Specifications
| Brand | Sharp |
|---|---|
| Installation Type | Built-In |
| Dimensions | 23-7/8 x 33-7/8 x 26-15/32 in |
| Capacity | 12 Place Settings |
| Noise Level | 47 dBA |
| Wash Cycles | 5 Cycles |
| Tub Material | Stainless Steel |
| Energy Star Certified | Yes |
Pros
- Unobtrusive, low hum
- More durable tub
- Energy savings
Cons
- Limited cycle choices
- Drying uncertainty
The Verdict
At 47 dBA, this Sharp built-in dishwasher is designed to run quietly in shared living spaces, and its Quietness pillar score of 8.6 supports that in real use. It cleans well enough for everyday mixed loads, but drying can be unpredictable, so plan on checking plastics and light items after the cycle.
Who it's for: People who want a low-noise dishwasher at 47 dBA and mostly wash plates, cookware, and mixed everyday dishes, accepting that you may need extra drying time or a quick hand towel for plastics.
Who should skip it: Buyers who need consistently dry dishes every time, especially plastic containers, and who want more flexible wash cycle variety than the limited set this model uses.
In-Depth Review
Cleaning
With a Cleaning pillar score of 7.0, the Sharp Library Quiet 47 dB Dishwasher lands in the “Consistent, spotless results” tier for everyday use, but not every time on heavy, stuck-on messes. The unit is built for a 12 place setting load, and that matters because rack space and spray coverage affect how evenly the wash reaches different items.
Sharp pairs that 12 place setting capacity with 5 wash cycles, which gives you enough flexibility to match the soil level without planning your whole routine around the dishwasher. In practice, that cycle range tends to be the difference between “mostly clean, occasional spots” and “requires heavy rewash” on mixed tables, like casseroles one night and lighter plates the next.
The stainless steel tub also supports steadier performance over time, which is part of why owners often see consistent results across repeat loads. When a tub holds up and stays sealed, you usually get fewer surprises mid-cycle, especially when you run frequent loads at a set pace.
Quietness
Quietness scores 8.6, which maps to “Unobtrusive, low hum.” This is one of the easiest Sharp models to live with in an open kitchen because it is rated at 47 dBA and positioned as “Library Quiet.” That is not just a marketing number. The key point is how the sound behaves in real use, and this model is described as an “Unobtrusive, low hum.”
Why this matters is timing. A dishwasher is loudest when you are in the room, not when you are asleep. A low hum during wash and drain phases makes it easier to talk, work, or watch TV without raising your voice. The 47 dBA spec sets the expectation, but the smoother sound profile is what keeps it from feeling disruptive.
The trade-off is that quieter units still have cycle sounds. If you are very sensitive to vibration, you will want to pay attention during the first runs. But based on the quietness score and the “Unobtrusive, low hum” description, this Sharp is tuned to feel out of the way rather than noticeable.
Build Quality
Sharp earns a Build Quality score of 7.3, which fits “Durable feel, tight seals.” The clearest spec anchor here is the stainless steel tub. Stainless matters because it resists staining and helps maintain the interior’s condition even when you run a mix of loads over months.
That stainless tub ties directly into long-term consistency. A dishwasher that stays tight and stable also tends to keep wash performance predictable across multiple cycles. Since this model targets a 12 place setting capacity, it must manage rack pressure and spray arm alignment at a fairly wide loading range, from plates to deeper bowls.
For the day-to-day feel, the listed dimensions also give you a sense of how it will fit into a standard built-in opening: 23-7/8 x 33-7/8 x 26-15/32 inches. Solid fit helps reduce rattles and helps the door seal properly. If your install is even slightly off, noise and leaks can show up, but a built-in, correctly sized model usually minimizes that risk.
Features
Features has a 7.8 score, aligning with “Easy controls, flexible racks.” The model lists 5 wash cycles, which is enough to cover common scenarios. You can move between mixed dishes and heavier messes without jumping through extra niche programs that most households never use.
Cycle count and control simplicity are not the only daily factors. Drying can make or break the convenience of any cycle set. Here, the specs provide no drying system detail, listed as “-” in the spec table, which is a warning sign for anyone who wants predictable end-of-cycle results without intervention.
The feature set also includes Energy Star certification, marked as “Yes.” That usually means the dishwasher is designed to manage water and energy more efficiently within normal routines. Still, drying uncertainty remains a practical concern, especially for plastics or items you expect to store right away.
Value
Value scores 8.0, mapping to “Worth every penny.” This Sharp makes its case on two fronts: quiet operation and Energy Star certification. The noise level is rated at 47 dBA, and Energy Star certification is confirmed as “Yes.” When both of those align with how you actually use the kitchen, the unit feels easier to keep than a louder or higher-maintenance alternative.
On the cleaning side, it runs a 12 place setting capacity with 5 wash cycles, which is a realistic footprint for most households. That combination often reduces the temptation to run extra cycles. More runs mean more water and more time, and Energy Star support should help keep those routines efficient.
The weak link is drying uncertainty. The listing guidance and the feature spec gap around the drying system means you may need a towel wipe for finicky items. If you plan around that, the overall deal holds together well. If you want perfectly dry plastics every time, this value story shifts, even with the strong quietness and energy marks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many place settings can the Sharp Library Quiet 47 dB dishwasher hold?
It holds up to 12 place settings. This size works well for most households and typical weekly loads, especially if you run it once or twice a day.
What are the exact dimensions of this built-in Sharp dishwasher?
The dimensions are 23-7/8 x 33-7/8 x 26-15/32 inches. Measure your cabinet opening and allow space for the door to open and for plumbing connections.
How quiet is the dishwasher in daily use at 47 dBA?
Sharp lists the noise level at 47 dBA, and the model uses a low hum that stays unobtrusive in open areas. In a quiet home, you will still notice it running, but it should not feel disruptive.
Does it have enough wash options for heavily soiled dishes?
It offers 5 cycles, but the cycle choices can feel limited if you want very specific options. For mixed everyday loads, it should work fine, but you may need to use a more general cycle for tougher messes.
Will this Sharp dishwasher dry plastic well?
Drying is the main uncertainty for this model. Some buyers may need to switch how they load items, use the right rinse-and-load habits, or plan to towel dry certain plastics.
Is the tub stainless steel, and does that help with durability?
Yes, the tub material is stainless steel. That generally holds up well over time and can better resist wear than some other tub materials, which supports the model's solid build quality score.
Final Verdict
This Sharp Library Quiet dishwasher is a recommended buy for people who want a truly quiet kitchen experience without trading away core performance. It earns its Best Quiet badge with an unobtrusive low hum. Still, cleaning can feel a bit workmanlike compared with more cycle-rich rivals, and drying results can be uncertain depending on what you load.
Choose it if quiet operation matters most and you are willing to experiment with loading and cycle timing for dry results. If that matches your kitchen, this is a sound pick.
