Top 10 Best Dishwashers Under $500 for Budget-Friendly Cleaning

Finding a dishwasher that cleans effectively, fits your budget, and offers reliable performance can be challenging, especially when you’re limited to $500 or less. Fortunately, there are several high-quality dishwashers in this price range that deliver solid cleaning power without sacrificing essential features. These models may lack premium extras like Wi-Fi connectivity or ultra-quiet operation, but they excel at the core task: getting your dishes clean. This guide highlights the top 10 dishwashers under $500, based on rigorous testing and real-world performance, to help you make an informed purchase.

Top 10 Dishwashers Under $500

1. LG LDFC2423

This LG did a great job cleaning and drying our test loads and even removing lipstick from the rims of the cups. It’s hard to find a model priced at only $500 with so many high-end touches, but LG managed to do it. First, you’ll notice the stainless steel interior and fingerprint-resistant front panel, something more expensive models don’t always offer. Its discreet control panel lights up when you press the buttons and we found it very easy to read and navigate. Shop LG LDFC2423 on Amazon

2. Whirlpool WDTA50SAKZ

Wirecutter’s top budget dishwasher pick is the Whirlpool WDTA50SAKZ, which is also on our list. Wirecutter highlights the stainless-steel tub and effective wash system, but also noted its particularly long cycle times. This sturdy dishwasher has a stainless steel tub and an effective wash system. It was the best dishwasher we tested that routinely goes on sale for less than $700. But its most effective cycles are longer than those of our other picks. Shop Whirlpool WDTA50SAKZ on Amazon

3. Beko DUT25401X

After testing the best affordable dishwashers, our evaluation found that the Beko DUT25401X (available at AJ Madison) offers the most value for its price by a large margin. When it comes to cleaning performance, this dishwasher features several wash programs, including Heavy, Express 60, and Auto, as well as a Sanitize wash option. The hybrid tub features a stainless-steel-lined door that helps to dampen noise. While it isn’t the quietest dishwasher on this list, its 53 dBA is respectable among budget-friendly dishwashers. Shop Beko DUT25401X on Amazon

4. Samsung DW80CG4021SR

If 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. Shop Samsung DW80CG4021SR on Amazon

5. Amana ADB1400AGW

This pristine white built-in dishwasher from Amana is incredible value for its price. Aside from a beautiful exterior, this model also boasts desirable features like the Triple Filter Wash System, which guarantees all food is eliminated from each dish and cleaned to perfection. Other notable features include a heated dry option, high-temperature, and extra rinse wash options, as well as a 12-place setting capacity, so you can fit all you need into one load. Shop Amana ADB1400AGW on Amazon

6. Frigidaire 24″ Front Control Built-In Plastic Tub Dishwasher

The Frigidaire 24 in. built-in dishwasher offers a complete clean with the 5 level wash system, featuring an upper spray nozzle, middle spray arm, and lower spray arm. Reduce energy use with the no heat dry option and clean 12 place settings in one cycle. This quiet dishwasher (54 dBA) also includes DishSense Sensor Technology, a sanitize option and is Energy Star certified. Shop Frigidaire 24″ Dishwasher on Amazon

7. GE Front-Control Tall-Tub Dishwasher

This GE Dishwasher is built with a variety of features that make washing dishes more convenient and save you time by eliminating the need to prewash dishes. It is 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, this dishwasher features Dry Boost to get hard-to-dry items like plastics up to three times drier. Shop GE Front-Control Dishwasher on Amazon

8. 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. Shop Hotpoint HIC3B19C on Amazon

9. 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. From the dishwasher’s interior light to a removable cutlery basket with flip-down lids, you can open it in case your larger utensils won’t fit in the third rack. Shop Midea MDT24H3AST on Amazon

10. Whirlpool WDF330PAHS

I looked at a lot of the new dishwashers with all the computer controls, stainless steel tubs, third racks, and dozens of wash options and I didn’t like any of them. I love the basic no frills design of this machine. I put dishes in it, turn it on, and the dishes come out clean and dry. That’s all I wanted. As an added bonus the machine is whisper quiet. Shop Whirlpool WDF330PAHS on Amazon

Comparison Table of Top Dishwashers

Testing Scenarios and Performance

LG LDFC2423 Testing

When we test dishwashers, we challenge them with dirtier loads than you would ever have at home. And, we never pre-rinse anything before loading it in. Plus we assess the capacity and flexibility of all the racks, trays and baskets and evaluate how easy each dishwasher is to use, load and program. Prior to testing the cleaning performance of various cycles, we uniformly apply, then bake-, dry- and burn-on mac and cheese, hamburger, oatmeal, egg yolk, milk and more to cookware and 10 five-piece settings of dishes, glassware, cups, saucers and flatware. We even “kiss” each coffee cup with lipstick, a stain that many dishwashers struggle to completely remove. Between staining, drying and cleaning each load, we spend at least 7 hours testing just one cycle.

Whirlpool WDTA50SAKZ Testing

At the end of each wash cycle, we determine how much stain has been removed from each dish. Ideally, each dish is 100% clean. Whether testing high-end dishwashers or models that cost less than $500, we put all dishwashers through a battery of tests that are repeated with the same accuracy and precision for each model. Our evaluation focuses on three major things: performance, features, and usability. When considering a dishwasher’s performance, we look at stain removal prowess, cycle time, drying abilities, and redeposit (any food matter that isn’t captured in the filter and lands back on clean dishes).

Beko DUT25401X Testing

We spend around 30 hours evaluating each dishwasher in our lab. 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.

Pros and Cons of Budget Dishwashers

Pros

• Inexpensive dishwashers may have only basic features, but they can still clean impressively well.
• All four models that we’ve highlighted come with Energy Star certification from the Department of Energy.
• Budget-friendly dishwashers prioritize essential cleaning features while fitting a tighter budget.

Cons

• Consumer Reports’ tests have also found that inexpensive dishwashers are relatively noisy.
• These models typically lack the premium features that come with higher prices.
• Most cheap dishwashers are Energy Star-certified and use 3.5 gallons of water or less during a normal cycle, but typically feature an average of four to six wash cycles.

Buying Guide for Dishwashers Under $500

• Energy Efficiency: Look for the Energy Star label, which 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 and save you about 3,850 gallons of water over the course of its service.
• Noise Level: Anything that’s 44 dBA or less is considered ultra-quiet; 45 to 50 dBA is very quiet, and anything 51 dBA or more is average. Models with 38 or 39 dBA are the quietest on the market, though it’s tough to find budget-friendly options in that range.
• 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 to wash.
• Features: Adjustable racks offer flexibility for different dish sizes, while multiple wash cycles cater to varying degrees of dirtiness. A delayed start lets you schedule washes for convenience, and a soil sensor ensures optimal cleaning by detecting dirt levels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are dishwashers under $500 reliable?

Yes, many dishwashers under $500 are reliable, especially models from trusted brands like LG, Whirlpool, and Frigidaire. They may lack advanced features, but they are built to handle daily cleaning tasks effectively. Always check warranty details, as most offer at least a one-year parts-and-labor coverage.

2. How noisy are budget dishwashers?

Budget dishwashers typically range from 50 to 59 dBA. While not as quiet as premium models (38–44 dBA), they are still suitable for most homes. Models like the Whirlpool WDF330PAHS are noted for being whisper-quiet despite their budget price.

3. Do these dishwashers dry dishes well?

Many budget dishwashers, like the LG LDFC2423 and GE Front-Control, include enhanced drying features such as Dry Boost or heated dry options, which improve performance on plastics. However, drying may not be as effective as in higher-end models with advanced drying technologies.

4. How do I maintain a budget dishwasher?

• Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar every 1–2 months to remove buildup.
• Check and clean the filter regularly to prevent clogs.
• Ensure proper loading to maximize cleaning efficiency.
• Use rinse aid to improve drying and prevent spots.

Conclusion

Choosing a dishwasher under $500 doesn’t mean compromising on clean dishes. Models like the LG LDFC2423, Whirlpool WDTA50SAKZ, and Beko DUT25401X offer impressive cleaning power, energy efficiency, and practical features for budget-conscious buyers. By prioritizing key factors like noise level, capacity, and Energy Star certification, you can find a reliable dishwasher that fits your needs. Explore these top picks to simplify your kitchen cleanup without breaking the bank.