Whether you’re struggling with clogs, lime deposits, or the need for more elbow grease, we have the five best dishwashers for hard water that are sure to make your life much easier.
We tried to avoid models that were notoriously difficult to use or maintained consistently bad reviews. Take a look at our top picks for the best dishwasher for hard water!
If you are in a hurry here is the list of the top 5 best dishwashers for hard water:
| Image | Brand | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 Top | Frigidaire | Check Price |
 Top | SPT | Check Price |
 Top | BLACK+DECKER | Check Price |
 Top | Danby | Check Price |
 Top | EdgeStar | Check Price |
What is hard water?
Hard water is a common problem for many homeowners. For those with hard water, the silica and magnesium in the water build up by binding to different elements and scales on surfaces throughout the home.
To ensure you don’t have hard water issues at your house, we’ve found five of the best dishwashers to use with hard water.
Which Dishwasher Can Handle Hard Water Best?
If you have a dishwasher that does not have a water softener, then you will need to purchase a water conditioner for your dishwasher. A water conditioner can help remove the mineral content from hard water and maintain the pH balance in the dishwasher.
It is important to use a high-quality, concentrated product because they are specifically designed for this use. If you’re unsure about what type of product to buy, then read below we discuss the top 5 best dishwashers for hard water.
The Top 5 Best Dishwasher For Hard Water
Are you tired of the hard water stains on your dishes? When it comes to finding a dishwasher, there are several steps to take in order to find the right one. The first step is to look at what type of detergent you will use.
If you are using tablets, then the best dishwasher for hard water would be a standard or high-efficiency machine with a stainless steel interior. let’s review the best dishwasher for hard water one by one.
1. Frigidaire FFCD2413US 24″ Built-in Dishwasher – Best For Hard Water
Frigidaire FFCD2413US dishwasher is an Energy Star-certified appliance with 3 wash cycles, 14 place settings, and stainless steel finish.
The dishwasher provides users with the convenience of a kitchen appliance that cleans dishes without the need for scrubbing or pre-rinsing. With internal spray arm technology, the dishwasher produces more even cleaning results than many other models.
Frigidaire FFCD2413US 24″ Built-in Dishwasher with 3 Wash Cycles, 14 Place Settings. The dishwasher also comes with an energy star rating. Frigidaire is an excellent brand for home appliances, so buy the best quality with the help of this article.
This dishwasher has a sleek and modern look and is made of stainless steel and black. It features a fully integrated wash system that includes a built-in drying rack for your dishes after they are cleaned.
It also features delayed start, timed wash cycles, cycle status indicators, an adjustable rinse aid dispenser, a dust drawer, and a splash guard filter.
The dishwasher has a silver stainless body with a black hardwood interior and clear glass accents on the door handles and the front of the dishwasher. It also features adjustable wash arms that will give you control of your dishwashing needs.
Frigidaire FFCD2413US 24″ Built-in Dishwasher is an amazing dishwasher. I have never had any problems with it and it always does a great job. The only thing I don’t like about it is that the bottom rack is a little too small for some of my bigger pots and pans. But other than that, I absolutely love it!
Features of Frigidaire FFCD2413US dishwasher
- Loading capacity: 14 place settings
- No of cycles: 3
- No of racks: 2
- Exterior: Stainless steel
- Control type: Full panel
- Energy rating: Energy Star
What we like
- The Frigidaire FFCD2413US 24 Built-in Dishwasher has a large capacity, allowing you to clean more dishes in one cycle.
- It has multiple wash cycle options, including a heavy-duty cycle and a quick wash option for when you need your dishes cleaned fast.
- The dishwasher is Energy Star certified, meaning it uses less water and energy than other models, making it an eco-friendly option.
- Its stainless steel interior is durable and easy to clean, preventing rust or staining over time.
- The dishwasher has a delay start feature that allows you to set the cleaning cycle for later in the day or overnight.
What we don’t like
- Some users have reported issues with the dishwasher not drying their dishes fully after the cleaning cycle is complete.
- The dishwasher can be noisy during operation.
- It does not come with a food disposal system.
- Installation can be tricky if you haven’t installed a dishwasher before and may require professional assistance.
Read Also: Best Dishwasher Under $700
2. SD-9263W: 18″ Energy Star Portable Dishwasher for Hard Water
The SD-9263W Energy Star Portable Dishwasher is a top-of-the-line 18″ dishwasher with a space-saving design. This dishwasher is great for dorms, apartments, and small households.
It has a capacity of 8 place settings and features a variety of cycle options to choose from. With a one-year warranty, this dishwasher is sure to last at least 5 years!
A stylish and modern portable 18″ inch energy star dishwasher that will have your dishes looking their best. This dishwasher is the perfect choice for keeping your dishes clean and ready to serve.
It has a stylish white exterior with two racks which are also adjustable for up to four place settings. Featuring a full panel control, this dishwasher has an energy rating of 37 kWh per cycle.
It has a top wash feature that is activated by the touch of a button. It has six cycles that are suitable for washing 8 place settings of dishes, glasses, cups, pans, pots, and bowls.
This dishwasher is amazing! I have hard water and this dishwasher does an amazing job at getting my dishes clean. It’s also very energy efficient which is great. I highly recommend this dishwasher to anyone!
Features of SD-92663W Energy Star Dishwasher
- Loading capacity: 8 place settings
- No of cycles: 6
- No of racks: 2
- Exterior finish: white
- Sound rating: 52 dBA
- Control type: full panel
- Energy rating: Energy Star
What we like
- The SD-9263W has an Energy Star certification, meaning it is energy-efficient and can lower your utility bills.
- It is a portable dishwasher, which means you can easily move it around your kitchen or take it with you if you move to a new home.
- This dishwasher is designed to handle hard water, which can be beneficial if you live in an area with high mineral content in the water supply.
- It comes with six wash cycles and a delay start feature, allowing for more flexibility in when and how you clean your dishes.
- The SD-9263W has a capacity of eight place settings, making it suitable for small to medium-sized households.
What we don’t like
- The dishwasher is noisy during operation.
- Customers may still need to use additional cleaning agents to remove tough stains or buildup on dishware.
- It does not have a built-in heating element for drying dishes.
- The unit’s hose connection can be difficult to attach and detach from faucets depending on its size or compatibility with
Read Also: How to Clean Hard Water Buildup in Dishwasher
3. BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher for Hard Water
The BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher is great for any small household, 6 place settings are included to accommodate all your dishwashing needs.
With a compact footprint that takes up just 21 inches in space, the appliance offers enough room for stacking dishes, pots, or pans.
The compact countertop dishwasher has plenty of wiggle room so you can be sure your dishes will get clean. Food particles won’t build up inside the door, so you will never have to scrape or scrub to get them out.
The slow wash option also makes it super quiet so you can get just what you need to be done without disturbing the rest of the household.
It has 6 place settings so you don’t have to worry about running out of dishes. When you just need to wash some small items that don’t get the full treatment (e.g., cups, utensils, flatware), there’s a quick wash setting that’s perfect for spot-cleaning under the cabinets or in the sink.
I have had this dishwasher for about a year and a half and it has been amazing. I have hard water and was worried that it would ruin the dishwasher, but it has held up really well. I love how compact it is and how quickly it cleans the dishes. It is also very quiet, which is great because I live in an apartment. Overall, I am really happy with this dishwasher and would recommend it to anyone!
Features of Decker BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher
- No of racks: 1
- No of cycles: 8
- Sound rating: 60 dBA
- Loading capacity: 6 place settings
- Exterior finish: PrintShield™ stainless steel
- Control type: LED display with a control panel
What we like
- Compact size
- Easy to use
- Energy-efficient
- Versatile:
- Affordable
What we don’t like
- Limited capacity
- Longer cycle times
- Noisy operation:
Read Also: How To Clean Hard Water From Your Dishwasher?
4. Danby 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher for Hard Water
The Danby 18-inch Built-in Dishwasher is the perfect kitchen appliance for those seeking an energy-efficient dishwasher with advanced features.
It boasts a 6-place setting capacity, 4 temperature options, and 8 wash cycles to care for your dishes in all types of environments. This model also has one of the quietest operation levels on the market to not disturb you while you cook or relax after a long day.
This compact dishwasher is perfect for space-conscious households. It features a compact design and is ideal for spaces with limited counter space. The built-in compartment and silverware basket provides plenty of room for dishes to be folded, loaded, and unloaded.
A fully automatic cycle provides exceptional cleaning capabilities without the hassle of waiting for the dishwasher to complete a cycle.
Featuring an energy star rating, this dishwasher is built to save you money on your electric bill. A simple slide control offers easy access to select options for dishwashing with a touch of a button.
This dishwasher has an 18-inch deep stainless steel inner tub. It features six wash cycles to accommodate most dishes. The delay start feature allows you to schedule the dishwasher to start at your desired time.
The 4 hot water temperature options + Sanitize option (up to 69C/156F) maximize the cleaning power of the dishwasher. The stainless steel inner tub is exceptionally durable providing it with maximum durability.
I really enjoy this dishwasher. I have had it for about 6 months. It does a really good job of getting my dishes clean, even with hard water. I like that it has a lot of features and is very user-friendly. I highly recommend this dishwasher to anyone looking for a good built-in option.
Features of Danby 18 Inch Built-In Dishwasher
- No of cycles: 6+ 4
- No of racks: 2
- Energy rating: Energy Star
- Loading capacity: 8 place settings
- Sound rating: 52 dBA
- Control type: Full panel with an LED screen
- Exterior finish: Anti-fingerprint stainless steel
What we like
- Space-efficient design
- Six wash cycles
- Energy Star rated
- Durable construction
- Quiet operation
What we don’t like
- Smaller capacity
- Limited color options
- No adjustable racks
You May Also Like>Best Dishwasher Under $300
5. EdgeStar BIDW1802SS 18 Inch Wide 8 Place Setting Energy Star Rated Built-In Dishwasher for Hard Water
The EdgeStar BIDW1802SS 18-inch wide 8 places setting energy star rated built-in dishwasher is a new product on the market.
The dishwasher has an 18 inches wide door and uses 6.0 gallons per cycle, saving you time and water usage. The dishwasher has stainless steel interior to prevent the transfer of odors, which is not only good for your dishes but also for your household members’ health.
With this versatile dishwasher at your disposal, you no longer have to worry about taking up precious space in your kitchen. With its spacious interior, this unit can fit in your smallest cabinets while still being able to accommodate up to eight place settings.
A wide oval door complements the 8 place settings by maximizing the number of dishes that can be accommodated at one time. The streamlined design of this unit helps to keep the kitchen looking neat and tidy while giving you a clutter-free environment where nothing is out of sight.
The place settings allow for easy loading, which means you can spend less time trying to figure out how much dish soap you need before getting started. In addition, the interior is designed with a tall interior design, meaning less bending over while loading and unloading will be required.
Overall, this dishwasher is great for any home that is looking for a way to increase storage space without compromising on functionality.
This dishwasher is fantastic! I have hard water and was so tired of having to constantly clean my dishes by hand. This dishwasher has definitely made my life easier. It’s super easy to use and the dishes come out sparkling clean, every time. I would definitely recommend this dishwasher to anyone, especially if you have hard water!
Features of EdgeStar BIDW1802SS 18 Inch Wide Dishwasher
- Loading capacity: 8 place settings
- No of Wash Cycles: 6
- No of Options: 3 (Sanitize, Hi-Temp, Heated Dry)
- The leakage sensor automatically shuts off if water leaks.
- Quiet 52dB
What we like
- It can be integrated seamlessly into your kitchen cabinetry.
- It has an 8 place setting capacity.
- It’s Energy Star rated.
- This dishwasher is specifically designed for hard water conditions.
- It comes with a variety of wash cycle options including heavy, normal, eco-friendly, and rinse-only cycles.
What we don’t like
- The noise level generated during operation can reach up to 52 decibels.
- There may still be some residual buildup that requires periodic cleaning and maintenance.
- Some users have reported issues.
Read Also: How to Get Hard Water Stains off Dishes in Dishwasher?
Best Buying and Beginners Guide About Best Dishwashers for Hard Water
The best dishwashers on the market are not always easy to find, especially when it comes to hard water. Most of the time, many consumers do not know that their home’s water has a high calcium content, which can be left behind on dishes and surfaces during washing. This leaves water spots and mineral deposits that are difficult to remove without scrubbing.
Read Also: Best Dishwasher Under 400
Things You Need To Consider While Buying Best Dishwashers for Hard Water
Dishwashers are a great way to save time in the kitchen, but if you have hard water in your home you may want to consider a dishwasher specifically designed for hard water.
People who live in areas with hard water know that their laundry and dishes can look spotty and seem dirty. You don’t want this happening when you do your dishes!
Before choosing the dishwasher for hard water you need to consider a few things we discuss below.
Cycles And Options
Dishwasher cycles can vary depending on the dishwasher and the type of water. For example, if your home has hard water, you might need a high-energy cycle to properly rinse off the soap and food residue. There are also options for how many times a day to run the cycle: every day, once a week, once a month, etc.
Materials
Dishwashers are a great way to free up time in the kitchen. They allow you to wash dishes at a faster rate, using less water, with little to no need for hand-washing. However, if your area has hard water, this might not be ideal. Hard water can leave residue on dishes, giving them an unpleasant taste and odor. There are some materials that are better suited for hard water areas than others.
Read Also: How To Remove Hard Water Stains From Glasses In Dishwasher
Rinse Aid
Many people live in or near hard water areas where the soap scum residue left on dishes is more difficult to remove. Rinse aid can be an excellent way to make this detergent-resistant buildup disappear. There are many brands of rinse aid, some designed for dishwashers with hard water and others specifically for dishwashers that are not exposed to hard water on a regular basis.
Filtration
Hard water build-up is a common problem that can not only cause nasty odors but also affect the performance of your dishwasher. Filters are one way to prevent hard water buildup in your dishwasher. There are 2 types of filters available on the market today: The first type is called a pre-rinse filter which you place under the faucet before filling it with detergent and dishes. This helps to reduce hard water buildup by removing mineral deposits like calcium and magnesium.
Hardness of your water
You may not have noticed it, but the hardness of your water can have a big impact on your dishwasher. The hardness of your water dictates the quality of the soap that is used by the dishwasher, which is what ultimately determines how well your dishes are cleaned.
Size of your dishes
Dishwashers are essential for reducing time spent doing dishes, but they can’t clean all the dishes in one go. For this reason, dishwashers need to be sized appropriately so that the size of your dishes does not go over the dishwasher’s capacity. After you have sized your dishwasher, you will need to compare the size of your dishes with the clearance size for each item.
Budget
If you’re looking to purchase a dishwasher, but are hesitant about the cost of the model you want because of hard water, don’t be! There are high-end dishwashers that are made for dealing with this issue. With these machines, the filters are designed so they can handle hard water without any problems.
Inclusion of a dishwasher dry cycle
Many homes are built with water softener systems, which is even more of a necessity for those who drink bottled water or live in communities that are served with hard water. A dishwasher dry cycle would be the best way to keep dishes sparkling clean after washing, but without the use of harsh chemicals on the dishes. This would also save on energy costs by not having to run the dishwasher for an additional 30 minutes on hot water only.
FAQs
Do dishwashers work with hard water?
Yes, it works with hard water. It is a common misconception that dishwashers only work with soft water. When it comes to dishwashers and hard water, there are three different ways to address the problem: installing a water-softening system, purchasing a dishwasher with a built-in hardness sensor, or adding some sort of post-dishwasher rinse agent.
What can I use in my dishwasher for hard water?
You can use salt, baking soda, or vinegar to remove hard water stains.
How long does a dishwasher last with hard water?
Dishwashers with hard water can last up to five years, and that is good, 5 years a long period, so we can change the brand or even better dishwasher after 5 years.
Is Cascade Platinum good for hard water dishwashers?
Yes, Cascade Platinum is a good product for hard water. It can remove minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron that are commonly found in hard water. The product has an active ingredient called zeolite that works to remove these minerals.
Are Cascade Pods bad for your dishwasher?
No, Cascade Pods are a convenient way to clean dishes without the use of detergent. However, they are not necessary and can be expensive. If you do not want to use them then there is no harm in them.
Conclusion:
After months of research and hours of testing, we finally narrowed down the best dishwashers for hard water to five choices. These options are listed above with a brief summary of why they made our list.
You might be wondering why we didn’t include the top-selling dishwasher brands, like KitchenAid, Maytag, and Whirlpool, on our list. The reason we chose this method is that it is a one-time investment and doesn’t require maintenance, and these dishwashers are best for hard water.
