All the plastic parts can be put on the top shelf of the dishwasher.  Anything made with metal needs to be washed by hand as it could tarnish. It is surprising that it's only top rack safe -- and problematic because I am not sure that I can fit my bowl on the top. So, I normally wash it by hand.  it's not usually too hard (although I think it's harder to clean than the kitchenaid bowl).