Head-to-head · Best Dishwashers

LG LDTH7972S vs Loch Electronics Capsule Countertop Dishwasher

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

LG LDTH7972S comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.4 vs 4.1). LG LDTH7972S is best for: Budget-conscious families who want premium-quiet 42 dBA operation, TrueSteam, Wi-Fi smart features, and a strong warranty stack at a value-tier price, and who are willing to run the Heavy cycle to dodge the Normal-cycle dead zone. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Dishwashers

LG LDTH7972S

4.4

2 sourcesall derived

The LG LDTH7972S is the value pick that doesn't feel like one. At $949 it matches the Bosch 800 Series on noise (42 dBA), beats most everything in its class on warranty depth, and is the only machine in this comparison with a true steam generator. The lower rack has a documented cleaning dead-zone, though on the Heavy cycle with TrueSteam the LG removes over 99% of stains.

Strengths

— TrueSteam loosens baked-on food before the main wash, raising Heavy-cycle cleaning past 99%
— 1-hour wash-and-dry cycle finishes a full load in under 60 minutes
— ThinQ Wi-Fi app with downloadable cycles, leak detection, and Alexa/Google voice

Watch-outs

— Bottom-center of the lower rack can leave heavier stains during Normal cycles (Reviewed measured up to 70% residual staining there in testing)
— Plastics still require a wipe after the dry cycle despite the Dynamic Heat Dry fan
— Only 1 year on parts and labor — the deeper warranties are on specific components

Buy at homedepot.com Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Dishwashers

Loch Electronics Capsule Countertop Dishwasher

4.1

2 sourcesall derived$460as of Oct 17

The Loch Capsule is a slim countertop dishwasher, about 18.3 inches tall and 10.3 inches wide, that draws water from an external tank or an optional water-line hose. Wirecutter names it its countertop pick after it cleaned tough messes almost completely and took up less counter space than the other models tested, while Top Ten Reviews found even its 15- and 30-minute cycles cleaned well. Both note limits: dishes come out wet after short cycles, the drain hose can work loose, and it holds only two to three place settings. It suits one- or two-person households without a dishwasher hook-up; families and anyone on a tight budget should look elsewhere.

Strengths

— Wirecutter found its long cycle removed baked-on egg, tomato sauce and pasta almost completely
— Runs from its own external water tank, so it needs no plumbing
— Tall interior takes larger plates without much tilting

Watch-outs

— Dishes came out wet after shorter cycles and needed time to air-dry
— The drain hose dislodges easily
— Detergent pods are not recommended; powder, gel, liquid or tablets only

$460 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

LG LDTH7972S

The LG LDTH7972S matches the Bosch 800 Series SHX78CM5N at 42 dBA and also offers Wi-Fi app control, but its lower rack has a documented cleaning dead zone on Normal cycles. Against the KitchenAid KDTM604KPS it has 10 wash cycles to 5 and carries a 10-year warranty on the direct-drive motor. It is far quieter than the 54 dBA Farberware FCD06ABBWHA Countertop Dishwasher and holds 15 place settings to the Farberware's 6.

Loch Electronics Capsule Countertop Dishwasher

Like the Farberware FCD06ABBWHA Countertop Dishwasher, the Capsule sits on the counter and needs no permanent plumbing, but it runs from a detachable external tank and measures just 10.3 inches wide. It holds two to three place settings, a fraction of the load of full-size built-in machines such as the LG LDTH7972S and Bosch 800 Series SHX78CM5N.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	LG LDTH7972S	Loch Electronics Capsule Countertop Dishwasher
Width	24 inches	—
Noise Level	42 dBA	60 dB
Place Settings	15	—
Wash Cycles	10 (Auto, Heavy, Normal, Delicate, Refresh, 1-Hour, Express, Rinse, Machine Clean, Download Cycle)	—
Third Rack	Yes, height-adjustable slider	—
Energy Star	Yes, 238 kWh/year	—
Smart Features	ThinQ Wi-Fi, Alexa, Google, leak detection	—
Warranty	1-year parts and labor, 10-year direct-drive motor, 5-year racks, lifetime tub	12 months
Dimensions	24.63"D x 23.75"W x 33.63"H	20.3"D x 10.3"W x 18.3"H
Material	Stainless Steel	—
Type	—	Countertop
Water Supply	—	External tank or water line (hose sold separately)
Power	—	950 W
Weight	—	12 kg
Controls	—	Touch

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