Amana and Whirlpool dishwashers target budget-conscious U.S. households, with Amana offering no-frills basics at the lowest prices and Whirlpool stepping up with better capacity, drying, and cycles for a small premium. Amana, as Whirlpool Corporation’s entry-level brand, shares some core tech but keeps things simpler and cheaper.
Brand overview and positioning
Amana specializes in straightforward appliances for renters, small families, or anyone avoiding complexity, often under $400 with essential cleaning features. Whirlpool covers a wider range from basic to mid-tier models around $500–$900, appealing to those wanting more versatility like third racks and quieter operation.
In stores like Best Buy and Lowe’s, Amana suits tight budgets or secondary kitchens, while Whirlpool attracts upgraders seeking reliability and convenience without jumping to premium pricing.
Cleaning performance
Amana’s triple-filter system handles food scraps well without pre-rinsing, delivering solid results on plates, utensils, and everyday cookware through simple Heavy, Normal, and 1-hour cycles. Users often praise its ability to tackle baked-on messes when filters stay clean.
Whirlpool adds sensor-based auto-adjusting cycles, dual spray arms for full coverage, and Heavy options that scrape off tough stains efficiently. It edges out for larger, messier loads from family cooking.
Drying and racks
Amana uses heated or air dry but can leave spots on plastics, with plastic tubs that resist stains yet cool quickly. Its split silverware baskets and adjustable middle rack offer decent flexibility for odd pans.
Whirlpool excels with heated coils for nearly spot-free drying on all items, plus frequent third racks to boost space for utensils and free up lower levels. Racks feel more robust overall.
Noise levels and cycles
Amana runs around 59 dBA noticeable but fine for closed kitchens with basic cycles for light use and delay start options. Whirlpool hits 47–55 dBA for much quieter runs suitable for open homes, plus extras like Sani-Rinse for bacteria kill and AI sensors on newer models.
Whirlpool’s shorter, smarter cycles make it more family-friendly.
Reliability and maintenance
Both benefit from Whirlpool’s engineering, but Whirlpool scores higher in satisfaction surveys for fewer issues, stainless tubs, and leak protection. Amana works reliably for basics but sees more filter clogs and drying complaints; clean filters monthly and run vinegar cycles for both.
Whirlpool’s easier maintenance gives it a longevity edge.
Amana vs Whirlpool: key differences
| Aspect | Amana dishwashers | Whirlpool dishwashers |
|---|---|---|
| Price range (USA) | $300–$450, ultra-budget entry level. | $500–$900, budget to mid-tier value. |
| Cleaning tech | Triple filter wash, no pre-rinse needed, basic Heavy/Normal/1hr cycles. | Sensor cycles, dual spray arms, Heavy/Quick/Sani options. |
| Drying | Heated/air dry, decent but spots on plastics; plastic tubs. | Heated coil for bone-dry results; often stainless tubs. |
| Racks/capacity | Split silverware baskets, adjustable rack; ~12 place settings. | Third rack common, sturdier tines; 13–15 place settings. |
| Noise | ~59 dBA, audible but functional. | 47–55 dBA, much quieter for open kitchens. |
| Smart features | Basic controls, delay start. | AI sensors, app options on some; fingerprint-resistant finishes. |
| Standout pros | Cheap, cleans well without pre-rinse, simple for basics. | Better drying/racks, quieter, more cycles for families. |
| Potential cons | Louder, basic drying, frequent filter cleaning. | Slightly pricier, minor rack wobble on base models. |
Which should you choose?
Pick Amana for rock-bottom prices and reliable basics in apartments or light-use scenarios. Choose Whirlpool for superior drying, quietness, extra space, and versatility ideal for families and the best value in this bracket.
FAQs about Amana vs Whirlpool dishwashers
1. Which cleans better for everyday family messes: Amana or Whirlpool?
Both handle daily plates and utensils well without pre-rinsing, but Whirlpool pulls ahead on tougher, baked-on foods from family dinners thanks to sensor cycles and dual spray arms that adjust power and coverage automatically. Amana’s triple filters excel at trapping scraps, making it solid for lighter loads, but you may need to run Heavy more often for pots and pans.
2. Is Amana reliable enough for long-term use?
Amana delivers dependable basics with Whirlpool’s core engineering, often lasting 7–10 years with monthly filter cleaning. It’s not as refined as Whirlpool but suits low-demand homes; common issues like clogs are easy fixes compared to pricier brands’ electronics failures.
3. Which is quieter for open-plan kitchens?
Whirlpool wins decisively at 47–55 dBA, blending into background noise during meals or at night. Amana’s 59 dBA is audible like a conversation but works fine in closed spaces check specific models if silence matters.
4. Do these brands dry plastics and glass spot-free?
Whirlpool’s heated coils and fan options leave most items bone-dry, even plastics, minimizing spots with proper rinse aid. Amana does okay on dishes but often spots plastics due to quicker cool-down in its plastic tub air dry helps but requires patience.
5. What’s the rack flexibility like for big pots or platters?
Whirlpool’s third rack and foldable tines make it easier for tall items, pans, and extra utensils, fitting 13–15 place settings comfortably. Amana’s adjustable middle rack and split baskets adapt well for basics but feel tighter for oversized cookware.
6. Are there smart features worth paying extra for?
Amana sticks to simple buttons and timers, perfect for non-tech users. Whirlpool adds AI soil sensors, app monitoring on select models, and Sani cycles great for busy households wanting cycle tweaks or bacteria protection without premium pricing.
7. How do they handle hard water or maintenance?
Both perform best with rinse aid and salt in hard-water areas; run vinegar monthly to descale. Whirlpool’s stainless tubs and soil sensors resist buildup better long-term, while Amana’s filters need weekly checks to avoid clogs from debris.
8. Is Whirlpool worth the extra $200 over Amana?
Yes for most families the quieter operation, better drying, third rack, and extra cycles justify the bump, often leading to higher satisfaction over years. Amana maximizes savings if you prioritize upfront cost and basic performance.
9. Which has better customer service and parts availability?
Whirlpool’s nationwide network and higher satisfaction ratings make service faster and cheaper. Amana benefits from the same support but sees fewer visits overall due to simpler design both outperform off-brands.
10. Best for renters or small apartments?
Amana shines here with its low price, compact fit, and no-pre-rinse ease plug-and-play without overkill features. Whirlpool suits if you want quieter, more capable performance that travels well to your next place.
