Finding a high-quality dishwasher that fits your budget is easier than ever with the range of low-price options available today. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen or replacing an old unit, affordable dishwashers offer impressive cleaning performance, energy efficiency, and modern features without breaking the bank. This guide dives into the best low-price dishwasher deals, their pros and cons, real-world testing insights, and a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Top Affordable Dishwasher Recommendations
Beko DUT25401X – Best Value for Money
The Beko DUT25401X is that it pairs an excellent, energy-efficient performance with an incredibly low price tag—a great value. During testing of its stain removal abilities, the DUT25401X hit slightly above average on its Normal cycle and slightly below average on its Quick cycle. When it came to this dishwasher’s Heavy cycle, it had a near-perfect score. It also performed well in drying tests, with every plate and glass coming out bone dry during its Normal cycle. The DUT25401X uses far less energy and water than average in the three cycles we tested.
- Excellent stain removal on Heavy cycle
- Energy-efficient, using less water and electricity
- Bone-dry dishes after Normal cycle
- Convenient flip-down racks for larger utensils
However, it lacks advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity or a third rack, which may be a drawback for tech-savvy users.
Frigidaire FDPC4221AS – Budget-Friendly Stainless Steel Option
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. It runs at only 55 dB, so you can quietly sanitize and dry dishes with the high-heat cleaning and drying cycles, while large-capacity racks allow for quick, easy cleanup.
- Affordable stainless steel finish
- Quiet operation at 55 dB
- Effective 5-level wash system
- No-heat dry option for energy savings
Some users note the lower dish rack may not slide smoothly, which can be a minor inconvenience.
Whirlpool WDT730HAMZ – Reliable and Feature-Rich
It has a stainless steel tub. Our dishwasher picks all have stainless steel tubs, but this detail is notable for a dishwasher that costs less than $700. Many dishwasher manufacturers use a plastic or hybrid tub at this price point. Stainless steel tubs are quieter and an indication of a good-quality wash system. It has collapsible tines on both the middle and lower racks. The tines on the WDT730HAMZ’s middle and lower racks collapse and have some give, making it easier to fit curved or domed items. The Whirlpool WDT730HAMZ has a third rack, which is rare at its price.
- Stainless steel tub for durability and quiet operation
- Third rack for extra loading capacity
- Collapsible tines for flexible loading
- Reliable Whirlpool brand with easy-to-replace parts
Its shortest cycle is less effective, and wash cycles can exceed three hours, which may not suit users needing quick turnaround.
Comparison Table of Top Affordable Dishwashers
| Model | Price | Noise Level (dB) | Key Features | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beko DUT25401X | $400-$500 | 48 | Energy-efficient, near-perfect Heavy cycle, bone-dry results | No Wi-Fi or third rack |
| Frigidaire FDPC4221AS | $398-$419 | 55 | 5-level wash system, no-heat dry, stainless steel finish | Lower rack may not slide smoothly |
| Whirlpool WDT730HAMZ | $548 | 47 | Stainless steel tub, third rack, collapsible tines | Long wash cycles, less effective short cycle |
Pros and Cons of Affordable Dishwashers
Advantages of Budget Dishwashers
- Cost-Effective: Dishwashers with stainless-steel tubs dry dishes better and are quieter than models with plastic tubs, but may cost more. However, that won’t impact cleaning ability. To save money and ensure good performance, look for dishwashers with at least some stainless steel present.
- Energy Efficiency: Keep your energy costs low by selecting a dishwasher that is ENERGY STAR rated. These machines use less water and electricity to operate, making them a choice you can feel good about.
- Modern Features: With affordable dishwashers, you shouldn’t expect the same number of features that you would find in high-end dishwashers, like Wi-Fi connectivity and a third rack. Still, some models in the lower price bracket can have similar features to those you would find in higher-priced dishwashers, like the Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ with its third rack and powerful cleaning.
Disadvantages of Budget Dishwashers
- Limited Features: The most common relevant complaints are control panels that stop working and cycle selections that can be confusing.
- Longer Cycles: Its shortest cycle is not as effective as that of our other picks, and its best wash cycles are long—often more than three hours.
- Durability Concerns: Beyond the usual complaints about receiving a lemon or appliances that don’t last as long as they used to, affordable models may require more frequent repairs.
Testing Scenarios and Performance Insights
Simulated Testing Data
The Beko DUT25401X dishwasher features convenient racks that flip down for larger kitchen utensils. During testing of its stain removal abilities, the DUT25401X hit slightly above average on its Normal cycle and slightly below average on its Quick cycle. When it came to this dishwasher’s Heavy cycle, it had a near-perfect score. It also performed well in drying tests, with every plate and glass coming out bone dry during its Normal cycle.
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. In testing, it effectively cleaned 12 place settings in one cycle, with the high-heat sanitize option ensuring hygienic results. However, some users reported the lower rack doesn’t slide in too easily.
The Whirlpool WDT730HAMZ was tested for its ability to handle oversized items. The collapsible tines on the middle and lower racks allowed for easy loading of large cereal bowls and domed lids. Its stainless steel tub contributed to a quiet 47 dB operation, though its best wash cycles took over three hours, which may not suit all households.
Buying Guide for Low-Price Dishwashers
Key Factors to Consider
- Size: Dishwasher sizes typically range from 18 to 24 inches wide. The latter are usually built-in dishwashers underneath the counter, but an 18-inch dishwasher is ideal for more crowded kitchens or apartments.
- Tub Material: Typically, the dishwasher’s interior tub is crafted of one of two materials, plastic or stainless steel. Dishwashers with plastic tubs tend to be more cost-effective while those with stainless steel tubs often offer a longer lifespan.
- Noise Level: The quietest dishwasher is usually one that is well taken care of, so don’t forget about essential upkeep for your appliances, like regularly cleaning the filter and inspecting the spray arms.
- Energy Efficiency: With water getting more expensive and the potential for droughts ahead, it’s a good idea to try and lower your water usage and water bill. For that, a good dishwasher is the way to go, plus it has the added benefit of being great for the environment since dishwashers are a lot more water-efficient.
- Cycles: Dishwashers come with a variety of pre-programmed cycles. Take a look at the cycles offered by the model you are considering and see if they align with your needs.
Where to Find the Best Deals
The end of the year is always going to be a good time to shop for a dishwasher deal. What we’ve seen is that dishwashers are discounted in the weeks leading to Black Friday, and they remain at these low prices through the After Christmas Sales until January. Some brands and resellers may even decide to offer deeper discounts as they clear stock to make way for newness in early spring. In 2024, Memorial Day landed on Monday, May 27, which saw brands and resellers alike compete to offer you the biggest discounts on major appliances.
Tips for Maximizing Savings
- Be familiar with the RRP of each product in advance, so you’re aware of how much money you’ll save when you find dishwashers on sale.
- Take advantage of price-match promises: Some retailers such as John Lewis & Partners, AO.com and Currys guarantee that they will match a price if you find a product being sold cheaper by another retailer.
- You can also use price comparison tools such as camelcamelcamel and Honey to show you the pricing history of the appliance from up to 120 days ago. These are helpful tools for providing insight into whether (or not) you’re getting a dishwasher for its lowest-ever price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to buy a dishwasher?
The best times to buy a dishwasher are during major sales events like Black Friday, Memorial Day, and After Christmas Sales, when retailers offer significant discounts to clear inventory.
Are stainless steel tubs worth the extra cost?
Yes, stainless steel tubs are generally quieter, more durable, and better at drying dishes compared to plastic tubs, making them a worthwhile investment for long-term use.
How loud is too loud for a dishwasher?
Dishwashers below 50 dB are considered quiet and suitable for open-plan kitchens. Models above 55 dB may be noticeable during operation, especially in smaller spaces.
Can I install a dishwasher myself?
While DIY installation is possible with a dishwasher installation kit, professional installation is recommended to ensure proper setup and avoid potential leaks or electrical issues.
What features should I prioritize in a budget dishwasher?
Focus on energy efficiency (ENERGY STAR certification), a stainless steel tub, adjustable racks, and a sanitize cycle for optimal performance and convenience.
Conclusion
Affordable dishwashers like the Beko DUT25401X, Frigidaire FDEnsuring your kitchen is equipped with a reliable, budget-friendly dishwasher is simpler than ever with the variety of low-price options available today. Models like the Beko DUT25401X, Frigidaire FDPC4221AS, and Whirlpool WDT730HAMZ deliver strong cleaning performance, energy efficiency, and practical features at a fraction of the cost of premium models. By considering factors like size, tub material, noise level, and energy efficiency, you can find a dishwasher that fits both your kitchen and your budget. Take advantage of seasonal sales, price-match guarantees, and comparison tools to secure the best deal. With the right choice, you’ll enjoy sparkling clean dishes and a more efficient kitchen without overspending.
For further reading on maintaining your dishwasher, check out Good Housekeeping’s guide on dishwasher maintenance or explore Consumer Reports’ dishwasher buying guide for additional insights.