Dishwashers: models that carry the load.(Product/service evaluation)

High-priced dishwashers offer stylish features such as stainless steel exteriors, hidden controls, and digital displays. But to get clean dishes, you don't have to spend big. First-rate wash performance starts at less than $500.

The widespread use of soil sensors, which tailor water use and cycle times to the wash load, is one way manufacturers are enhancing cleaning. Sensors were once limited to pricey machines, but they're now on most of the models we tested, even ones that cost as little as $400.

Midpriced machines have closed the gap with expensive models when it comes to reducing noise. We found models below $600 that ran very quietly, while some ...