If you want a luxury dishwasher, you can’t beat Thermador. These beautiful and performative dishwashers will provide clean and dry dishes every cycle. They’re expensive, yes, but we think they’re worth it if you have the budget.
After researching honest customer reviews and expert advice, we compiled a list of the five best Thermador dishwashers. Paired with an in-depth review of each one, we’ll help you find the right appliance for your kitchen. Whether you want something stylish, a bit more affordable, or with built-in Wi-Fi, we’ve got recommendations for everyone.
Get ready to meet five incredible dishwashers.
- LED interior lighting
- Adjustable Chef's Tool Drawer
- Time remaining Powerbeam®
- Three-stage filtration system
- Wi-fi connection
- Extra dry feature
- Touch sensitive controls
- Nine washing cycles
- Third rack holds untesils
- Stardry™ drying cycle
- Push to open feature
- Spacious 16-place setting interior
- Gentle cycle
- Dosage assistant for detergent
- Sprinkler for tall items
Product Reviews
While we couldn’t test the products ourselves, we have spent hours researching Thermador dishwashers and what they have to offer. We backed up our research by analyzing real customer reviews and expert advice. We look at each product’s washing and drying ability, noise level, and extra features to ensure you know each dishwasher’s details.
Meet our five favorite luxurious Thermador dishwashers.
1. Masterpiece® Stainless Steel Star Sapphire
Best for Drying Dishes
This is one of the all-time best dishwashers from Thermador. The Star Sapphire collection is a must-have for many reasons, including the fact it will give you 100 percent dry dishes every single cycle.
It uses StarDry to achieve dry dishes across all types, including plastics, no matter where they’re placed in the dishwasher. The natural Zeolite minerals do an incredible job of evaporating moisture. This is one of the most exceptional drying mechanisms in the world.
What We Like
Sapphire Glow Interior Lighting
This is a fun feature to have on your luxurious dishwasher. The LED interior lighting is super useful, so you can see every item, speck of dirt, and remaining moisture. However, with the app, you can set the lights to be any color you want!
Adjustable Chef’s Tool Drawer
This extra drawer adds loading capacity to your dishwasher. This third rack is adjustable, too, so you can ensure there’s space for everything in your dishwasher. Customers use this drawer for tools and utensils, so they don’t clutter elsewhere in the appliance.
Time Remaining PowerBeam®
At 44 decibels, it’s not always easy to tell if your dishwasher is running. Thankfully, this has a Time Remaining PowerBeam that shines the remaining time on the floor.
Built-In Water Softener
Do you live in a hard water area? Are water spots a common frustration on your dishes? This appliance can change that.
It includes a built-in water softener that will soften the water so your dishes come out sparkling clean.
What We Don't Like
Very Expensive
As part of Thermador’s top range of dishwashers, this is super expensive. You can get a discount if you buy a range from Thermador, but for a domestic appliance, this is definitely not a budget-friendly dishwasher.
Exterior Finish Stains Easily
Despite being stainless steel, this unit stains easily. It’s pretty hard to clean off stains, fingerprints, and other dirt.
Product Specs
| Noise Level | 42 decibels |
| Collection | Star Sapphire |
| Wash Cycles | Seven cycles |
| Drying Cycle | StarDry |
| Dishwasher Capacity | 16 place settings |
2. Thermador Emerald Built-In Dishwasher
Most Stylish
When choosing a Thermador dishwasher, style is guaranteed. Each dishwasher is luxuriously designed to stand out from the crowd. Guests will definitely be complimenting your fancy appliance!
However, for ultimate style — choose one with a custom panel. This way, it can match your lovely kitchen decor, fitting in seamlessly with your cabinets.
We recommend this Emerald collection built-in dishwasher for many reasons. We’ll get deeper into it, but look out for amazing features such as the power beam, dosage assistant, Wi-Fi connection, and much more.
What We Like
Maximum Cleaning Technology
Compared to other brands, this Thermador dishwasher will wow you with its cleaning abilities. First, it uses Sens-A-Wash technology which adjusts its specs during the cycle to ensure clean and dry dishes every time. Secondly, this dishwasher uses a three-stage filtration system to ensure the water is super clean the entire cycle.
Wi-Fi Connection for Remote Starting
This is a bonus feature found on all Thermador dishwashers, but let’s look at it more closely. The Home Connect App allows you to personalize your controls, receive notifications, and diagnose issues within the dishwasher. You can even start the dishwasher remotely, which is a one-of-a-kind feature across all smart dishwashers.
Extra Dry Function
Enjoy extra dishes with the Extra Dry function. While it’s not Star Dry, it still does a fantastic job of drying your dishes at the end of each cycle.
Touch Sensitive Controls
It’s so easy to press the buttons on the top control. No need to push down super hard — a light tap will allow you to choose your preferred settings.
What We Don't Like
48 Decibels
Forty-eight decibels isn’t loud, but it’s noticeable. It’s the loudest from Thermador, anyway! If you’re looking for something super quiet, or nearly silent dishwasher, we recommend upgrading to one of their other collections.
Product Specs
| Noise Level | 48 decibels |
| Collection | Emerald |
| Wash Cycles | Six cycles |
| Drying Cycle | Extra Dry |
| Dishwasher Capacity | 16 place settings |
3. Thermador Masterpiece® Stainless Steel Emerald®
Best Smart Thermador Dishwasher
All Thermador dishwashers are smart. Each one has built-in Wi-Fi, so you can control it with your smartphone once you’ve downloaded the Home Connect app. However, this is one of our favorite smart dishwashers for many reasons!
Firstly, it’s part of the Emerald collection, so it’s a bit more budget-friendly than the higher collections from Thermador. It also has a third rack for more space for hard-to-place items. Lastly, we love the Dosage Assist for detergent, as well as the PowerBeam that shines the remaining time on the floor.
What We Like
Touch Sensitive Controls
If you struggle to press stiff buttons on appliances, you’ll enjoy this dishwasher. It has touch-sensitive controls, making them easy to press for most people.
Nine Washing Cycle Options
Some Thermador dishwashers have a very limited number of cycles, especially in the Emerald collection. But this one has nine, so there are plenty of options to choose from! They are: Half Load, Delicate Wash, Quick Wash, Normal, Auto, Rinse, Pots and Pans, Extra Dry, and PowerBoost.
Third Rack Holds Utensils
The third rack gives you extra space for hard-to-place items like utensils, spatulas, and other items. It doesn’t take up much space in the dishwasher. But if it does limit space in the upper rack, you can remove the third rack when you feel like it.
Great for Hard Water Areas
If you live in a hard water area, you can say goodbye to water spots on all your dishes. This has a built-in water softener to ensure the most sparkling results.
What We Don't Like
48 Decibels
It’s not the quietest dishwasher from Thermador. At 48 decibels, it’s similar to a rainfall or quiet office. So it might be soothing background noise for some, but in tiny homes, it may interrupt your peaceful evenings.
No Child Lock
If you have curious kids, there might be better options for your household than this dishwasher. With no child lock, your little one can have free access to this appliance. And since the controls are so easy to use, who knows what cycle they might choose in the middle of the day?
Product Specs
| Noise Level | 48 decibels |
| Collection | Emerald |
| Wash Cycles | Nine cycles |
| Drying Cycle | Extra Dry |
| Dishwasher Capacity | 16 place settings |
4. Thermador Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
Most Quiet
At a near-silent 42 decibels, this is a dishwasher that will do its job without making a fuss about it! Since it’s so quiet, it’s fab for both small and large houses since it won’t interrupt conversations, sleep, and chilled evenings at home.
Besides its decibel rating, it’s also part of the Sapphire collection. So it has a range of amazing features, including interior lighting, Star Dry, a push-to-open door, and much more.
What We Like
StarDry™ Dries Dishes
StarDry is one of the most effective drying cycles on the market. It uses a mineral called Zeolite, which is entirely exclusive to Thermador. The Zeolite works to dry all dishes, even plastics, no matter where they’re placed in the dishwasher.
Push-To-Open Door
The handleless design of this dishwasher makes it possible to open the appliance even when your hands are full. Simply push the door, and it will pop open.
Spacious Interior With 16 Place Settings
This dishwasher has 16 place settings, so it’s already big on its own. However, it also has an adjustable chef’s tool drawer — or third rack — for long utensils. You can also adjust the other racks to make space for awkwardly sized items.
Seven Wash Cycles
Who doesn’t like having options? While this has the basics — quick, normal, and auto — it also has other funky settings. For instance, it has PowerBoost for extra cleaning, Star Speed for quick washes, and a sanitary cycle for killing germs.
What We Don't Like
Two-Year Warranty
The short two-year warranty is something to watch out for. While this is still longer than some dishwasher suppliers, the price is up to five times as expensive, so it’s not super reassuring.
One customer had the heat pump break after the warranty was over — so that’s an expensive mistake to fix yourself.
Keep In Mind
Door Opens Too Easily
While the push-to-open feature is interesting, it’s too sensitive. Even if you brush past the dishwasher, it will open. This can happen mid-cycle, which is very inconvenient.
Product Specs
| Noise Level | 42 decibels |
| Collection | Sapphire |
| Wash Cycles | 12 cycles |
| Drying Cycle | StarDry |
| Dishwasher Capacity | 16 place settings |
5. Thermador 24 Inch Built-In Dishwasher Custom Panel
Best Budget Thermador Dishwasher
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Thermador dishwasher, you’ll need to shop within the Emerald collection. However, this custom panel dishwasher from Thermador is heavily discounted from the Emerald range, so it’s super budget-friendly.
It’s also custom panel-ready, so you can swap out the front cover to suit the rest of your kitchen decor. This helps to create a seamless design in the kitchen. Since you’re already saving a huge amount, hopefully, the cost of the custom panel and handle won’t be too hard on the bank account!
What We Like
Gentle Cycle
While this dishwasher has a range of exciting features and cycles, the gentle cycle is one that you’ll love, especially after having a fancy dinner party. You can wash up to 26 wine glasses on the gentle cycle, so you don’t have to hand wash a single item.
Dosage Assistant
Have you ever experienced a dishwasher that didn’t fully break down the detergent? Well, this dishwasher has a dosage assistant to help break down detergent, so it’s used thoroughly in the cycle, and none is left behind.
Sprinkler for Tall Items
Tall items are hard to clean, even by hand. Well, now you can pop them in the dishwasher and allow the sprinkler for extra tall items to clean the item. It works for items up to 22 inches high!
What We Don't Like
48 Decibels
Forty-eight decibels isn’t loud by any means, but for Thermador, it’s on the louder end of the spectrum. It’s not silent, so if the door to the kitchen is open, you may still be able to hear the appliance at certain stages of the cycle.
Product Specs
| Noise Level | 42 decibels |
| Collection | Emerald |
| Wash Cycles | 12 cycle |
| Drying Cycle | StarDry |
| Dishwasher Capacity | 16 place settings |
| Product | Best | Noise Level | Collection | Wash Cycles | Drying Cycle | Dishwasher Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masterpiece® Stainless Steel Star Sapphire | For Drying Dishes | 42 db | Star Sapphire | 7 | StarDry | 16 place settings |
| Thermador Emerald Built-In | Stylish | 48 db | Emerald | 6 | Extra Dry | 16 place settings |
| Thermador Masterpiece® Emerald® | Smart Thermador Dishwasher | 48 db | Emerald | 9 | Extra Dry | 16 place settings |
| Thermador Top Control Built-In | Quiet | 42 db | Sapphire | 12 | StarDry | 16 place settings |
| Thermador 24 Built-In Custom Panel | Budget | 42 db | Emerald | 12 | StarDry | 16 place settings |
Are Thermador Dishwashers Good?
Yes. Thermador dishwashers are performative, reliable, and durable.
But they are also expensive, costing at least double than most other brands. So they’re not suitable for people on a tight budget. If you want something that performs similarly for hundreds of dollars less, consider a Bosch dishwasher.
You may be wondering why Thermador dishwashers are so expensive. The main reason is because they’re quicker than other dishwashers. Their wash cycles are shorter, including the 20-minute Star wash.
Plus, their drying cycles are more consistent.
How Long Do Thermador Dishwashers Last?
You can expect your Thermador dishwasher to last around 10 years, even though the labor warranty is only two years long.
Quick Note
Types of Thermador Dishwashers
Thermador offers a few different types of dishwashers, which we’ll look into in more detail.
Emerald
The Emerald series includes the most basic dishwashers from Thermador, but they’re still more advanced than some other brands. This is their most affordable collection.
Pros
- Most affordable collection.
- Powerful wash cycles.
- Wi-Fi compatible.
- Third rack included.
- Custom panel option.
- Free if you buy a Thermador range.
Cons
- 48 decibels isn’t super quiet (but it’s still better than other brands).
- Still expensive.
Sapphire
The Sapphire range features amazing updated details, but of course, this raises the price. If you have the budget for it, you will love these features.
Pros
- Interior lighting.
- Star Dry function for extra dry dishes.
- Push to open door.
- 42 decibels (very quiet).
- Custom panel option.
- Chef Tool Drawer for utensils.
- Wi-Fi compatible.
Cons
- Expensive.
- The handleless design can be annoying.
Star-Sapphire
This is a super luxurious collection from Thermador, but it is significantly more expensive. However, you get your money’s worth in terms of luxury.
Pros
- More flexible third rack.
- Ultra-smooth glide racks.
- Illuminates the interior with blue or white light.
- 20-minute hot wash cycle.
- Push to open door.
- Star Dry for drying dishes.
- Wi-Fi connection.
Cons
- Very expensive.
Topaz
The next step up are the Topaz dishwashers which are extra quiet at 44 decibels. These are also great for hard water areas. However, these are the most expensive Thermador dishwashers.
Pros
- 44 decibels.
- Water softener to help in hard water areas.
- A time remaining indicator shines on the floor.
- Foldable tines for flexible loading.
- Custom panel option.
- Third rack included.
- You can save money when you buy a range from Thermador.
Cons
- More expensive than the previous collection.
- Unique installation.
How to Choose (Buying Guide)
With a few different Thermador dishwashers to choose from, we’ll tell you the top details to consider so you can find the best one for your kitchen.
Noise Level
Check the decibel level of the dishwasher. Thermador dishwashers range from 42 to 48 decibels, so they’re all pretty quiet. However, 42 is the quietest from this brand.
Design
Consider the design of the dishwasher. The main difference is if it’s custom panel ready or not. If you want something that seamlessly fits in with your kitchen decor, we recommend a panel-ready dishwasher.
Also, consider if you want the push-to-open feature. It’s good if your hands are full, but you will have to choose one of the higher-end collections to get this feature.
Wash Cycles
Check out the different wash cycles. The more wash cycles there are, the easier it will be to customize each cycle for your dishes. One wash cycle many Thermador customers are after is the Star Speed cycle which washes dishes in 20 minutes!
Drying Capacity
While all Thermador dishwashers do a good job of drying, the Star Dry feature is the best of the best. It uses Zeolite to ensure all dishes are completely dry — even plastics.
Extra Features
Thermador dishwashers are known for their cool features. You’ll find interior lights, a time remaining indicator for the floor, push-to-open doors, foldable tines, and much more. Check the extra features to ensure you’re getting a dishwasher with everything you want.
Eco-Friendly
Thermador dishwashers are Energy Star Certified, so they’re already pretty eco-friendly. But make sure yours has the Sens-A-Wash® setting, which saves energy, water, and heating where possible.
Warranty
Check the warranty from your supplier, as they may modify this. In general, a Thermador dishwasher should offer a two-year warranty.
However, some suppliers specify this differently as a two-year warranty for labor and a five-year warranty for the control board and racks. Plus, a lifetime warranty for the tub liner.
FAQs
Is Thermador High-End?
Thermador dishwashers are high-end, costing almost double the price of other brands. However, they are reliable, durable and include many features that set them apart, like a 20-minute Star wash cycle.
Are Thermador Appliances Worth the Money?
Thermador appliances are worth the money because they have a reputation for reliability, durability, innovation, and quality.
Do Thermador Dishwashers Have a Heating Element?
Thermador dishwashers do have a heating element. It helps to regulate the water temperature and remove baked-on stains from your dishes.
Where Is the Filter for a Thermador Dishwasher?
The filter for a Thermador dishwasher is located at the base, just below the lower spray arm. It lifts up to reveal the filter in the housing.
What Does a Blue Light on Thermador Dishwasher Mean?
The blue light on a Thermador dishwasher means the appliance is operational. It throws a soft light onto the floor when you switch it on.
How Do I Silence My Thermador Dishwasher?
The easiest way to silence your Thermador dishwasher is to open the door and press the light wash button while simultaneously turning it on. The light wash indicator will flash, giving a chance to push it again.
If it beeps, the completion signal is enabled. If you get no beep, it is disabled.
