What Dishwashers Have Stainless Steel Racks Or Tubs? [11 Options To Consider]

Rust is one of the most common problems that people have with their dishwashers, leading many to seek out stainless steel models that are more resistant to rust. But what are the best options for dishwashers with stainless steel racks or interiors? We've done the research and compiled a list of awesome options for your home.

Here are some of the best dishwashers with stainless steel interiors:

Budget-Friendly:

• Maytag MDB7959SKZ
• Bosch 300 Series - SHEM63W55N

Mid-Range:

• Bosch 500 Series - SHPM65Z55N
• Miele G5006 SCU
• KitchenAid KDTE204KPS

High-End:

• Bosch 800 Series - SHPM88z75N
• Miele G7106 SCU
• Thermador DWHD650WFP

Premium:

• Bosch Benchmark Series - SHX88PZ65N
• Miele G 7366 SCVi SF AutoDos
• Thermador DWHD770WPR

If you still have some questions about dishwashers with stainless steel racks or interiors, don't worry. In this post, we'll discuss the topic in more detail. We'll also talk about what causes the inside of a dishwasher to rust, whether or not it's safe to use a dishwasher with rusty racks, and more. Without further ado, let's get into it!

Best Dishwashers with Stainless Steel Interiors

Budget-Friendly

Dishwashers with stainless steel tubs last longer than those with plastic tubs, saving you money in the long run. While the upfront costs are greater than those for their plastic counterparts, there are great stainless steel dishwashers available that won't cost you an arm and a leg.

Maytag MDB7959SKZ

The MDB7959SKZ from Maytag is one of the more affordable dishwashers with a stainless steel tub. It uses Dual Power filtration to clean your dishes thoroughly and has both short and long heated dry options. At 50 dBA, this dishwasher runs a little louder than some others on our list.

Bosch 300 Series SHEM63W55N

Selected as 2021's best dishwasher by the New York Times Wirecutter, this dishwasher from Bosch has an array of great features.

It uses Bosch's PrecisionWash technology to get your dishes spotless. It features adjustable racks, including a third rack. Bosch's dishwashers also have a reputation for quality and reliability.

Mid-Range

Bosch 500 Series - SHPM65Z55N

This dishwasher from the Bosch 500 series comes with the same features as the 300 series and more. The AutoAir option helps dry dishes faster, and the EasyGlide system lets the racks glide smoothly, making loading and unloading easier.

Miele G5006 SCU

Miele is known for high-end appliances, but their entry-level dishwasher carries their reputation well at a lower price point. These dishwashers are built to last for 20 years, but reliability isn't the only advantage of this dishwasher.

It features a hot water connection to increase efficiency, FlexLine baskets and an adjustable third rack for loading customization, and a QuickIntense wash to get dishes clean in under an hour.

KitchenAid KDTE204KPS

This super quiet dishwasher from KitchenAid runs at just 39 dBA. It includes a third rack as well as an adjustable middle rack. The ProWash cycle uses sensors to adjust time and temperature to get your dishes clean. It also has a heated dry system.

High-End

Bosch 800 Series - SHPM88Z75N

This 800 series dishwasher from Bosch is a significant upgrade from the previous series. It features their CrystalDry tech, which can even dry plastic dishes quickly and thoroughly.

It is widely considered the best drying system on the market to date. At just 40 decibels, it's also one of the quietest dishwashers in the US.

Miele G7106 SCU

The Miele G7106 SCU has the same great features as their G5000 series and then some. It includes their exclusive 3D FlexTray to add more functionality to the third rack. It also features their AutoOpen drying, an improvement on their lower-end models, though not as powerful as Bosch's CrystalDry.

Thermador DWHD650WFP

The Theramdor DWHD650WFP is the first smart dishwasher on our list. It connects to wifi for control, communication, and even remote diagnostics. At 48 dBA, it's not the quietest dishwasher at this price point, but it still runs quieter than many others on the market.

Premium

Bosch Benchmark Series - SHX88PZ65N

The Benchmark Series is the crown jewel of Bosch dishwashers. This one features Home Connect, so you access your dishwasher from your smartphone.

It also includes an internal light for visibility while loading and unloading your dishwasher and the SpeedPerfect cycle to get your standard load finished faster.

Miele G 7366 SCVi SF AutoDos

This dishwasher from Miele has what you'd expect from a premium dishwasher and then some. The Miele home system connects to your wifi, allowing remote control and communication.

The AutoDos system lets you use a single PowerDisk of detergent that will last up to 20 loads. It also uses the EcoPower system to use less water and power to run your dishwasher.

While the air dry system is better than less expensive models, it's not as advanced as the zeolite systems used by Bosch and Thermador.

Thermador DWHD770WPR

This dishwasher from the Thermador Sapphire series is truly a premium dishwasher. It is wifi enabled, uses Thermador's Zeolite drying technology, includes internal lights, and has a push-to-open feature.

While it doesn't feature a detergent dosing system like the Miele Autodos, it does use Dosage Assist to make sure your detergent gets broken down thoroughly in each cycle.

Why is the inside of my dishwasher rusting?

Rust in your dishwasher can come from a number of causes. One of the most common causes is that the protective coating on a metal component has been damaged, leaving the metal exposed. However, there are a few other potential culprits.

Rust in the Tub

In some dishwashers, the inner tub itself may rust. Opting for a stainless steel tub reduces the risk of rust. The tub itself will not rust, unlike plastic tubs where damage can expose the metal underneath.

Many manufacturers, such as Bosch, cover tub rust in their warranty. If you find rust in your tub, check your owner's manual to see if the manufacturer will repair or replace it.

Rusty dishwasher racks

Dishwasher racks are also susceptible to rust. Stainless steel racks are less common than they used to be, largely because the wires of the racks can scuff your dishes. Most manufacturers use wire racks that are coated in either nylon or vinyl.

Both nylon and vinyl will protect your dishes from scuffing as well as prevent rust as long as they're undamaged.

However, vinyl is more brittle and susceptible to high temperatures, leading to earlier damage and potential rust. While nylon coatings are not impervious to damage, they will last longer than vinyl coatings.

Other Causes

If you find rust in your dishwasher, it could also be coming from your dishes. Don't wash iron or tin in the dishwasher, as these are very prone to rust.

Another possible culprit could be the water coming into your dishwasher. Iron and iron oxide are naturally present in some areas' water supply. Rust can also get into your dishwasher's water from old pipes in your home. You can have a plumber install a rust filter if you've identified this as the cause.

Do Bosch dishwasher racks rust?

Bosch, like other high-end manufacturers, uses durable materials for their dishwasher racks. Still, they can become susceptible to rust with intensive use and irregular maintenance, just like any other dishwasher rack. Buying from reputable brands will help prevent rust, but isn't a guarantee against it.

Learn more about maintaining your Bosch or high-end dishwashers in this article: How Long Should a Bosch Dishwasher Last?

Is it safe to use a dishwasher with rusty racks?

If your dishwasher racks are rusting, it is best to repair or replace them as soon as possible. Dishwashers use a lot of water pressure, and the rust on your racks will get on your dishes, your pipes, and various components within your dishwasher.

If you see any rust on your dishes, rinse them thoroughly before use. Check your racks to see if the coating has been compromised in any spots. Even a small area where the coating has been compromised can lead to harmful rust.

You should also check for bumps or blisters in the coating on your racks. These may indicate that water has entered the racks and caused the inner wire to rust, even if damage to the coating isn't visible.

Can you buy a new rack for a dishwasher?

Many major manufacturers make replacement parts for their dishwasher racks available on their websites. Be sure to check for your specific model, as most parts are not compatible with different models, even when produced by the same manufacturer.

When replacing a part is not enough and you want to replace the whole rack, it can be harder to find replacements online. Instead, contact the manufacturer or a local technician certified with the manufacturer for rack replacements.

When should I replace my dishwasher racks?

If you find your racks have been compromised and are rusting in your dishwasher, you have two options: repair or replace.

The most common area for damage is the ends of the tines. First, use sandpaper to clear away the rust and damage. Afterward, clean the area with rubbing alcohol. After that, you can apply liquid vinyl to the area and top with a cap, such as those found in this product from Frigidaire.

Click here to see this dishwasher rack repair kit on Amazon.

If there is extensive damage beyond the tines, you are better off replacing your racks.

Final Thoughts

The best way to deal with rust in a dishwasher is to avoid it in the first place. Investing in a dishwasher with a stainless steel tub and high-quality, nylon-coated racks will get you off to a strong start. Still, even in the best situation, rust can happen, but now you will be better equipped to find the cause and root it out.

Learn more about finding your perfect dishwasher in this article: Are All Dishwashers A Standard Size?