A black dishwasher changes more than just the color of your kitchen appliance facade. It hides smudges, fingerprints, and water spots far better than stainless steel, and creates a cohesive, high-contrast look against lighter cabinetry or countertops. The challenge is finding a model that matches its dark exterior with reliable wash performance, quiet operation, and a robust interior that actually dries your dishes.
I’m Min — the co-founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. I’ve spent hundreds of hours analyzing spec sheets, cross-referencing user experiences, and breaking down the real-world trade-offs between noise ratings, drying systems, and interior capacity to find the black dishwasher that actually delivers on its promises.
After sorting through dozens of models and thousands of reviews, these are the five builds that stand out for their hybrid tubs, sanitization cycles, and flexible racking. Use this guide to find the best black dishwasher for your kitchen and your budget.
How To Choose The Best Black Dishwasher
Selecting a black dishwasher means weighing noise levels, interior materials, and rack flexibility against your daily dish load. These three factors determine whether your new appliance meets expectations day after day.
Noise Level and Decibel Ratings
Decibel (dBA) ratings directly affect how much you hear the dishwasher during a cycle. Models at 52 dBA are audible from a few feet away, while units at 42 dBA are barely perceptible, even in an open-plan living space. For households where the kitchen adjoins a living or dining area, a rating of 49 dBA or lower is strongly preferred.
Tub Material and Drying Performance
A stainless steel interior resists odors and stains while improving heat retention for better drying. Some models use a hybrid tub—stainless steel walls with a plastic floor—to reduce cost. If dried plasticware is a priority, look for a fan-assisted drying system or a heating element that activates during the final phase.
Rack Configuration and Capacity
Standard capacity hovers around 12 to 14 place settings, but the real differentiator is how the racks accommodate large pots, tall stemware, and odd-shaped utensils. An adjustable upper rack that moves up or down by two inches gives you room for a baking sheet on the lower rack. A dedicated third rack for silverware and cooking tools frees up space in the lower basket.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenmore Elite 22-14699 | Premium | Whisper-quiet operation | 42 dBA / 15 place settings / TurboDry fan | Amazon |
| Kenmore 22-14599 | Mid-Range | Sensor-based soil adjustment | 51 dBA / 14 place settings / SmartWash | Amazon |
| Equator 24-Inch Black | Mid-Range | ADA-compliant low height | 51 dBA / 14 place settings / 150°F sanitize | Amazon |
| Sharp SDW6506JS | Mid-Range | Ultra-quiet 49 dBA operation | 49 dBA / 12 place settings / third rack | Amazon |
| Sharp SDW6504MS | Budget-Friendly | Entry-level price with hybrid tub | 52 dBA / 12 place settings / half load option | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Kenmore Elite 22-14699 24″ Built-In Dishwasher
The Kenmore Elite 22-14699 is the quietest black dishwasher in this lineup at just 42 dBA, making it virtually inaudible during its cycle. Three pressurized spray arms work with UltraWash Plus to clean from every angle, and the Accela Wash option shortens the cycle when you need dishes fast. The interior holds 15 place settings, the highest capacity here, and the TurboFlex third rack adds 35 percent more loading space for utensils.
TurboDry is the standout feature for anyone tired of wet plasticware. A built-in fan pulls moisture out of the tub while the heating element boosts drying, leaving even plastic containers spot-free. The SmartWash sensor adjusts water temperature, pressure, and runtime based on soil levels, so you don’t waste resources on a light load. Hidden touch controls and a sleek bar handle keep the front panel clean and modern.
User reports confirm quiet operation and spotless results, though some note that replacement parts can be hard to source. The unit is manufactured by GE, which means service availability is broader than the Kenmore branding might suggest. For a premium black dishwasher that excels at drying and runs whisper-quiet, this is the top pick.
Why it’s great
- 42 dBA operation is barely audible
- TurboDry fan system dries plastics completely
- 15 place settings with flexible third rack
Good to know
- Replacement parts can be difficult to locate
- Some units have reported quality control issues
2. Kenmore 22-14599 24″ Built-In Dishwasher
The Kenmore 22-14599 brings SmartWash sensor technology to a mid-range price point, automatically adjusting water temperature, pressure, and cycle time based on soil detection. The 3-Stage UltraWash Filter traps particles as small as fine sand and flushes them away, preventing redeposit on dishes. At 51 dBA, it’s quiet enough for open-concept homes, though a bit more audible than the Elite model.
SmartDry Plus uses hot water to force condensation down the drain, improving drying results compared to basic heated dry systems. The Sani Rinse option is UL-certified and reaches sanitization temperatures for households that prioritize hygiene. The MoreSpace Adjustable Upper Rack can be raised, lowered, or removed entirely to accommodate tall pots or delicate stemware. The 14 place setting capacity is generous for a family kitchen.
Users praise its quiet operation and sparkling clean dishes, though some have reported cosmetic damage during shipping. The Express Cycle delivers a full clean in 50 minutes, which is practical for busy households. If you want sensor-driven wash intelligence without the premium price, this model delivers strong value.
Why it’s great
- SmartWash sensor optimizes each cycle automatically
- Express Cycle cleans a full load in 50 minutes
- Adjustable upper rack for tall or delicate items
Good to know
- Some units arrive with visible shipping damage
- SmartDry Plus is less effective than fan-assisted drying
3. Equator 24-Inch Built-In Dishwasher
The Equator 24-Inch Black dishwasher is designed for kitchens where standard 34-inch height models won’t fit. At just 32.3 inches tall, it is fully ADA compliant and works with universal-design countertops. The stainless steel tub resists stains and odors while improving heat retention, and the 150°F sanitize cycle eliminates household bacteria for a high level of hygiene.
With 8 wash programs including Auto Sensor, Pots & Pans, Delicate, and Fast 50, you can match the cycle to the load. Energy Star certification means the unit uses only 3.4 gallons per cycle, which helps keep utility costs down. The front touch controls deliver a sleek, modern look that complements the black finish. It holds up to 14 place settings, with an adjustable top rack and a wine glass rack for specialized items.
Reviewers appreciate the quiet 51 dBA operation and the low profile, but note that the plastic rear lateral brace is fragile and sometimes arrives broken. The rack design has also been criticized for tight spacing that doesn’t accommodate large dinner plates well. For ADA-height countertops or a compact installation, this is a viable option, but inspect the unit carefully upon delivery.
Why it’s great
- ADA-compliant 32.3-inch height fits low countertops
- 150°F sanitize cycle kills bacteria thoroughly
- 8 wash programs for versatile cleaning
Good to know
- Plastic rear brace is prone to shipping damage
- Rack spacing is tight for larger dinner plates
4. Sharp SDW6506JS 24-Inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher
The Sharp SDW6506JS operates at just 49 dBA, making it one of the quieter options in this roundup and a strong choice for open-plan living. It includes a dedicated third rack for silverware and cooking utensils, freeing up space in the lower basket for larger items. The hybrid tub combines stainless steel walls with a durable plastic floor to balance heat retention and cost.
The adjustable upper rack moves up or down by two inches, giving you flexibility to load taller items on the lower rack. The half load option saves water when you’re running a smaller set of dishes. Front-mounted touch controls include a child lock feature to prevent accidental cycle changes. The fingerprint-resistant finish keeps the black stainless look clean between wipes.
Many users report excellent quietness and cleaning performance for the price, but a few note that the machine is internally smaller than expected, with tines too close together for wide dinner plates. Some units have arrived defective, and customer service response has been inconsistent. If you prioritize low noise and a third rack, this Sharp model delivers, but check it thoroughly upon delivery.
Why it’s great
- 49 dBA operation is very quiet for an entry-level model
- Third rack adds space for utensils and cooking tools
- Adjustable upper rack improves loading flexibility
Good to know
- Internal capacity is smaller than some rivals
- Customer service response has been inconsistent
5. Sharp SDW6504MS Stainless Steel Dishwasher
The Sharp SDW6504MS is the entry-level option in this lineup, offering a hybrid tub and 12 place settings at a very accessible price point. It operates at 52 dBA, which is audible in a quiet room but reasonable for the price bracket. Library Quiet technology helps keep noise manageable, though it is not as hushed as the 49 dBA model from the same brand.
The upper rack adjusts by two inches to fit taller dishes, and fold-down tines give you flexibility for odd-shaped items. A half load option reduces water and energy usage for smaller loads. The sanitization cycle is available when you need extra hygiene, and the heated dry option helps with drying performance, though users report that dishes don’t always come out bone dry, especially plastic items. The stainless steel finish is fingerprint resistant, making maintenance easier.
Customers consistently highlight the quiet operation and easy installation for the price, but note that it doesn’t include a power cord, so you will need to reuse your old one or order separately. A few users report that the bottom spray arm can stop rotating if not properly assembled. For a budget-friendly black dishwasher that gets the basics right, this Sharp model is a functional choice.
Why it’s great
- Entry-level price with hybrid tub construction
- Adjustable upper rack accommodates taller items
- Fingerprint-resistant finish looks clean longer
Good to know
- Drying performance is not as strong as higher-tier models
- Power cord not included; must be sourced separately
FAQ
Will a black dishwasher show fingerprints more than stainless steel?
What noise level is considered quiet for a dishwasher?
Can I install a black dishwasher without professional help?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best black dishwasher winner is the Kenmore Elite 22-14699 because it combines the lowest noise rating in this group with TurboDry fan assistance and 15 place settings. If you want sensor-driven wash intelligence at a more accessible price, grab the Kenmore 22-14599. And for a low-profile installation where standard height won’t fit, nothing beats the Equator 24-Inch Black and its ADA-compliant 32.3-inch height.