If I had a dollar every time I accidentally broke a wine glass while washing by hand, I’d have enough to buy a new set. If you’re like me and hand-washing just won’t do, the smart solution is to invest in a good-quality dishwasher that’ll do the job for you.
To help you find the best dishwasher for wine glasses, I’ve reviewed some of the most popular and highly rated dishwashers on the market. I’ve also included a buyer’s guide to help you make the optimal choice. Let’s dive right in!
Top 6 Dishwashers For Wine Glasses and More
Among the hundreds of dishwashers I’ve looked at, only six made it to this list. As follows are some of the best dishwashers worth your attention:
Black & Decker Compact Countertop Dishwasher – Best Overall
Specifications
- Size: 19.6 x 21.7 x 17 inches (L x W x H)
- Weight: 46.2 pounds
- Noise level: 60 dB
- Dishwasher type: Countertop
- Place settings: 6
- Energy Star/CEE certification: Yes
The Black & Decker Countertop Dishwasher is designed to impress in both appearance and function.
This machine comes with seven different wash cycles, including Normal, Intensive, Eco, Glass, 90 minutes, Rapid, and Soak. For wine glasses, Normal and Glass is the best cycle option.
Thanks to its intuitive and easy-to-navigate touch feature, users can easily control the dishwasher’s function with just a push of a button. If you’re not ready to wash your wine glasses just yet, you can delay the process for up to 24 hours. Every option you choose is shown through the machine’s LED display.
One of the best features of the Black & Decker Dishwasher is its child lock safety option that prevents children from interfering with the machine’s process. This is particularly helpful for families with young boys and girls who tend to let curiosity get the best of them.
Installation is as straightforward and simple as can be. When it’s time to use, simply connect and secure the assembly to your kitchen faucet. That’s it! No need to worry about permanent installation or direct plumbing.
Despite its compact size, the Black & Decker Dishwasher has a decent capacity of six place settings and accommodates dinner plates and wine glasses of up to 10 inches.
For your convenience, this machine features an easy-to-grip handle. The dish rack and removal utensil basket slide out smoothly for quick and easy loading and unloading.
Pros
- Cutlery basket for washing your utensils
- Smudge-proof stainless steel
- Elegant design
- Easy to install and connect
Cons
- Food trap needs to be emptied frequently
- Doesn’t dry dishes
Bosch 300 Series Built-In Full Console Dishwasher – Runner Up
Specifications
- Size: 23.75 x 23.56 x 33.88 inches
- Weight: 94 pounds
- Noise level: 44 dB
- Dishwasher type: Built-in
- Place settings: 16
- Energy Star/CEE certification: Yes
Author Note: Across all major retailers, the Bosch 300 Dishwasher is one of the most highest-rated options. Bosch is widely known for its high-quality and innovative home appliances, and the Bosch 300 isn’t any different.
The Bosch 300 comes with five wash cycles and four options, including an ExtraDry option and a sanitize option. It also has a full stainless steel interior and an extremely quiet operation of 44 dB.
To thoroughly and effectively clean your dishes in the shortest time possible, the auto wash function has a built-in soil sensor. Similarly, PrecisionWash allows the machine to target every item so no dirt is left unwashed.
It’s important to note that the Bosch 300 is a built-in dishwasher, which means that it has to be integrated into a plumbing system. Even so, installation is fairly straightforward and doesn’t require a professional.
With up to 16 place settings, the Bosch 300 can handle an entire load of dishes at once. Bosch’s popular RackMatic system is likewise featured in the 300, allowing you to adjust the racks in three height levels in nine possible positions.
Pros
- AquaStop system prevents leaks
- Energy Star Certified
- Stainless steel interior tub
- Sizable rack space
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Exterior isn’t smudge-proof
- Lengthy wash cycle
HomeLabs Digital Countertop Dishwasher
Specifications
- Size: 24.6 x 23.7 x 21.3 inches
- Weight: 42.5 pounds
- Noise level: 50.44 dB
- Dishwasher type: Countertop
- Place settings: 6
- Energy Star/CEE certification: Yes
The HomeLabs Digital Countertop Dishwasher is luxury at its finest with its modern minimalist design. But this countertop dishwasher isn’t just a pretty face. With seven wash cycles, six place settings, and user-friendly navigation, the HomeLabs Dishwasher has everything you need and more.
To help you with organization and plate placement, the HomeLabs Dishwasher comes with a pull-out dish rack, removable cutlery basket, and a cup shelf. It can hold dishes and glassware of up to 10 inches in diameter, which is great since the average wine glass is 6-10 inches tall.
Another feature worth mentioning is the HomeLab’s built-in rinse aid dispenser. According to the manufacturers, this dispenser holds a special liquid that’s released during the dishwasher’s final stage. This, therefore, shortens the drying cycle and ensures streak-free cleaning. When the dispenser needs refilling, the LED rinse aid indicator will light up.
Like most dishwashers on this list, the HomeLab Dishwasher is Energy Certified to make sure you receive the best performance possible using minimal energy. With the help of the channel hose, gulf, and spigot connector, the HomeLab ensures thorough cleaning every time.
Pros
- Attractive design
- User-friendly interface
- Rinse aid dispenser prevents unwanted streaks
- Organizers included
- Relatively quiet operation
- Delay button
Cons
- Doesn’t dry dishes
- Doesn’t clean plastic as well as glass
Danby Countertop Dishwasher
Specifications
- Size: 19.69 x 21.65 x 17.24 inches
- Weight: 46.3 pounds
- Noise level: 52 dB
- Dishwasher type: Countertop
- Place settings: 6
- Energy Star/CEE certification: Yes
The Danby Dishwasher’s full white exterior and stainless steel interior allow it to blend perfectly with any kitchen setting.
This dishwasher comes with six convenient wash cycles, including Normal, Intensive, Eco, Rapid, Glass, and Soak, all of which can be monitored through its LED display. It also has a delay start feature that automatically schedules your washing by two, four, six, or eight hours.
When you look inside the machine, you’ll find a relatively roomy interior with a removable silverware basket, as well as cup shelving and additional glassware space.
It has an above-average cleaning performance, on par with higher-priced built-in dishwashers. Its light wash setting is ideal for wine glasses and fragile dishes, thoroughly cleaning them to prevent wine stains and unwanted streaks.
Moreover, the dishwasher’s integrated heating element sanitizes the dishes quite well, removing any known bacteria from your glassware.
Thanks to its intuitive output and input placement, the Danby is easy to connect and is compatible with most kitchen faucets.
Pros
- Delay start function
- Simple no-frills design and interface
- Auto detergent and rinse agent dispenser
- Built-in heater
Cons
- Doesn’t have a timer
- Most cycles take up to two hours
EdgeStar Built-In Dishwasher
Specifications
- Size: 22.44 x 17.75 x 32.5 inches
- Weight: 52.9 pounds
- Noise level: 52 dB
- Dishwasher type: Built-in
- Place settings: 8
- Energy Star/CEE certification: Yes
The EdgeStar Built-In Dishwasher costs half the price of premium brands without compromising quality. It comes in two color options, stainless steel and white, and accommodates up to eight place settings. It also features a cup tray and a silverware basket for optimal organization.
This dishwasher has six wash cycles, including Normal, Heavy, Eco, Glass, Rapid, and Rinse. Additionally, it has three cleaning options: Hi-Temp, Heated Dry, and Sanitize.
In the event of a leakage, the EdgeStar’s leakage sensor automatically shuts off water flow to prevent water damage and unnecessary clean-up.
The wash cycle is divided into four segments, which include pre-wash, main-wash, rinse, and dry. Light indications show you which step the unit is currently in. This, along with the timer, keeps you from guessing when the dishwasher will stop cleaning.
Compared to most built-in dishwashers, the EdgeStar is fairly slim and compact, measuring only 17.75 inches wide. Plus, it has adjustable legs for height.
Pros
- Slim and compact
- Stylish and sleek design
- Leak protection technology
- Heated wash and dry cycles
Cons
- No auto-off feature
- Relatively difficult to install
Farberware Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher
Specifications
- Size: 17.3 x 16.5 x 17.3 inches
- Weight: 44.8 pounds
- Noise level: 54 dB
- Dishwasher type: Portable, countertop
- Place settings: 5
- Energy Star/CEE certification: Yes
The Farberware Countertop Dishwasher is small but powerful. Although it isn’t as large as some of the other countertop dishwashers on this list, it cleans just like a full-sized dishwasher with its five wash programs. Among these programs are the Baby Care and Glass option, both of which are ideal for wine glass cleaning.
Author Note: Unlike most countertop dishwashers, the Farberware doesn’t need to be hooked up to your kitchen faucet or plumbing, but the option is there in case you need it. Instead, it has a built-in tank you can fill before every wash.
To make sure your wine glasses are spick and span, the Farberware has a Steam feature that sanitizes your glassware and leaves them sparkling and streak-free. It also has an automatic air circulation that helps dry the dishes inside the machine.
The Farberware Dishwasher has five place settings and accommodates tall stemware that measures up to 11 inches in height. This is enough to wash two wine glasses at a time. The see-through window is a nice touch, allowing you to see what’s going on inside the dishwasher.
Pros
- Compact, portable, and lightweight
- Operates without a hookup
- One-touch digital control
Cons
- Very small, not suitable for large families
Factors to Consider When Buying a Dishwasher for Wine Glasses
Dishwashers aren’t cheap, so it’s always best to note what to look for when buying one for your home. Here are some factors and features to consider when buying a dishwasher for wine glasses:
Dishwasher Type
Currently, there are three types of dishwashers on the market: built-in, countertop, and portable.
Built-in countertop dishwashers, as the name suggests, are integrated directly into your kitchen countertop and connected to your home’s plumbing. Standard models are fairly large, but some models come in compact or slim varieties to fit tiny kitchens or bar areas.
Countertop dishwashers, also known as semi-integrated dishwashers, connect right into your kitchen faucet. Since they’re considerably smaller than full-size dishwashers, they use less water.
Like portable dishwashers, countertop dishwashers are best suited for kitchens with limited space and wine glass cleaning purposes.
Portable dishwashers are available in both 18- and 24-inch variations. Since they don’t need separate plumbing to operate, they’re ideal for small apartments and RVs.
Although they’re usually placed on kitchen countertops, some models have wheels under them so you can move them wherever and whenever you like.
Wash Cycles
A dishwasher’s wash cycle determines how it’ll clean your dishes.
As you may have guessed, not all dishes are cleaned the same way. Wine glasses are more fragile than regular drinkware and therefore require more care.
Standard dishwashers usually have three wash cycles: light, normal, and heavy. The heavier the cycle, the more thorough the wash. Advanced models have other cleaning options, including quick wash, sanitizing rinse, power wash, half load, and others.
For wine glasses, a light or delicate cycle is recommended. The quick wash option is good too so you don’t overwash your wine glasses.
Energy Saving
Dishwashers that are certified by the Consortium of Energy Efficiency or have the Energy Star sticker will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Thanks to advanced technology, dishwashers have become more and more efficient to operate, but cycles have also become a lot longer.
If possible, search for a dishwasher that has one or both certifications so you don’t have to spend more than you need to. This is especially true if you’re planning to use your dishwasher to wash more than just wine glasses.
Stacking and Racking Features
Most dishwashers have two dish racks, but some models have up to three or four. Since you’re buying the dishwasher to wash your wine glasses, make sure that the racks can accommodate tall glasses or stemware.
Other features include adjustable or removable shelves, racks, or tines, and convertible racks for multi-purpose use.
Dishwasher Space
It goes without saying that the larger the dishwasher, the more dishes it can accommodate. Most dishwashers offer six or eight place settings, but it isn’t rare to find 12, 14, and even 16 place settings.
If you tend to host large dinner parties with multiple guests, it’s a good idea to search for a larger-than-average dishwasher or a built-in dishwasher.
If you don’t mind loading the dishwasher several times, make sure the machine has enough space to wash your wine glasses without them sitting too close to one another.
Warranty
To ensure top-notch performance without any disruption, always buy a dishwasher with a good warranty. Usually, this ranges from a single year to five years.
Bosch has a warranty of two years and a limited lifetime warranty for rust-through on the inner tub liner. The same is said for Black & Decker dishwashers.
Noise Level
Although not as important as the factors above, a dishwasher’s noise level is also worth considering.
Author Note: Similar to washing machines, manufacturers measure a dishwasher’s noise level in decibels. The higher the decibel, the louder the machine. If possible, search for a dishwasher that has a range of 44dB to 55dB.
Frequently Asked Questions
As follows are some of the web’s most frequently asked questions related to home dishwashers:
What’s the best and safest way to wash wine glasses in the dishwasher?
To prevent the risk of breaking or damaging your wine glasses, place them upside down on the uppermost rack of your dishwasher. If your dishwasher features a fold-down cup shelf, place the stems into the divots.
Make sure that the glasses aren’t touching one another to avoid scratching and accidental bumps. They should be spaced at least one finger apart.
Once your wine glasses are properly placed and secured, wash them with a light or delicate cycle option. You can also use the air-dry setting and polish the glass once it’s cleaned. Set your dishwasher to warm as high heat is too aggressive for wine glasses.
Is it safe to put crystal wine glasses in the dishwasher?
No, crystal wine glasses aren’t dishwasher safe. Crystal glasses, as well as hand-blown glasses, are extremely sensitive to heat and may crack under the dishwasher’s movement and temperature. Unless they’re listed as dishwasher safe, it’s best to wash them by hand.
How long does a dishwasher usually last?
Like most home appliances, dishwashers have a long lifespan. According to experts, the average life expectancy of dishwashers is anywhere between 9 to 16 years.
What is the best way to clean wine glasses?
Although convenient, the dishwasher is not the ideal way to clean a wine glass. The best way to clean wine glasses is through hand washing very soon after the glass has been used. This will help prevent the setting of stains as well as any damage that can occur to the glass with other cleaning methods. Dishwashers are still fine to use, but ensure you are mindful of your wine glasses.
Why do wine glasses go cloudy in the dishwasher?
There’s many reasons wine glasses go cloudy in the dishwasher, including:
- An ineffective wash cycle.
- High temperatures.
- Using too much detergent.
- Glass corrosion (etching) caused by detergent and water on the glass have a chemical reaction.
- Hard water deposits left behind on glassware from minerals present in hard water.
How to prevent glass corrosion in a dishwasher?
Ensure the wine glasses you are cleaning are dishwasher safe, avoid using high heat, soft water, or long wash cycles. Don’t overload your dishwasher by putting wine glasses too close to each other and other dishes. If you are still having issues with glass corrosion, try buying a detergent specifically designed to prevent etching, or a rinse aid to reduce water surface tension.
Final Thoughts
In terms of durability, quality, and functionality, my top pick for the best dishwasher for wine glasses is the Black & Decker Compact Countertop Dishwasher. It’s small and compact enough to fit any kitchen space, as well as comfortably wash three to four wine glasses at a time.
If you’re searching for a full-sized dishwasher to wash your wine glasses, look no further than the Bosch 300. It has 16 place settings, five wash cycles, and an ultra-quiet operation, ideal for large families and individuals who love having guests over.