Review of LG dishwashers
When you see or hear about the brand LG, the first thing you probably think of is its slogan ‘Life’s Good’. However, you might be surprised to learn that’s not what ‘LG’ actually stands for. The South Korean electronics chaebol (business conglomerate) was first established in 1958 as ‘Lucky-Goldstar’. The company is now world-famous for its consumer electronics, including TVs, phones, air conditioners and kitchen appliances.
When it comes to dishwashers, how does LG wash up? Here we explain the key features found in LG’s dishwashers and give an overview of its product range. Is an LG dishwasher the best bet for your home? Find out with this review.
What makes LG dishwashers stand out?
Not all dishwashers are built alike. The LG range of dishwashers includes a number of key features that are definitely worth weighing up when deciding which brand to go for.
- Smart Diagnosis: You can use a smartphone app to send troubleshooting information from your dishwasher directly to the LG Customer Interactive Centre. With a simple press of a button, the dishwasher emits audio signals into your phone’s receiver to be translated into diagnostic information.
- Hybrid Dry: The standard way for dishwashers to dry dishes is to use a heating element to generate heat and condense off the water. LG uses a hybrid method, which instead heats the dishes with the remaining heat from the hot water wash. A built-in fan helps accelerate the condensation process. This method uses less electricity than with a standard heating element method, and so reduces environmental impact.
- Inverter Direct Drive: Conventional dishwashers use horizontally-mounted motors and pump systems, but the LG Inverter Direct Drive is mounted vertically. This position leaves more free space for dishes. The Inverter Direct Drive motor is quieter and more efficient, with a 10 year parts warranty.
- Smart Rack: All of LG’s dishwasher models have a Smart Rack upper basket, with the three higher-end models also including Smart Rack lower baskets. The Smart Rack basket design involves adjustable elements to allow loading of all kinds of dishes, no matter what their shape or size.
What kind of LG dishwashers are there?
The current LG dishwasher range includes five different models, all of which are freestanding with a 14 place setting capacity. Features common to the entire LG dishwasher range include:
- Delay start wash for 1-19 hours ahead
- Child lock
- Water softener
- Concealed heating element
- Beeper on/off switch
- Aqua stop valve
- Triple filtration system
- Soil sensor (to detect how dirty your dishes are)
Read on for further details about each of the five LG dishwashers currently available in Australia.
LG LD-1481W4
The entry-level model in the LG dishwasher range wouldn’t quite be described as basic. The LD-1481W4 is the only LG dishwasher with a white finish, and the only one that has just the standard two racks. These are the two major differences, which keep the cost lower without sacrificing build quality or user convenience.
- LED display
- Cutlery basket that can be split into two smaller baskets
- 5 wash programs: Dual Intensity wash (lower rack washed with a strong spray, upper rack washed gently); Auto (soil detector determines washing time and temperature); Eco; Quick; Quick & Dry
- 3 wash options: Extra hot; Rinse plus; Half load (top/bottom)
- Energy rating: 4 stars
- Water rating: 5 stars
RRP $1,199
LG LD-1482T4
The next model in the range introduces an anti-fingerprint stainless steel finish and a height-adjustable third rack, for washing lots of smaller items. The middle rack is also height adjustable, so you can better adapt your dishwasher to fit your dishes.
- LED display
- Cutlery basket that can be split into two smaller baskets
- 5 wash programs: Dual Intensity wash (lower rack washed with a strong spray, upper rack washed gently); Auto (soil detector determines washing time and temperature); Eco; Quick; Quick & Dry
- 3 wash options: Extra hot; Rinse plus; Half load (top/bottom)
- Energy rating: 4 stars
- Water rating: 5 stars
RRP $1,449
LG LD-1483T4
From this model onwards, both the upper and lower baskets use the Smart Rack adjustable design. The controls now include a dial in addition to buttons, as there are more wash programs and options to choose from. With the third drawer for small items and a level to raise or lower the centre rack, there’s more space to get all of those dishes washed.
- LED display
- Cutlery basket that can be split into two smaller baskets
- 6 wash programs: Dual Intensity wash (lower rack washed with a strong spray, upper rack washed gently); Auto (soil detector determines washing time and temperature); Eco; Gentle; Quick; Quick & Dry
- 4 wash options: Spray intensity (3 levels) – Extra hot; Rinse plus; Half load (top/bottom)
- Energy rating: 4 stars
- Water rating: 5.5 stars
RRP $1,549
LD-1484T4
At the higher-end range of LG dishwashers, the standout feature is steam cleaning. This creates steam of temperatures up to 95°C which helps soak away tough, baked-on stains and residues without risk of damage to even your most delicate glassware. Steam cleaning can be used with the dual spray function, which directs high intensity water pressure to the bottom rack and low intensity to the upper two racks.
- LED display
- Cutlery basket that can be split into two smaller baskets
- 7 wash programs: Auto (soil detector determines washing time and temperature); Eco; Steam Power; Quick; Quick & Dry; Steam Dual Spray; Steam Care
- 4 wash options: Spray intensity (3 levels) – Extra hot; Rinse plus; Half load (top/bottom); Triple spray (soft/medium/strong)
- Energy rating: 4 stars
- Water rating: 5.5 stars
RRP $1,759
LG LD-1485T4
The main differences between the two upper-end models are that the LD-1485T4 runs slightly more quietly, and has an LCD display rather than the LED indicators found on the rest of the range. It otherwise has everything else – the third basket for small items, steam cleaning, and seven wash programs.
- LCD display
- Cutlery basket that can be split into two smaller baskets
- 7 wash programs: Auto (soil detector determines washing time and temperature); Eco; Steam Power; Quick; Quick & Dry; Steam Dual Spray; Steam Care
- 4 wash options: Spray intensity (3 levels) – Extra hot; Rinse plus; Half load (top/bottom); Triple spray (soft/medium/strong)
- Energy rating: 4 stars
- Water rating: 5.5 stars
RRP $1,779
How much is your dishwasher costing you on your energy and water bills? Find out with Canstar Blue’s dishwasher running cost analysis.
Should I choose an LG dishwasher?
LG dishwashers all include a solid set of functions and features that cover the key needs and wants from a convenient dishwasher. The entire LG dishwasher range boasts clean and crisp interfaces, but don’t offer the external design customisability that you can find with more expensive models from other brands. The range is also somewhat narrow – there are no particularly cheap or high-end models, with everything sitting firmly in the mid-range.
This may be just what you’re looking for. Ultimately, it’s up to your needs and budget as to whether or not an LG is the best dishwasher for your kitchen.
About the author of this page
This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Home & Lifestyle Content Lead, Megan Birot. She’s an expert on household appliances, health & beauty products, as well as all things grocery and shopping. When she’s not writing up our research-based ratings reports, Megan spends her time helping consumers make better purchase decisions, whether it’s at the supermarket, other retailers, or online, highlighting the best deals and flagging anything you need to be aware of.
What do customers think about LG Dishwashers?
In 2019, Australian customers gave LG 4 out of 5 stars for overall customer satisfaction for dishwashers.