Tired of cloudy glasses, spotty dishes, or battling hard water stains? A dishwasher with a built-in water softener can solve these problems for good—no more hand polishing or constant rinsing. If you’re ready for sparkling dishes every time, this detailed review will help you find the best dishwasher with a water softener for your kitchen, lifestyle, and budget.
Why Choose a Dishwasher with Water Softener?
Hard water is a common problem in many homes, causing mineral buildup, streaks, and dull residue on dishes and inside appliances. Regular dishwashers struggle to remove these minerals, leading to extra work and shorter appliance life. Dishwashers with built-in softeners use special salt to neutralize calcium and magnesium, protecting your machine and leaving dishes crystal clear—no matter how hard your water is.
Quick Picks: Top Dishwashers with Built-In Water Softeners (All $1,000+)
- Bosch 800 Series SHXM78Z55N (Best Overall) – Ultra-quiet, top rack adjustable, exceptional softening, and luxury features.
- Bosch Benchmark Series SHE89PW75N (Best Premium) – Best for large households and luxury kitchens, top-tier cleaning and softener.
- Miele G7106SCUSS (Best for Compact Spaces) – German-engineered with water softener, compact yet powerful.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Dishwasher with a Water Softener
- Built-In Water Softener: Look for a dedicated salt reservoir or “softener” feature—Bosch and Miele are industry leaders.
- Hard Water Rating: Check the maximum grains per gallon (gpg) the dishwasher can handle for your area’s water hardness.
- Noise Level: Choose models under 44 dB for ultra-quiet operation—essential for open-plan homes.
- Adjustable Racks & Capacity: Flexible racks, fold-down tines, and 3rd racks make loading easier for big families or odd-shaped items.
- Wash Cycles & Drying: High-temp and sanitize cycles help with tough messes, while auto-open or fan-assisted drying boosts results.
- Energy Efficiency: ENERGY STAR models save on bills and are gentler on the environment.
Full Product Reviews: Best Dishwashers with Water Softener (2024)
Bosch 800 Series SHXM78Z55N
- Who it’s for: Homeowners who want sparkling results, maximum quiet, and reliability in hard water areas.
- Key Benefits:
- Ultra-quiet at just 42 dB—great for open kitchens
- Powerful built-in water softener handles even the hardest water
- RackMatic adjustable racks and 3rd rack for flexibility
- PrecisionWash sensors and 6 wash cycles
- Stainless steel tub for durability
- Pros:
- Consistently spotless dishes, glassware, and silverware
- Easy-to-use controls
- ENERGY STAR rated for efficiency
- Cons:
- Salt and rinse aid refills needed (minor maintenance)
- Premium price point
- Final Verdict: The best all-around choice for most families—quiet, powerful, and worth every penny. Check price
Bosch Benchmark Series SHE89PW75N
- Who it’s for: Luxury kitchens, entertainers, and larger families who want top-tier cleaning and features.
- Key Benefits:
- Extremely quiet at 38 dB—the quietest in the lineup
- Integrated water softener for spotless dishes in any water condition
- 14 place settings and MyWay 3rd rack for more capacity
- CrystalDry for perfect drying every time
- Wi-Fi connectivity and Home Connect app controls
- Pros:
- Superb cleaning even for the dirtiest pots and pans
- Luxurious finish and controls
- Flexible loading for big households
- Cons:
- Highest price tag in the group
- Installation may require a pro for best fit
- Final Verdict: If you want the quietest, most advanced dishwasher, this is it. See Benchmark here
Miele G7106SCUSS
- Who it’s for: Compact kitchens, apartments, or anyone seeking premium German quality with a softener included.
- Key Benefits:
- Proven Miele water softener system protects your glassware
- AutoSensor adjusts water and cycle to load
- QuickIntenseWash cleans fast and thoroughly
- AutoOpen drying for dry, spotless results
- Quiet (44 dB), ENERGY STAR efficient
- Pros:
- Gentle on delicate dishes and glasses
- Long-lasting, high-end build
- Fits smaller spaces without sacrificing features
- Cons:
- Pricey for a compact model
- Specialty salt may not be in every supermarket
- Final Verdict: Ideal for those who want best-in-class cleaning in a smaller package. See Miele here
Comparison Table: Best Dishwashers with Water Softener
| Name | Water Softener | Noise (dB) | Rack System | Capacity | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 800 Series SHXM78Z55N | Yes | 42 dB | RackMatic + 3rd rack | 16 place settings | View on Amazon |
| Bosch Benchmark SHE89PW75N | Yes | 38 dB | MyWay 3rd rack | 14 place settings | View on Amazon |
| Miele G7106SCUSS | Yes | 44 dB | AutoOpen 3rd rack | 10 place settings | View on Amazon |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to add salt to a dishwasher with a water softener?
Yes, you’ll need to use dishwasher salt. The built-in softener regenerates using this salt, keeping mineral buildup out of your machine and off your dishes.
Are these dishwashers hard to install?
They install like any standard dishwasher. Just fill the softener compartment with salt as directed. For a seamless fit, consider professional installation, especially for panel-ready or flush designs.
Will a softener-equipped dishwasher work in extremely hard water areas?
Absolutely. Bosch and Miele are designed for very hard water, and you can adjust the softener for your specific hardness level.
Does the salt affect the taste of dishes or leave residue?
No—the salt never contacts your dishes. It only regenerates the internal resin beads in the softener compartment. Rinse aid and salt used together provide the best results.
How often do I need to refill the salt?
For most households, refilling every 1–3 months is normal, but it depends on usage and water hardness.
Conclusion: Invest in a Dishwasher with Water Softener for Effortless Shine
If you’re tired of fighting hard water stains, a dishwasher with a built-in water softener is a smart, long-lasting upgrade. You’ll get sparkling dishes, protect your investment, and make daily cleanup easy. Choose from Bosch or Miele for the very best results—these machines are worth every dollar for homeowners who want flawless dishes and hassle-free maintenance.
Ready to end hard water headaches? Pick the model that fits your space and budget, and enjoy perfect results load after load!