What Are Those Dishwasher Decibel Ratings All About?
There is nothing worse than being in the kitchen and you’re trying to have a conversation with someone and you can’t hear a word the person is saying because your dishwasher is way too loud. When it comes time for you to buy a new dishwasher make sure you take a closer look at the decibel rating before you make your purchase.
According to HowStuffWorks.com, the decibel (abbreviated dB) is the unit used to measure the intensity of a sound. Your ears are very sensitive and can hear everything from your fingertip brushing lightly over your skin to a loud jet engine.
Here are some common sounds and their decibel rating so you have something to compare to when we look at a decibel rating of a dishwasher.
10 dB Normal Breathing- 20 dB Watch Ticking
- 50 dB Refrigerator
- 60 dB Normal Conversation
- 70 dB Vacuum Cleaner
- 80 dB Telephone Dial Tone
- 85 dB Lawnmower
- 90 dB Train Whistle
- 100 dB Garbage Truck
- 110 dB Car Horn
- 115 dB Loud Rock Concert
- 130 dB Shotgun Blast
- 140 dB Jet Engine
So how does this translate to a dishwasher? One of the most-requested features by a consumer is a quiet dishwasher. Today, most dishwashers range from about 40 to 60 decibels.
Let’s take a look at a few dishwasher models available today, at different price points; make sure you click on the links to review the features and specifications.
| Brand | Model # | Price Point | dB Rating |
| Bosch | SHS63VL6UC | $1299 | 44 dB |
| Samsung | DW80J755OUG | $1399 | 44 dB |
| Electrolux | EW24ID80QS | $1499 | 45 dB |
| GE | PDF820SSJSS | $1449 | 45 dB |
| Whirlpool | WDT920SADM | $1099 | 46 dB |
| Frigidaire Professional | FPID2497RF | $1199 | 47 dB |
| Maytag | MDB8969SDM | $1149 | 47 dB |
There are few things that contribute to lowering the decibel rating of a dishwasher; the quality of the insulation materials used in the sides and front of the machines and the sound-deadening blanket that is used on the outside of the machine. Here is the most important tip, when you’re unpacking the dishwasher do not throw out this blanket even though it looks like a part of the packaging.
Check out the entire line-up of dishwashers from each manufacturer; Bosch, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, Samsung, GE, Maytag, Electrolux, and KitchenAid .
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Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert
