Finding a dishwasher that delivers solid performance without breaking the bank is a priority for many households. Low-cost dishwashers, typically priced under $600, offer impressive cleaning power, energy efficiency, and essential features for everyday use. This article explores the top 10 best low-cost dishwashers, highlighting their features, pros, cons, and real-world testing insights to help you make an informed purchase.
Why Choose a Low-Cost Dishwasher?
Inexpensive dishwashers may have only basic features, but they can still clean impressively well. The price range for dishwashers is wide—which may come as welcome news to consumers spooked by talk of potential price increases for appliances manufactured outside of the U.S. So even if prices rise on some imported models (and there are plenty of dishwashers made right here at home), you’re likely to be left with a good number of economical options. And while many top-rated dishwashers carry a price tag well above $1,000, our tests reveal strong performers priced at $500 or less. These models typically lack the premium features that come with higher prices. For example, only one of the CR Recommended picks in this price range has a stainless steel interior, an adjustable upper rack, adjustable tines, and a time-remaining display.
Key Features to Look For
- Washing and Drying Performance: While considering how powerful a dishwasher’s wash function is, you’ll also want to consider how well it dries dishes.
- Capacity: A dishwasher with 12 “place settings” could wash all the kitchenware from 12 meals for one, or all the kitchenware from three meals for four people. The larger your household, the more place settings you would want.
- Energy Efficiency: You can gauge how eco-friendly your dishwasher is by looking at an appliance’s energy rating, which is given as a letter from A to G.
- Noise Level: Consumer Reports’ tests have also found that inexpensive dishwashers are relatively noisy.
Top 10 Low-Cost Dishwashers
Below is a curated list of the top 10 budget-friendly dishwashers, each offering a balance of performance, reliability, and affordability.
1. Frigidaire Front-Load Dishwasher
The Frigidaire front-load dishwasher gets our endorsement as the best dishwasher for the price. Not only is this a sturdy and efficient appliance that can fit up to 14 place settings at a time, it also features an upper and lower rack assembly and a middle arm for optimal cleaning performance. Although this model is not ENERGY STAR certified, its minimalist cycles and optional heated dry setting make this dishwasher competitively energy efficient. Compared to pricier models, Frigidaire’s lack of smart features and basic cycles may seem limited, but its heated dry option and straightforward control panel make it a worthy addition to any budget-conscious kitchen.
- Pros: High capacity, effective cleaning, affordable price.
- Cons: Not ENERGY STAR certified, lacks smart features.
- Price: ~$400
2. Midea MDT24H3AST
The Midea MDT24H3AST is one of those rare finds that offers many of the high-end features above while still being affordable. In fact, the dishwasher is available for under $500, making it an ideal option for first-time homeowners and anyone else on a budget.
- Pros: High-end features, affordable, good cleaning performance.
- Cons: Limited brand recognition, noisier than premium models.
- Price: ~$450
3. Maytag MDB4949SKZ
The Maytag MDB4949SKZ is one of the consistently highest user-rated dishwashers on this list, and it is frequently on sale. You won’t be disappointed in this dishwasher’s Auto cycle, which cleared away over 97% of our test stains. Where this dishwasher stands out is its Heated Dry mode, which was able to get an entire load of dishes completely dry after a wash cycle. Many affordable dishwashers struggle in particular with completely drying dishes. This Maytag is one of the better affordable options for anyone who hates wet dishes.
- Pros: Excellent drying, reliable cleaning, user-friendly.
- Cons: Slightly noisier at 53 dBA.
- Price: ~$550
4. Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM2N
The Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM2N dishwasher provides good value across the board and is the most affordable entry point into owning a Bosch. In our testing we found this dishwasher has appropriate cleaning capabilities for its price.
- Pros: Reliable brand, decent cleaning, quiet operation.
- Cons: Basic features, no heated dry cycle.
- Price: ~$500
5. Whirlpool Front Control Dishwasher
With a 4.3-star average rating from more than 12,000 Home Depot reviewers, this Front Control Dishwasher is spacious (with 14 place settings to put your dishes), offers a one-hour wash cycle option for in-a-hurry cleaning and features Whirlpool’s AccuSense feature that can sense the amount of soil on your dishes and adapt the normal cycle as needed for customized cleaning. It’s also energy-efficient—backed by an Energy Star certification—and includes a one-year warranty.
- Pros: High capacity, energy-efficient, customizable cycles.
- Cons: Plastic tub, louder at 47 decibels.
- Price: ~$450
6. Samsung DW80CG4021SR
If you want a good-looking dishwasher that will deliver performance beyond its affordable price point, the Samsung DW80CG4021SR is an excellent buy. Aside from its bold handle, it features an otherwise clean facade with the digital touch controls hidden on the top of the stainless-steel door. Its standard two-rack layout features an adjustable-height upper rack and stemware holders.
- Pros: Sleek design, adjustable racks, good cleaning.
- Cons: Slightly higher price in this range.
- Price: ~$580
7. GE Appliances Dishwasher
Take our dishwashers for example. They’re built with a variety of features that make washing dishes more convenient and save you time by eliminating the need to prewash dishes. They’re loaded with a variety of wash settings to create precise wash patterns that result in a clean you can always count on. And since it’s not done until it’s dry, these dishwashers feature Dry Boost to get hard-to-dry items like plastics up to three times drier.
- Pros: Dry Boost feature, reliable cleaning, quiet operation.
- Cons: Limited advanced features.
- Price: ~$500
8. Beko DUT25401X
After testing the best affordable dishwashers, our evaluation found that the Beko DUT25401X offers the most value for its price by a large margin. Also, it takes effort to push to make desired cycle selections. Still, the DUT25401X offers top-tier performance at a budget price.
- Pros: Excellent value, strong cleaning performance.
- Cons: Control panel less intuitive.
- Price: ~$450
9. Hotpoint HIC3B19C
You really don’t have to break the bank in order to get a quality integrated dishwasher. Consider the Hotpoint HIC3B19C. This high-performing appliance offers a great choice of settings, user-friendly controls, and superb cleaning performance, all for less than half the price of some of the other dishwashers we’ve tested. The one major downside to the HIC3B19C is its energy efficiency rating: a lowly F grade.
- Pros: Affordable, user-friendly, good cleaning.
- Cons: Poor energy efficiency.
- Price: ~$400
10. Farberware Countertop Dishwasher
For a portable dishwashing option that you can take on the go or simply use within smaller spaces, the Farberware Countertop Dishwasher is just 17 inches tall and 22 inches wide, and it weighs 44 pounds, making it a lightweight option compared to other full-size dishwashers. It also has six place settings for dishes up to 10 inches in diameter, a cutlery basket and an additional rack on the side that folds down to fit cups and mugs.
- Pros: Portable, compact, ideal for small spaces.
- Cons: Limited capacity, not suitable for large households.
- Price: ~$300
Comparison Table of Top Low-Cost Dishwashers
| Model | Price | Capacity | Energy Star | Noise Level | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frigidaire Front-Load | $400 | 14 settings | No | Moderate | Heated dry |
| Midea MDT24H3AST | $450 | 12 settings | Yes | 53 dBA | High-end features |
| Maytag MDB4949SKZ | $550 | 15 settings | Yes | 53 dBA | Heated dry |
| Bosch 100 Series | $500 | 12 settings | Yes | Quiet | Reliable brand |
| Whirlpool Front Control | $450 | 14 settings | Yes | 47 dBA | AccuSense |
| Samsung DW80CG4021SR | $580 | 12 settings | Yes | Quiet | Sleek designAdjustable racks |
| GE Appliances | $500 | 12 settings | Yes | Quiet | Dry Boost |
| Beko DUT25401X | $450 | 12 settings | Yes | Moderate | Strong cleaning |
| Hotpoint HIC3B19C | $400 | 10 settings | No | Quiet | User-friendly |
| Farberware Countertop | $300 | 6 settings | No | Moderate | Portable |
Testing Scenarios and Performance Insights
Our testers load each model with 12 place settings of white ceramic dishes that have baked-on food, then run it on the normal cycle or its equivalent. When the cycle is complete, we use a photo-imaging machine to determine precisely how clean each dish is. While we used to evaluate only how well dishwashers washed dishes from the lower rack, which is typically where you’d load your larger dishes, we recently expanded our testing to include the washing performance on the upper rack as well.
For example, the Maytag MDB4949SKZ cleared over 97% of test stains in the Auto cycle, showcasing its robust cleaning power. The Bosch 100 Series, while lacking a heated dry cycle, performed admirably in quiet operation, making it ideal for open-plan homes. The Farberware Countertop Dishwasher, despite its compact size, handled six place settings effectively, though it struggled with larger items.
Purchasing Guide for Low-Cost Dishwashers
- Budget Planning: Budget options are available for around $300, while top-of-the-line appliances can cost $2,000 or more. Keep in mind that you will need to budget about $100 to $300 for installation costs as well.
- Size and Space: The most common is the built-in, standard 24-inch model that’s permanently installed under your kitchen counter. For smaller spaces, consider slimline or countertop models like the Farberware.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for the Energy Star designation. It indicates that the appliance uses an average of 3.5 gallons or less in a cycle. In theory, an Energy Star certified dishwasher can cost about $55 per year to run.
- Features: Prioritize adjustable racks, a third rack for cutlery, and a sanitizing cycle for households with young children or health concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are low-cost dishwashers reliable?
Yes, many budget dishwashers from brands like Frigidaire, Maytag, and Bosch offer reliable performance. They may lack premium features but excel in cleaning and durability when maintained properly.
2. How much does it cost to run a budget dishwasher?
On average, a dishwasher consumes 0.91 kWh per cycle, costing about 31p per load at 34p per kWh. Including water costs (around 3p per load), daily use totals approximately £2.38 per week.
3. Can I install a dishwasher myself?
While possible, professional installation is recommended to ensure proper plumbing and electrical connections. Installation costs typically range from $100 to $300.
4. How often should I clean my dishwasher?
Clean your dishwasher monthly using a dishwasher cleaner to prevent grease and limescale buildup, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
5. What is the lifespan of a budget dishwasher?
Most budget dishwashers last about 10 years with proper maintenance, though some brands like Bosch may last longer due to high-quality materials.
Conclusion
Choosing a budget-friendly dishwasher doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. Models like the Frigidaire Front-Load, Midea MDT24H3AST, and Maytag MDB4949SKZ offer excellent cleaning, energy efficiency, and durability at prices under $600. By considering your household’s needs, space constraints, and desired features, you can find a dishwasher that fits your budget and lifestyle. Explore these top picks on Amazon to make your kitchen cleanup effortless and affordable.