At $649, the Whirlpool WDT730PAHZ is the dishwasher that makes the expensive machines look over-priced. It won't match the Bosch on noise — at 47 dBA it's clearly audible from 10 feet — and it doesn't have a third rack. But the cleaning performance in testing genuinely impressed me, and Whirlpool's long-term reliability data is among the best in the category for this price point.
⚡ The Verdict
✔ Pros
- Excellent cleaning for the price — outperformed machines costing $300 more
- $649 — outstanding value
- Whirlpool reliability data is strong
- Sensor cycle adjusts based on soil level
- Heated dry standard — no condensation compromise
- Built in the USA
✖ Cons
- 47 dBA — audible from next room
- No third rack
- Plastic tub (not stainless)
- Fewer cycle options than premium models
- Control buttons feel cheap
| Model | WDT730PAHZ |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 15 place settings |
| Noise | 47 dBA |
| Tub | Plastic |
| Dry System | Heated Dry |
| Energy | 270 kWh/year |
| Water | 3.6 gallons/cycle |
| Third Rack | No |
| MSRP | $649 |
Cleaning Performance: This is where the Whirlpool surprised me. In 27 test cycles including standardized soil tests and household loads, I found only 1 instance of residue — a baked-on egg that I would have pre-rinsed if I were being honest with myself. The sensor cycle correctly identified every moderate-to-heavy load and adjusted accordingly. Real-world cleaning is excellent.
Heated Dry: Unlike the Bosch, the Whirlpool uses a traditional heated element for drying. Plastics come out completely dry every cycle. This is a genuine advantage over condensation-dry competitors at similar prices.
| Category | Weight | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Performance | 35% | 8.9 | Excellent — 1 miss in 27 cycles |
| Noise | 20% | 7.8 | 47 dBA — clearly audible |
| Drying | 20% | 9.0 | Heated dry handles all materials |
| Layout | 15% | 7.5 | No third rack, plastic tub |
| Value | 10% | 9.5 | $649 for this performance is exceptional |