Choosing a dishwasher can be overwhelming with so many options available. This guide breaks down the top reasonably priced dishwashers for 2025, considering various factors like budget, features, and noise levels. We’ve included a range of models to suit different needs, from budget-friendly picks to feature-packed machines. Whether you prioritize quiet operation, smart features, or efficient cleaning, you’ll find a dishwasher on this list to fit your needs.
Top Picks for Reasonably Priced Dishwashers in 2025
Beko DUT25401X – Best Overall Affordable Option
After testing the best affordable dishwashers, our evaluation found that the Beko DUT25401X offers the most value for its price by a large margin. It gets dishes spotless, but it won’t clean out your bank account. The Beko DUT25401X dishwasher features convenient racks that flip down for larger kitchen utensils. The Beko DUT25401X offers excellent, energy-efficient performance and an incredibly low price tag. 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.
- Pros: Excellent cleaning on Heavy cycle, energy-efficient, bone-dry dishes after Normal cycle.
- Cons: Top rack design less ideal for larger items, slightly below-average Quick cycle performance.
Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ – Best for Basic Functionality
For its price, it performs quite well, is reasonably quiet, and has a great look. The dishwasher itself is pretty basic, but if you don’t need a lot of extra bells and whistles, you’ll appreciate the cleaning power and functionality of the Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ. This barebones dishwasher consistently wowed us in testing, scrubbing the messiest dishes clean with its excellent wash system. It’s a terrific cleaner. This dishwasher held its own against our other picks, easily cleaning pesky items like spoons laden with peanut butter or yogurt and dishes caked with baked-on egg.
- Pros: Strong cleaning performance, affordable, reliable wash system.
- Cons: Lacks premium features, longer cycle times on effective settings.
Shop Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ on Amazon
LG LDFN4542S – Best for High-End Features on a Budget
If shopping for a dishwasher gives you sticker shock, look no further than this model from LG. 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. This LG did a great job cleaning and drying our test loads and even removing lipstick from the rims of the cups. Two options it offers are Flex Zone which allows you to adjust the wash intensity to the racks where you’ve put the dirtiest dishes and Night Dry to help vent steam from the tub overnight for better drying.
- Pros: Stainless steel interior, fingerprint-resistant, excellent cleaning and drying.
- Cons: Cutlery basket fills up quickly, smart features may require manual activation.
Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM2N – Best Entry-Level Bosch
The Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM2N is an excellent entry-point into owning a Bosch. Its good cleaning and drying performance make it a nice value. This dishwasher is among the most highly rated across several major retailer sites, coming in just below average in price for the number of amenities it offers. In person, this was one of the slickest-looking dishwashers of the bunch. But beware, that sleek modern stainless steel is known for getting covered in fingerprints, especially if you have little ones who tend to touch and grab everything in sight.
- Pros: Good cleaning and drying, sleek design, reliable brand.
- Cons: Fingerprint-prone exterior, lacks advanced features like a third rack.
Shop Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM2N on Amazon
Comparison Table of Top Dishwashers
| Model | Price (Approx.) | Noise Level (dBA) | Key Features | Energy Star Certified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beko DUT25401X | $450 | 48 | Adjustable racks, Heavy cycle, excellent drying | Yes |
| Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ | $600 | 47 | Strong wash system, basic controls | Yes |
| LG LDFN4542S | $500 | 46 | Stainless steel interior, Flex Zone, Night Dry | Yes |
| Bosch SHE3AEM2N | $550 | 50 | Sleek design, reliable cleaning | Yes |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
Beko DUT25401X Testing
To evaluate each model’s cleaning prowess, our testers apply a consistent amount of starchy goop to 12 white ceramic plates. (The recipe is a secret, but cocoa is involved.) Then they bake each plate until it’s crusty, load the plates into the dishwasher without prerinsing, and run the default cleaning cycle. Afterward, our imaging software compares before and after photos of each plate to precisely analyze how much gunk remains. The Beko DUT25401X scored near-perfect on its Heavy cycle, removing nearly all baked-on stains, though it was slightly less effective on the Quick cycle.
Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ Testing
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. Despite the copious amounts of pasta chunks and oatmeal globs that ran through this dishwasher cycle after cycle, the WDT750SAKZ’s filter rarely needed to be rinsed during testing. It easily cleaned pesky items like spoons laden with peanut butter or yogurt and dishes caked with baked-on egg.
LG LDFN4542S Testing
We meticulously soil multiple place settings of plates, bowls, cups and saucers, glassware and cookware with our standard greasy, starchy messes and make sure everything we’ve applied is dry and baked on (and yes, we skip the pre-rinse!). This LG did a great job cleaning and drying our test loads and even removing lipstick from the rims of the cups. Its Flex Zone and Night Dry features enhanced performance on tougher loads.
Bosch 100 Series Testing
In Consumer Reports’ labs, testers load each of our dishwasher candidates with 12 dirtied ceramic plates and run a regular cleaning cycle. The Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM2N performed well, with dishes coming out clean and mostly dry. Our experts also assess how well each model can dry plastic items, which dishwashers tend to have more trouble drying. The Bosch scored adequately in this area, though not as well as premium models.
Buying Guide for Reasonably Priced Dishwashers
Key Features to Consider
- Powerful cleaning: A good dishwasher should thoroughly clean your dishes and leave them decently dry. A lot of dishwashers have a hard time getting things fully dry—especially plastic items, which are tougher to dry than glass or ceramic—but your appliance shouldn’t leave them dripping wet.
- Quiet operation: The quietest dishwashers we recommend keep the noise level to a minimum. You won’t find a totally silent dishwasher, but the ones that score the best for noise in our tests keep the clanging and whooshing to a minimum.
- Eco-friendliness: A good dishwasher is energy-efficient and uses minimal water to get things clean and dry. An energy-efficient machine is gentle on the environment and can save you money, too.
- Stainless steel interior: A stainless steel interior tub is better than plastic because it’s more durable and stainproof. And some level of adjustability in a dishwasher’s racks ensures that your dishes will fit.
Types of Dishwashers
- Freestanding: If you want your dishwasher to go beneath the counter without any fixtures, then you may be considering a freestanding model.
- Integrated: Integrated models are designed to be built into the kitchen unit instead.
- Slimline and Tabletop: If you’re strapped for space, slimline and tabletop dishwashers are worth looking into.
Budget Considerations
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. Consumer Reports’ tests have also found that inexpensive dishwashers are relatively noisy. But if you’re just looking for an appliance that gets dishes clean, “you can still find a dishwasher that might be right for you,” says Larry Ciufo, who oversees CR’s dishwasher tests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best reasonably priced dishwasher for small kitchens?
For small kitchens, the Beko DUT25401X is a great choice due to its slim profile and efficient use of space. It offers six wash programs and a heated dry function, making it versatile for various loads while maintaining a compact design.
Are budget dishwashers energy-efficient?
Yes, many budget dishwashers, like the LG LDFN4542S and Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ, are Energy Star certified, meaning they use less water and electricity compared to non-certified models. Look for the Energy Star label when shopping.
How loud are affordable dishwashers?
Affordable dishwashers typically range from 46 to 52 dBA. Models like the LG LDFN4542S (46 dBA) and Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ (47 dBA) are quieter, making them suitable for open-plan homes or nighttime use.
Do budget dishwashers clean as well as premium models?
While budget dishwashers may lack advanced features, models like the Beko DUT25401X and Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM2N deliver excellent cleaning performance, especially on heavy cycles, rivaling some premium models for everyday needs.
How long do reasonably priced dishwashers last?
Today’s dishwashers have an average lifespan of about 10 years. And as long as it is installed correctly and you take care of it by loading it correctly and keeping the dishwasher clean and maintained, those 10+ years should be trouble-free and may even stretch to 15 years or more.
Conclusion
Finding the best reasonably priced dishwasher for your kitchen doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Models like the Beko DUT25401X, Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ, LG LDFN4542S, and Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM2N offer excellent cleaning, energy efficiency, and durability at budget-friendly prices. Use this guide to match your kitchen needs with the right dishwasher, ensuring sparkling dishes without breaking the bank.
Learn more about dishwasher performance at Consumer Reports