Amana Dishwasher Review: Are They Worth the Money?

Quick Summary 

• Price: Most models land between $350–$650 (often $350–$450 on sale)
• Main Drawback: Incomplete drying and noise levels that many owners notice
• Best For: Budget buyers, rentals, or anyone who just needs basic everyday cleaning

An Amana dishwasher is the budget option in Whirlpool’s lineup. Whirlpool has owned the brand since it bought Maytag in 2006, and Amana sits at the lower end of their offerings—simpler features, lower price. Right now, most Amana dishwashers sell for between $350 and $650. The popular ones (ADB1400 series and ADFS2524 series) often sell for $350–$450 when they’re on sale or have a rebate. If you’re hunting for a dishwasher sale near me or waiting for a Memorial Day dishwasher sale, an Amana dishwasher usually shows up in the deals.

So are they worth it? If you just need something that cleans normal dishes without spending a fortune, yes, for a lot of people. If you care about quiet running, dishes that come out completely dry, or a machine that’s likely to last longer, you’ll probably want to look higher up the price ladder—toward a Bosch 500 dishwasher or the Miele G7193SCVI 24″ built-in dishwasher.

ADB1400 vs ADFS2524: What’s Actually in These Machines

The two series you’ll see most often are the ADB1400 (like the ADB1400AMS) and the newer ADFS2524 (like the ADFS2524RS). Here’s how they stack up based on current retailer listings:

All of them hold 12 place settings. They have multi-spray arms, a rinse-aid dispenser, and a high-temp wash option. You won’t get a third rack, Wi-Fi, or fancy sensors on these. Dishwasher water usage on these models is typically around 3–3.5 gallons on a normal cycle, which is solid for the price.

The newer ADFS2524 series is usually only $30–$50 more than comparable ADB1400 models and brings a couple of practical upgrades. The optional Midnight Interior gives the tub a darker, more modern look that hides stains better, and Overfill Detect adds an extra layer of protection by monitoring water levels to help prevent overflows.

Cleaning Performance on ADB1400 and ADFS2524 Models

This is where an Amana dishwasher does better than you’d expect for the money. People who use them regularly say they handle everyday messes—cereal, pasta sauce, light grease—pretty well as long as you scrape the big stuff off first. Knowing how to put bowls in the dishwasher properly (angled so water drains and spray reaches the inside) makes a noticeable difference. The triple filter system keeps food particles from circulating back onto the dishes, so you don’t have to pre-rinse as much. Turn on the high-temp option for anything tougher and it helps.

They’re not great with heavily baked-in food if you just throw the pan in. Normal cycles usually take two to three hours. That’s normal for most efficient dishwashers these days.

Drying, Noise, and Everyday Use

Drying is the weak spot almost everyone mentions with an Amana dishwasher. Even with heated dry on, you often still get water sitting in the bottoms of cups and bowls. The plastic tub just doesn’t hold heat the way stainless steel does. Rinse aid helps, and a lot of people just open the door when the cycle ends.

Noise ratings vary by specific model. Many current ADB1400 and ADFS2524 units are listed around 59 dBA, though some ADB1400 variants run closer to 63–64 dBA. That’s quieter than older machines for most people, but you’ll still hear it in an open kitchen. Premium machines are noticeably quieter.

The controls are dead simple—front buttons, no apps or complicated menus. Fine for most people. Capacity is okay for a family of three or four, but the racks don’t adjust much, so tall items can be a pain.

Reliability, Lifespan, and Common Issues

Consumer Reports has survey data from members who bought about 77,000 dishwashers between 2015 and 2025 across 27 brands. For predicted reliability, the brands that come out on top are typically Bosch, Miele, and Thermador. Amana generally ranks in the middle to lower range for predicted reliability. Owner satisfaction scores for Amana tend to land even lower than its predicted reliability numbers in many of those surveys.

Repair industry reports and owner feedback suggest many of these units last roughly 7–10 years with normal use, though individual results vary widely depending on water quality, maintenance, and how heavily the machine is used. The broader industry average is often cited at around 10 years.

Common problems people run into: control boards, door latches, and heating elements that stop drying properly. Because they’re part of the Whirlpool family, Whirlpool dishwasher replacement parts are easy to find and relatively affordable. Warranty is the standard one-year limited coverage for parts and labor.

You can check current reliability rankings and detailed test results directly in Consumer Reports’ dishwasher section: Consumer Reports Dishwasher Ratings & Buying Guide

Quick Tip: How to Disinfect Your Dishwasher

Once a month, run an empty hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner tablet. This helps remove grease, mineral buildup, and odors. If the machine starts acting up, or you’re not sure whether a repair is needed, this guide on DIY and professional dishwasher repair walks through the practical differences.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Who These Are Actually Good For

Get an Amana dishwasher if you’re on a tight budget, you’re replacing a broken unit in a rental or guest house, or you just need something that works without spending $800+. A lot of people in that situation are happy with them.

Skip them if noise bothers you, you hate dealing with wet dishes at the end of the cycle, or you want a machine that’s more likely to go 12–15 years without major issues. In those cases, the extra money for a mid-range or Bosch unit usually pays off. When people compare LG and Bosch dishwasher options, Bosch often wins on quietness and reliability, while LG tends to offer more features at a similar price.

If you need something smaller or temporary, a Hamilton Beach 18-inch portable dishwasher (sometimes called a mobile dishwasher) can be a practical short-term solution, though it won’t match a full-size built-in for capacity or convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Amana dishwashers clean well? 

Yes, for normal everyday loads. Most owners report good results on regular dishes when they scrape first and use the high-temp option when needed. They’re not the best choice for heavily baked-in messes.

How loud are Amana dishwashers? 

Many current models are listed around 59 dBA, though some ADB1400 variants run closer to 63–64 dBA. You’ll hear them in an open kitchen, but they’re quieter than many older machines.

Why don’t the dishes come out completely dry? 

The plastic tub doesn’t hold heat like stainless steel. Using a rinse aid and opening the door at the end of the cycle helps a lot.

How long do Amana dishwashers usually last? 

Repair industry reports and owner feedback commonly put them in the 7–10 year range with normal use, though results vary. The broader industry average is often cited at around 10 years.

What warranty do they come with? 

Amana provides a one-year limited warranty covering parts and labor. You can find the full current warranty details on the official Amana site: Amana Major Appliance Warranty Information.

Are they ENERGY STAR certified? 

Many ADFS2524 models are ENERGY STAR rated. Some ADB1400 models (including certain variants like the ADB1400AGW) are also certified, so it depends on the exact model.

Should I buy an extended warranty? 

Given the one-year coverage and mid-tier reliability numbers, some people do. It depends on how long you plan to keep the machine and your risk tolerance.

Are there dishwasher brands to avoid? 

Reliability data varies by year, but brands that consistently rank lower in long-term surveys are the ones most people recommend skipping if you want fewer headaches. Always check the latest Consumer Reports numbers before deciding.

Final Thought

For the price, an Amana dishwasher does the basic job. It cleans everyday dishes, it’s easy to use, and it doesn’t cost much. That’s enough for plenty of households.

They fall short on drying, noise levels are noticeable for many owners, the tub is plastic, and the reliability numbers aren’t as strong as the better brands. If those things matter to you, keep looking. If they don’t, and you’re trying to keep the cost down, an Amana dishwasher is a reasonable choice—especially the newer ADFS2524 series if you want ENERGY STAR certification and small upgrades like the Midnight Interior and Overfill Detect.

Before you buy, check the current price (they go on sale often), confirm the exact model features and ENERGY STAR status, and look at recent reviews. The one-year warranty is short, so some people add an extended plan.