How to Find the Quietest Dishwasher
What Is A Decibel?
A decibel (dB) is a logarithmic unit that is used to describe levels of sound.
Often decibels are measured as dBA units, which filter out higher and lower frequencies to be more representative of the way humans can hear.
Using dBA units, sound monitors can accurately reflect what noise frequencies the human ear will be sensitive to.
Most dishwashers range from about 46 to 60 decibels. On the surface, this decibel level may not sound like much, but in reality, this is loud enough to interrupt a normal conversation.
How Many Decibels Is A Quiet Dishwasher?
As you can see, even just one decibel can make a difference. It is important to pay attention to the decibel rating of your dishwasher, because if your model has a dB high of 60, you’ll likely end up competing with the dishwasher to hear your dinner conversations.
A lower dB range—around 38 or 40 dB is considered a silent model—can mean that the dishwasher can run anytime of day or even night without disrupting normal household activities. Many newer model dishwashers, including portable and 18 inch models, even feature an indicator light to alert you that they are washing, because they can be so quiet that you may not even realize that they are running at all.
