hard water that you choose needs to fit in your kitchen. The standard dishwasher size is 24 inches, which can fit alongside most countertops. However, if you do not have enough space, you can get an 18-inch dishwasher or a portable one.
Best dishwashers for hard water | Top 10 Picks
There are a lot of dishwashers on the market that can effectively tackle hard water, which can make it difficult to select the best one for yourself. As a result, we have selected the best dishwashers for hard water and ranked them based on personal experience and user reviews.
List of the best dishwashers for hard water
Forte F24DWS450PR
Bosch SHEM63W55N
Z Line DWV-24
GE PDT785SYNFS
Miele G7106SCU
Danby DDW1804EBSS
SPT SD-9254SSA
FRIGIDAIRE FFBD1831US
SPT SD-9263W
Kucht K7740D
Forte F24DWS450PR
Capacity: 10 place settings
Noise Level: 49 dB
The Forte F24DWS450PR is the best dishwasher for hard water on the market overall because of its features. It has almost all the features we have explained in our buying guide. In addition to those, it has a low noise level that ensures you can work in the kitchen while it is operating. Lastly, it has a removable stainless steel panel, so you can use your own custom panel.
The best features that make the Forte F24DWS450PR perfect for handling hard water are its stainless steel tub and the multiple filter system. The filter system separates the clean water from the soiled water, which not only softens hard water but also saves water. Lastly, it has hi-temperature and heat-drying functions.
Pros:
Multiple filter system
Durable stainless steel tub
Quiet operation
High-temperature options
Cons:
Easily collects fingerprints
The only issue we faced while using the Forte F24DWS450PR was that the provided front panel collected fingerprints easily. However, if you choose to add your own custom panel, this will not be an issue for you. Other than that, its ability to handle hard water, combined with its quiet operation, makes it the best dishwasher for hard water.
The Bosch SHEM63W55N stands out from the crowd because of its filter, which can be cleaned easily to ensure it lasts longer, even if used with hot water. Additionally, it has a durable and long-lasting build that ensures it can handle hard water when cleaning your dishes. However, you need to ensure you occasionally clean the filter to get the most out of it.
Besides being perfect for hard water, it is also a great dishwasher for two additional reasons. Firstly, it has a high capacity of 16 place settings, which makes it the ideal dishwasher for large families. Secondly, it has a very low noise level of 44 dB, which ensures you can use it without disturbing your family members or roommates.
Pros:
Long lasting build
Easy to clean the filter
High Capacity
Low noise level
Cons:
Loading process could be easier
The only drawback of the Bosch SHEM63W55N is that it is a bit complicated to load your dishes in the tub. However, you can check out their guide on loading the dishwasher to make it easier. Besides that, its easy maintenance, high capacity, and low noise level make it the best dishwasher for hard water.
The Z Line DWV-24 stands out from the crowd because of the EcoWash technology, allowing it to wash your dishes with as little water as possible. This ensures very little hard water enters the dishwasher, which greatly boosts its longevity. Additionally, the durable stainless steel build further increases how long you can use it.
Another reason the Z Line DWV-24 stands out from the crowd is because of its simple installation process. It is so criminally straightforward that even people who have never installed a dishwasher before can do it. Lastly, it is certified by Energy Star because it uses very little energy when cleaning your dishes.
Pros:
Stainless steel build
EcoWash technology
Simple installation process
Energy Star certified
Cons:
Comparatively expensive
While the EcoWash technology in the Z Line DWV-24 is very desirable for people who live in hard water-rich areas, it is a comparatively expensive device. However, if you can afford it, it will ensure you do not need to invest in another dishwasher for a long time, even if you use hard water in it.
What makes the GE PDT785SYNFS perfect for hard water is its high water pressure. It will ensure that the dishwasher never collects residue from hard water while optimally cleaning your dishes as well. Additionally, the high water pressure also prevents the draining hose from getting clogged up.
After our testing, we thought that this was one of the quietest dishwashers in the competition. If you live in a family home or with roommates who do not like too much noise, then this is the perfect dishwasher for you. Lastly, the dishwasher is NSF-certified, so you do not need to worry about health issues.
Pros:
High water pressure
NSF certified
Near silent function
Cons:
Not for glass or china kitchenware
The only issue with the GE PDT785SYNFS also stems from its high water pressure. It can damage or shatter kitchenware made from glass and china. Other than that, its safety certification, combined with its low noise level, makes it one of the best dishwashers for hard water.
If you hate the musty smell of hard water in your dishwasher, the Miele G7106SCU will quickly become your next best friend. It has an auto-open door feature that automatically opens the dishwasher’s door when it is done, which ensures the interior does not get smelly.
What makes it perfect for hard water is that it has an integrated water softener for dishwashers. Lastly, it is one of the best energy-efficient dishwashers among the competition. So, if you want to save money on electricity bills in the long run, then get this dishwasher.
Pros:
Auto open door feature
Integrated water softener
Perfect for glass and china
Cons:
Very expensive
While the Miele G7106SCU has some of the best features you can expect in a dishwasher for hard water, it is also one of the most expensive ones in the competition. However, if the price tag is not an issue for you, it is the best dishwasher for hard water that you can buy.
If you want a dishwasher that can handle hard water and is functional at the same time, the Danby DDW1804EBSS is a great choice. It is perfect for people who face hard water daily because of its low water consumption, combined with its stainless steel build.
The handy silverware basket and delay start feature of this dishwasher make your life in the kitchen much easier. It has various wash cycles that make it very versatile. Furthermore, it has a heavy wash cycle that makes the dishwasher better at handling hard water.
Pros:
Low water consumption
Handy silverware basket
Delay start feature
Cons:
The front panel can be scratched easily
The only issue we have had with the Danby DDW1804EBSS was that the front panel of the dishwasher was very easily scratched, which deteriorated its looks. However, if functionality is more important to you than looks, it is one of the best dishwashers for hard water that you can get.
If you want a panel-ready dishwasher that can handle hard water as well, the SPT SD-9254SSA is the one you should get. It has an automatic rinse aid dispenser that will ensure the dishwasher uses a water softener when washing your dishes with hard water.
This dishwasher has a functional error alarm that will let you know when something goes wrong with the dishwasher. For example, if the pipes get clogged up due to hard water, it will warn you, and you can clean them to avoid a big mess in your home.
Pros:
Automatic rinse aid
Heating function
Error Alarm
Cons:
Needs to be placed in a cabinet
While the SPT SD-9254SSA is a great dishwasher with a rinse aid dispenser, it is only for people who want a panel-ready dishwasher. It does not come with its own body, so you cannot use it without custom panels. Other than that, its functional features place it among the best dishwashers for hard water.
What makes the FRIGIDAIRE FFBD1831US perfect for dealing with hard water is its durable stainless steel build that will not rust. Other than that, it is also an outstanding dishwasher because of the versatility it provides users. It has six cleaning cycles, including a National Sanitation Foundation Certified sanitizing cycle.
This dishwasher has a dual spray arm system that ensures you can thoroughly clean all your dishes, even with hard water. The dual spray arm system covers both the bottom and the top rack, so you can utilize all the place settings in the dishwashers even if you wash with hard water.
Pros:
Durable stainless steel build
Versatile cleaning cycles
Heat drying function
Cons:
Not ideal for larger dishes
The only issue we faced while using the FRIGIDAIRE FFBD1831US was that we could not fit dishes larger than 12 inches in the dishwasher. However, such large dishes are usually not found in home kitchens. Other than that, its durable stainless steel build makes it the best dishwasher for hard water.
The SPT SD-9263W is perfect for people who want to clean their glass and china dishes in the dishwasher while facing hard water as well. It is perfect for hard water for two main reasons. Firstly, it has a stainless steel interior, which makes it last longer even when using hard water. Secondly, the rinse aid dispenser automatically uses the water softener that you provide.
This dishwasher has wheels on the bottom. The wheels make it very easy to move the dishwasher around if you want to rearrange your kitchen. Overall, we found this dishwasher very easy to use compared to the rest that we tested to make this review.
Pros:
Stainless steel interior
Rinse aid dispenser
Can handle glass and china
Cons:
Draining the hose could be longer
The biggest issue with the SPT SD-9263W is that the draining hose provided is a bit shorter than those of its competitors. However, if you place it in an optimal location in your kitchen, this will not be an issue for you. Other than that, its stainless steel interior, combined with its rinse aid dispenser, makes it one of the best dishwashers for hard water.
The Kucht K7740D stands out from the crowd because of its multiple mesh filter system that not only saves water and energy but also makes it perfect for handling hard water. Additionally, the stainless steel tub ensures that the interior lasts a long time despite battling hard water. Lastly, it has a smart wash system that makes the dishwasher very easy to use.
We loved the smart wash system of this dishwasher, which makes it very easy to use. This function can automatically detect the type of cycle that will be best for cleaning the dishes that you have put in the dishwasher. Overall, it is perfect for non-tech-savvy people who need to deal with hard water.
Pros:
Stainless steel tub
Multiple mesh filter system
Smart wash system
Cons:
Installation kit not provided
While the Kucht K7740D has features that make it perfect for handling hot water, it still comes at the bottom of our list because they do not provide an installation kit in the package. Other than that, its stainless steel tub, combined with its multiple mesh filters, makes it one of the best dishwashers for hot water.
How do you remove Calcium deposits from a dishwasher?
You can remove calcium deposits left by hard water in your dishwasher by using white vinegar, baking soda, or lemon. The easiest method is to wet cloth in vinegar and rub the spots with calcium residue. Alternatively, you can use a toothbrush with baking soda to reach the tight spots.
How do I protect my dishwasher from hard water?
The best way to protect your dishwasher from hard water is to use water softeners when washing your dishes. Alternatively, you can maintain the dishwasher regularly by cleaning the mineral residues from the tub using white vinegar, baking soda, or lemon. However, if your tub is not stainless steel, lemon can cause it to rust.
Final verdict
The best dishwater for hard that will be perfect for you will perfect for your kitchen will depend on your specific requirements. For example, if you want a dishwasher with a built-in water softener system, go for the Miele G7106SCU. Alternatively, if you want the overall best one on the market, go for the Forte F24DWS450PR. If you liked our top picks, check out our list of the best drying dishwashers.
