Thermador sits at the luxury end of the dishwasher market, and its whole pitch is dishes that come out clean and genuinely dry, plastics included. That last part is the hard one, and it is where the StarDry system with Zeolite pulls ahead of most of the field.
The range climbs through four collections, Emerald, Topaz, Sapphire, and Star Sapphire, each adding quieter motors, better drying, and features like the 20-minute Star Speed cycle as the price rises. We compared the current models on the specs and owner feedback that actually matter at this level.
Whether you want a panel-ready front that disappears into your cabinetry or the fastest wash cycle on the market, one of these five should fit your kitchen.
Our Top Picks
- 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
- Great for cleaning pots and pans
- 44 decibel volume
- Handy dishwasher for crystal
Our Review Criteria: Thermador sells four dishwasher collections, Emerald, Topaz, Sapphire, and Star Sapphire, and the deciding difference between them is whether you get StarDry with Zeolite or plain condensation drying. That split framed these rankings. We worked through Thermador’s own spec sheets and use-and-care manuals, current retailer listings, and independent owner reviews, then judged each model on sound rating in dBA, cycle count and wash flexibility, third-rack usefulness, and ENERGY STAR efficiency. We also rechecked that every model recommended was still sold, swapping out anything discontinued.
Are Thermador Dishwashers Good?
Yes. These machines clean thoroughly and run quietly, and they add features like the StarDry drying system that most brands skip.
However, they are a significant investment. Thermador falls under the BSH Home Appliances umbrella, the same parent company as Bosch. If you want similar engineering at a lower price point, you might consider a Bosch dishwasher.
The premium price of a Thermador gets you superior speed and drying capabilities. Their Star Speed cycle washes a full load in just 20 minutes, which is an industry leader. Furthermore, their drying technology is consistent, allowing you to put plastics away immediately without hand-drying them first.
How Long Do Thermador Dishwashers Last?
You can expect a Thermador dishwasher to last roughly 10 years with regular use. High-end components generally ensure a long lifespan.
Warranty Info
Types of Thermador Dishwashers
Thermador organizes its dishwashers into specific collections, each offering different levels of luxury and features.
Emerald
The Emerald series is the entry-level collection. While it is the most “basic” option from Thermador, it still outperforms many standard competitors and includes smart connectivity.
Pros
- Value: Most affordable Thermador option.
- Smart Tech: Wi-Fi enabled with Home Connect.
- Capacity: Includes a standard third rack.
- Design: Available in stainless steel or custom panel ready.
- Bundles: Often free with the purchase of a qualified Thermador range.
Cons
- Noise: At 48 dBA, it is louder than the premium lines.
- Price: Still expensive compared to non-luxury brands.
Sapphire
The Sapphire collection steps up the luxury with better lighting, quieter operation, and superior drying technology.
Pros
- Drying: Features StarDry with Zeolite for bone-dry plastics.
- Lighting: Includes interior Sapphire Glow light.
- Access: Push-to-open door feature.
- Silence: Runs at a very quiet 42 dBA.
- Storage: Adjustable Chef’s Tool Drawer for utensils.
Cons
- Cost: Significantly higher price point.
- Interface: Handleless design takes getting used to.
Star-Sapphire
The Star-Sapphire is the entertainer’s dishwasher. It is packed with every feature Thermador offers, including the industry-exclusive fast wash.
Pros
- Speed: 20-minute Star Speed hot water cycle.
- Flexibility: Largest wine glass capacity (up to 18 glasses).
- Ambiance: Multi-color Star Glow interior lighting.
- Smoothness: Ultra-smooth glide racks.
- Tech: Full color touch control display.
Cons
- Price: One of the most expensive units on the market.
Topaz
Topaz models generally sit between Emerald and Sapphire in terms of features. They are excellent for specific needs, such as homes with hard water.
Pros
- Quiet: Operates at 44 dBA.
- Protection: Built-in water softener prevents spots.
- Indicator: PowerBeam shines floor light to show remaining time.
- Loading: Foldable tines accommodate large pots.
- Style: Available in Masterpiece or Professional handles.
Cons
- Installation: Specific installation requirements may apply.
- Price: More expensive than the Emerald line.
Things to Consider
Here are the primary factors you should evaluate before purchasing a Thermador unit.
Product Reviews
We spent hours analyzing the specifications, user manuals, and customer reviews for the current Thermador lineup. We evaluated each model based on cleaning power, drying innovation, noise levels, and rack flexibility to bring you these top recommendations.
Masterpiece® Stainless Steel Star Sapphire
Best for Drying Dishes
The Star Sapphire sits at the top of the Thermador lineup, and it earns the spot by solving the complaint people voice most about dishwashers, dishes that come out wet.
It runs the StarDry system with Zeolite, a natural mineral that absorbs moisture and converts it to gentle heat, so even Tupperware and plastic lids finish dry. On top of that you get the 20-minute Star Speed cycle, the fastest hot wash Thermador makes, plus a customizable interior light show for loading after dark.
What We Like
Sapphire Glow Interior
Loading the dishwasher in the evening is easier with good lighting. The Star Sapphire illuminates the interior with blue LED lights (or other colors via the app), helping you spot that fallen fork or hidden debris.
Adjustable Chef’s Tool Drawer
This third rack isn’t just a flat tray. It is adjustable and deep enough to hold ladles, spatulas, and ramekins. This frees up significant space in the bottom rack for plates and large cookware.
Time Remaining PowerBeam®
Since this unit runs quietly at 42 dBA, you might not know it is on. The PowerBeam projects a countdown timer directly onto your kitchen floor so you know exactly when the cycle ends.
Built-In Water Softener
If you live in an area with hard water, this feature is essential. The built-in softener removes minerals from the water intake, preventing cloudy glassware and limescale buildup.
What We Don't Like
Premium Price Tag
This is one of the most expensive residential dishwashers you can buy. While the features are top-tier, the cost is prohibitive for many households.
Stainless Steel Maintenance
The exterior is beautiful, but like all stainless steel appliances, it requires regular wiping to keep fingerprints and smudges at bay.
Product Specs
| Noise Level | 42 decibels |
| Collection | Star Sapphire |
| Wash Cycles | Seven cycles |
| Drying Cycle | StarDry |
| Dishwasher Capacity | 16 place settings |
Thermador Emerald Built-In Dishwasher
Most Stylish
The Emerald series proves you don’t have to buy the most expensive model to get that high-end look. This built-in dishwasher offers the sleek, professional aesthetic Thermador is famous for.
We recommend this model for homeowners who want the Thermador badge and reliability without paying for the ultra-premium features of the Sapphire line. It still includes Wi-Fi connectivity via Home Connect, a third rack, and excellent soil-sensing technology.
What We Like
Sens-A-Wash Technology
You don’t need to guess which cycle to use. Sens-A-Wash measures the cleanliness of the water continuously and adjusts the cycle time and temperature to match the soil level of your dishes.
Smart Remote Start
The Home Connect App adds real utility here. You can load the dishwasher after dinner and start it from your bedroom later when energy rates are lower. You can also receive alerts if you run out of rinse aid.
Extra Dry Function
While it lacks the Zeolite system found in the Sapphire models, the Extra Dry option increases the final rinse temperature and extends the drying phase to ensure solid results.
Responsive Controls
The top control panel features touch-sensitive buttons that respond to a light tap. It keeps the front of the dishwasher clean and uncluttered.
What We Don't Like
Noise Level
At 48 dBA, this is the loudest dishwasher in the Thermador lineup. While not “loud” by traditional standards, it is noticeable compared to the near-silent operation of the 42 dBA models.
Product Specs
| Noise Level | 48 decibels |
| Collection | Emerald |
| Wash Cycles | Six cycles |
| Drying Cycle | Extra Dry |
| Dishwasher Capacity | 16 place settings |
Thermador Masterpiece® Stainless Steel Emerald®
Best Smart Thermador Dishwasher
This Emerald model combines the Masterpiece handle design with smart functionality. It serves as a fantastic middle ground for users who want plenty of cycle options without stepping up to the Sapphire price bracket.
It features a blue PowerBeam light to indicate operation and the Dosage Assist system. Dosage Assist catches the detergent tablet in a special tray on the handle of the middle rack, ensuring it dissolves completely rather than getting stuck at the bottom of the tub.
What We Like
Nine Wash Cycles
This model offers impressive versatility with nine distinct cycles. Options include Delicate for your stemware, Pots and Pans for heavy scrubbing, and a Quick Wash for lightly soiled loads.
User-Friendly Controls
The touch controls are intuitive and hidden along the top edge of the door, giving the exterior a clean look while preventing accidental bumps.
Effective Third Rack
The standard third rack is perfect for silverware and long utensils. It frees up the silverware basket in the bottom rack, giving you more room for plates and bowls. You can also remove it if you need extra height for tall wine glasses in the middle rack.
Water Softener Included
Like its more expensive siblings, this unit includes a water softener. This is a huge benefit for keeping the stainless steel tub shiny and your glasses clear of mineral deposits.
What We Don't Like
Audible Operation
Similar to the other Emerald model, this runs at 48 dBA. In a small apartment or a very quiet home, you will likely hear the water swishing during the cycle.
No Child Lock
The hidden controls are great for style, but the lack of a specific child lock on the door mechanism means a curious toddler could open it.
Product Specs
| Noise Level | 48 decibels |
| Collection | Emerald |
| Wash Cycles | Nine cycles |
| Drying Cycle | Extra Dry |
| Dishwasher Capacity | 16 place settings |
Thermador Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
Most Quiet
If silence is golden, this Sapphire model is a treasure. Operating at a whisper-quiet 42 dBA, it is virtually inaudible. This makes it the ideal choice for open-concept floor plans where the kitchen flows directly into the living room.
Beyond the noise reduction, you get premium Sapphire features like the push-to-open door and the StarDry drying system with Zeolite.
What We Like
StarDry™ with Zeolite
This is the drying performance you pay for. The Zeolite chamber absorbs humidity and releases dry heat. It is a closed system that requires no maintenance and never needs replacement, ensuring dry plastics for the life of the machine.
Push-To-Open Door
This feature allows for a completely handleless installation if you use a custom panel. A gentle nudge opens the door, which is perfect when your hands are full of dirty dishes.
Massive Capacity
Rated for 16 place settings, this dishwasher can handle large dinner parties. The racking system is highly adjustable, allowing you to fit oversized platters and tall baking sheets with ease.
Sanitize and Hygiene Options
In addition to standard cleaning, the Hygiene cycle increases the temperature to kill bacteria, which is excellent for baby bottles or cutting boards.
What We Don't Like
Door Sensitivity
The push-to-open mechanism is very responsive. If you lean against the counter to talk to someone, you might accidentally pop the dishwasher open.
Repair Costs
While reliable, fixing a luxury appliance out of warranty is expensive. The complex electronics required for features like Zeolite drying can be costly to service.
Product Specs
| Noise Level | 42 decibels |
| Collection | Sapphire |
| Wash Cycles | 12 cycles |
| Drying Cycle | StarDry |
| Dishwasher Capacity | 16 place settings |
Thermador Smart Top Control Dishwasher
Best Flexible Dishwasher
Flexibility is the main selling point for this Topaz model. It is designed for real-world cooking, where you use strange-shaped pots, tall pitchers, and delicate crystals all in one day.
The folding tines allow you to reconfigure the racks instantly. We also love the Crystal Protection system, which modulates water hardness to ensure delicate glass isn’t etched or damaged during the wash.
What We Like
Heavy Duty Cleaning
The PowerBoost option increases water pressure and temperature in the lower rack. This lets you put a lasagna pan on the bottom and delicate glasses on top, getting both clean in the same load.
44 Decibel Operation
It strikes a great balance between noise and price. At 44 dBA, it is quieter than the Emerald line and barely noticeable during daily activities.
Extra-Tall-Item Sprinkler
This handy accessory lets you remove the middle rack and attach a special spray head. This allows you to wash extremely tall items, like baking sheets or refrigerator shelves, that wouldn’t fit otherwise.
Hand Wash Cycle
This ultra-gentle cycle mimics hand washing. It is perfect for fine china or heirlooms that you would typically be afraid to put in a dishwasher.
What We Don't Like
Drying Performance
Without the Zeolite StarDry system found in the Sapphire models, plastics may come out slightly damp. You will likely need to use the Extra Dry setting for best results.
Dark Interior
This model does not feature the interior LED lighting found in higher-end units, making it a bit darker when loading at night.
Product Specs
| Noise Level | 44 decibels |
| Collection | Topaz |
| Wash Cycles | Six cycles |
| Drying Cycle | Extra dry |
| 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 Smart Top Control Dishwasher | Flexible | 44 db | Topaz | 6 | Extra dry | 16 place settings |
FAQs
In Conclusion
Thermador covers the luxury range, from the connected Emerald line up to the Star Sapphire with its 20-minute Star Speed cycle. If dry plastics are your top priority, pick a Sapphire or Star Sapphire model with StarDry and Zeolite. If a silent kitchen matters more, the 42 dBA models run close to inaudible, while the Topaz adds a water softener for hard-water homes. Match the collection to how you cook and entertain, and any of these five should serve you for a decade or more.
