Friday, December 13, 2024

LG LDS5540
Product Grade
Report Card Grade
0 Reviews
Best Feature:
Quiet with a very good cleaning performance
Worst Feature:
Some complaints about poorly designed lower rack
Best Uses:
Great dishwasher for big families
Pricing:
$750 - $800 (1-year limited warranty)
Manufacturer:

Where to Buy

Store Name
Price
$699.00
$799.99
$800.99
$800.99
$800.99

Overview

We give the LG Semi-Integrated Dishwasher with Flexible EasyRack™ Plus System an A-. We like that it is quiet, energy efficient, has a flexible rack storage system and offers a very good cleaning performance. However, it lost a few points because some customers complained about the effectiveness of the dry cycle and about the lower rack being somewhat poorly designed and coming off its tracks easily. With that said, this is a great dishwasher for the price and would a good addition to any large household.

You can see how the LG Semi-Integrated Dishwasher with Flexible EasyRack™ Plus System LDS5540 compares to other dishwashers in our Dishwasher Review.

Photos

This particular model is Stainless Steel (LDS5540ST), but the LDS5540([ ] also comes in a Black or White finish.
The LDS5540[ ] has an exposed control panel where you can program a cycle, delay the start of a cycle or set the child lock.
As a dishwasher brand, LG has a good reputation for reliability.
The LG LDS5540[ ]'s model number is located on the side of the door.
The LDS5540[ ] can accommodate up to 14 place settings.
The lower spray arm and self-cleaning filtration system on the LG LDS5540[ ].
The detergent and rinse aid dispenser are located on the door of the LG LDS5540[ ].
The lower rack of the LDS5540[ ] has foldable tines and a three-piece cutlery basket.
The LG LDS5540[ ] is ENERGY STAR qualified.
The upper rack of the LDS5540[ ] features LG.s EasyRack™ Plus system.

 
This Product
Best Budget Dishwasher
Overall Score
71%
64%
90%
Our Awards
Best Budget Dishwasher
Date Reviewed
September 2014
March 2013
April 2013
Pros
Relatively quiet; ENERGY STAR® certified; good cleaning performance; child lock; well-respected brand
Relatively affordable; ENERGY STAR® certified; good cleaning performance; optional heated dry is convenient when drying plastic items; American made
ENERGY STAR® certified; excellent cleaning/drying performance; relatively quiet; sleek, attractive design; custom panel option; extremely flexible rack design that can fit up to 16 place settings; automatic water-softening system; well-respected brand; very flexible "delayed start" options
Cons
Some complaints about dry cycle; complaints about lower rack falling off hinges and being poorly designed; stainless steel finish not smudge-proof
Some issues with control panel breaking after the 1st year; dishrack system doesn't offer much loading flexibility; some complaints about the wash cycles being long; control panel doesn't display time remaining countdown
Expensive; filter requires regular manual cleaning; no child safety lock; very short limited warranty (1-year)
Type
Standard Built-In (24" wide)
Standard Built-In (24" wide)
Standard Built-In (24" wide)
Capacity (place settings)
14
14
16
Price (MSRP)
$535 - $739
$535 - $739
$1699 - $1899
Warranty
1-year limited warranty on parts & labor for the entire unit and a 10-year limited warranty on parts for certain components including the racks, stainless steel tub, and chopper (+ 30-day 100% satisfaction guarantee)
1-year limited warranty on parts & labor for the entire unit and a 10-year limited warranty on parts for certain components including the racks, stainless steel tub, and chopper (+ 30-day 100% satisfaction guarantee)
1-year limited warranty (+ 90-day 100% satisfaction guarantee)
Overall Width x Depth x Height (Range)
23.75" x 24.63" x 33.5"
23.88" x 24.5" x 33.88" - 34.5"
23.56" x 22.44" x 33.73" - 36.35"
Depth with Door Open at 90°
unknown
49.5"
44.44"
Weight (est.)
90.8 lbs
92 lbs
120 lbs
Cleaning Technology
It has a dual filtration system, 2 spray arms and a 5-level wash system.
It features a 5-level direct wash system, 2 spray arms and a self-cleaning filter with 4 stainless steel blades.
It is designed with 3 spray arms and a triple filtration system.
Wash Cycles / Options
It has 5 cycles including "Power Scrub", "Normal", "Delicate", "Quick" and "Upper Only". It also has 3 options including "Sanitary", "Extra Rinse" and "Extra Dry".
It has 6 wash cycles - "JetClean® Plus Steam", "Auto Clean", "Normal", "Light", "Quick Wash" and "Rinse Only". It also has 3 options - "ToughScrub™", "Hi Temp Wash" and "Steam Sanitize".
It has 6 wash cycles including "Pots & Pans", "Normal", "China & Crystal", "SaniWash", "Rinse & Hold" and "Express". It also features 2 options including "Turbo Mode" (reduces the cycle time by 30%) and "Intensive Mode" (heavy wash on lower rack, gentle wash on upper rack).
Dry Cycles
It only features an air dry option.
"Heated Dry" is the default, but it is optional.
It features Miele's SensorDry technology, which automatically adjusts drying time based on internal humidity and temperature conditions. It also has a CleanAir™ Drying System, which prevents outside air from contaminating dishes.
Cycle Times (est.)
A normal cycle should run around 141 minutes.
Cycle times vary, but Maytag estimates a "Normal" cycle will range from about 90 to 250 minutes
Miele does not provide approximate cycle times for different wash programs, but Consumer Reports estimates that a "Normal" cycle will run for about 150 minutes.
Delayed Start
Yes, you can delay the start of a cycle by up to 19 hours.
Yes, you are able to delay the start of the wash cycle by 2, 4 or 8 hours.
Yes, you are able to select a specific time that you would like the cycle to begin up to 24 hours in advance.
Rack System
It has a 2-tier rack system with nylon coated racks and features LG's EasyRack Plus system.
It has 2 Duraguard® nylon racks with 1 Split & Fit™ silverware basket in the lower rack.
It has a 3-tier dishrack system with Miele's FlexiCare Premium basket configuration and 3D Cutlery Tray (on top).
Control Panel
Exposed
Exposed
Concealed
Power
It uses 279 kWh/year and LG estimates that it will cost around $27/year to run.
It uses 294 kWh/year. Maytag estimates it could cost about $31 a year to run.
It uses 285 kWh/year. Miele estimates that it will cost about $30 a year to run.
Noise
48 dB
53 dB
Miele does not provide decibel levels for any of their dishwashers, but some sources say Q3 rating = 44 to 46 dB.
Exterior/Finishes
Stainless Steel (MDB7749SAM)
Black (MDB7749SAB)
Bisque (MDB7749SAQ)
White (MDB7749SAW)
Stainless Steel (MDB7749SAM)
Black (MDB7749SAB)
Bisque (MDB7749SAQ)
White (MDB7749SAW)
Custom Panel (G 5575 SCVi)
Clean Touch Steel™ (G 5575 SC SF)

ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review


Specifications

Cleaning Technology

ENERGY STAR® qualified, the LG Semi-Integrated Dishwasher with Flexible EasyRack™ Plus System LDS5540[ ] is a standard size, built-in dishwasher. It will use 279kWh/year and LG estimates that it will costs around $27/year to run (estimate based on an electric water heater, four loads/week and average electricity prices from 2007). It has two spray arms, a dual self-cleaning filtration system, and a 5-level wash system. It is also designed with the SenseClean™ Wash System, which uses sensors to detect the size of the load and the soil level in order to adjust the wash cycle accordingly.

The lower spray arm and self-cleaning filtration system on the LG LDS554[ ].
The lower spray arm and self-cleaning filtration system on the LG LDS554[ ].
Credit: Mary Griffin

The LG LDS5540[ ] has five different wash cycles including "Power Scrub", "Normal", "Delicate", "Quick" and "Upper Only". It also has three options that you can add to any wash cycle including "Sanitary" (NSF certified), "Extra Rinse" and "Extra Dry". On average, a normal cycle will take around 141 minutes. For energy efficiency purposes, keep in mind that the dishwasher is designed with a Hybrid Condensing Drying System, so it doesn't have a heating element. Therefore, if you opt for the "Extra Dry" feature, please note that it will add 60 minutes of drying time to the cycle.

The LDS5540[ ] has an exposed control panel where you can program a cycle, delay the start of a cycle or set the child lock.
The LDS5540[ ] has an exposed control panel where you can program a cycle, delay the start of a cycle or set the child lock.
Credit: Mary Griffin

Rack System

The LG LDS5540[ ] has a two-tier rack system and can accommodate up to 14 place settings. It has BPA-free nylon coated racks with rounded tips for additional safety and durability, and it features the EasyRack™ Plus system for maximizing the dishwasher.s useable capacity. The EasyRack™ Plus system includes a one-touch height adjustable upper rack and color-coded foldable tines in the upper and lower racks. The upper rack also has 2 foldable cup shelves with stemware holders and will fit dishes that have a maximum height of 12 inches. The lower rack can fit dishes up to 14 inches in height and also features foldable tines and a cutlery basket. The basket can be broken down into three sections, any of which can be removed or placed in different areas of the rack.

The LDS5540[ ] can accommodate up to 14 place settings.
The LDS5540[ ] can accommodate up to 14 place settings.
Credit: Mary Griffin

Features

The LG LDS5540[ ] is designed with a NeverRust™ Stainless Steel tub, which is superior to plastic (particularly when the dishwasher isn.t designed with a heating element for energy efficiency purposes) because stainless steel is better at conducting heat energy and condensing/evaporating water droplets. From the dishwasher.s exposed control panel, you can program a wash cycle, see the time remaining on a cycle, delay the start of a cycle by up to 19 hours or set the child lock to prevent the door from being opened during a cycle. The dishwasher is also relatively quiet when running (~48 dB) due to LG.s LoDecibel™ Operation, which combines innovative technology like the Inverter DirectDrive motor and an advanced self-cleaning filtration system. The LG LDS5540[ ] also comes equipped with the Safety Water Overflow Detector to prevent leakage and LG.s Smart Diagnosis, which saves you time by allowing you to diagnose problems with the service center either over the phone or using a smart phone app.

The detergent and rinse aid dispenser are located on the door of the LG LDS5540[ ].
The detergent and rinse aid dispenser are located on the door of the LG LDS5540[ ].
Credit: Mary Griffin

Exterior Style

The LG LDS5540[ ] comes in three different finishes including Stainless Steel (LDS5540ST), Black (LDS5540BB) and White (LDS5540WW). It has a semi-integrated control panel with SmoothTouch™ Controls and an LED display. It also has an inlaid door handle for a smooth, sleek exterior.

This particular model is Stainless Steel (LDS5540ST), but the LDS5540 also comes in a Black or White finish.
This particular model is Stainless Steel (LDS5540ST), but the LDS5540 also comes in a Black or White finish.
Credit: Mary Griffin

Brand Reputation

As a brand, LG dishwashers have a very good reputation. In a 2014 survey of dishwasher customers by J.D. Power & Associates, LG customers reported higher than average ratings (4/5) when it came to "Overall Satisfaction", "Ease of Use", "Performance and Reliability" and "Price". They also reported the highest ratings (5/5) for "Styling and Feel", "Features" and "Warranty". Despite this glowing feedback, a Consumer Reports study of dishwasher manufacturers actually found LG to be among the more repair prone brands. The LG LDS5540() was specifically tested by Consumer Reports however, and it earned a 71/100 (highest overall dishwasher earned 85/100). Consumer Reports found this model to be exceptionally easy to use and its washing performance, energy use and noise level to be "very good". It did lose points however because it was only considered to be mediocre at drying dishes, a sentiment which you will see was echoed by customers in the next section. In terms of warranty, the LDS5540[ ] comes with a 1-year limited warranty on parts & labor, a 2-year limited warranty on parts, a 5-year limited warranty on the control board and rack, and a lifetime limited warranty on the steel tub and liner.

As a dishwasher brand, LG has a good reputation for reliability.
As a dishwasher brand, LG has a good reputation for reliability.
Credit: Mary Griffin

User Feedback

The LG LDS5540[ ] has received excellent feedback from customers online. In particular, it has received a 4.6/5 on LG.com (218 reviews). The majority of people have been very happy with the dishwasher.s overall cleaning performance and noise level. There were a few complaints about the dry cycle not working very well, but complaints that seemed to pop up more had to do with the rack system. People had issues with the lower rack coming off its hinges easily, as well as the design of the tines in the lower rack causing dishes to fall onto each other. With that said, most people were very pleased with their purchase and we definitely recommend this dishwasher if it is in your price range. If you are interested in purchasing the LDS5540ST dishwasher, please note that the Stainless Steel finish isn't fingerprint- or smudge-proof.

Need help purchasing a new dishwasher? We encourage you to read our Dishwasher Buying Advice.


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