When it comes to dishwashers, the assumption is often that you get what you pay for. But with advancements in technology and manufacturing, affordable dishwashers have become increasingly capable, offering solid performance without breaking the bank. This article explores whether cheap dishwashers are worth considering, drawing on insights from trusted sources to provide a comprehensive look at their performance, features, and value.
Performance of Affordable Dishwashers
You don’t have to spend a bundle to have a dishwasher to lighten your load. Although this model is no frills, reviewers rave about its prowess at getting dishes clean. And isn’t that the main reason you’re buying a dishwasher? It has fewer cycles than some machines, but you do get a one-hour Turbo setting as well as options to increase the water temperature for sanitizing and add extra drying time. At 52 dBAs you’ll be able to hear it when it’s running, but it shouldn’t interfere with homework or after-dinner conversation. This LG is available in stainless steel as well as black and white; the controls are on the front, so although the machine is not as sleek looking as pricier models, they are easy to access. Surprisingly, even at this low price, you get a durable stainless-steel tub. However, there’s no third rack for cutlery.
In our testing we found this dishwasher has appropriate cleaning capabilities for its price. Where it shines, though, is in what it offers on top of good cleaning. The SHE3AEM2N gets dishes completely dry after a wash cycle. It features Bosch’s signature high build quality, nice details like the double cutlery basket, and a robust warranty. It even benefits from smart features via the Home Connect app. Any one of these features is rare to see in a dishwasher at this price point, and the SHE3AEM2N has all of them. The Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM2N is ahead of the curve in a lot of respects. If you want a good all-arounder that’ll last a long time, this model is a great pick.
Features and Materials
Materials: The price of a dishwasher depends on a number of factors, including features and materials. For instance, most of the affordable dishwashers we tested have either stainless-steel tubs or hybrid stainless-steel tubs, not the full plastic you would expect from cheaper models. Typically, 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. 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.
If you’re looking for a well-priced dishwasher and looks great, offers flexible storage and cleans well, the Beko BDEN38640FG is our recommendation.
Value for Money
Good quality dishwashers don’t have to cost a fortune. This GE model is spacious (it fits up to 16 place settings), easy to use and versatile with five wash cycle options to choose from. A “delay start option” conveniently lets you set your dishwasher to run in advance, and the Dry Boost cycle ensures fully dry dishes every time. Plus, the decibel rating is only slightly higher than our best overall pick, meaning you can still carry on a normal conversation while it’s running. (Plus, several reviewers comment that they were surprised at how quietly it runs considering its decibel rating.) If you’re looking for more place settings, an optional third rack is sold separately for about $60. What the reviews say: One customer shares on The Home Depot’s website, “It’s spacious and well designed on the interior. The install was fairly easy.
With 15 place settings making it one the biggest dishwashers available, an accompanying smart app and a thoughtful design – all at an affordable asking price – the Candy CF 57CF0W is a great-value dishwasher. Though the CF 57CF0W certainly is a more budget-friendly option, it’s worth pointing out that it doesn’t look like a particularly “cheap” model and instead feels robust and well-made. You’ll find all of its wash cycles listed on top of the door, which is a useful addition if you need to quickly check which mode to select. Choosing a cycle is as easy as using the controls on the front, plus there are buttons to run a half load and to turn off the automatic door opening system used to dry dishes at the end.
Limitations of Cheap Dishwashers
For the price, its features cannot be beat. This model has a full stainless steel tub (a hallmark of a quality dishwasher—most cheap models have plastic tubs). Its third and middle racks are height-adjustable. The middle and lower racks have collapsible and adjustable tines, which allow for easy loading. 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. (If you run your dishwasher multiple times a day, consider our top or upgrade picks.)
The WDTA50 does not have an interior light, and it is not Wi-Fi–enabled. It operates at a discreet 47 decibels, which is a bit louder than our other picks but quieter than a refrigerator. This model is not Energy Star–certified. The Whirlpool Corporation is known for its reliability and easily replaceable parts. This dishwasher has a one-year warranty for parts and labor and a 10-year warranty for its racks and stainless steel tub.
While there is a correlation between a dishwasher’s price and its overall quality, we’ve also tested a lot of expensive dishwashers that performed quite poorly despite a stylish appearance. In general, a higher price indicates one of four things: … For example, our current highest-rated dishwasher, the Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N was capable of cleaning over 99% of our test stains, has some useful features for accommodating almost any dish you need to wash, comes equipped with smart features, and has a robust build backed by an excellent warranty that covers certain parts for up to 5 years with a lifelong guarantee on its stainless steel interior. It costs over $1,000. Our pick for the best budget dishwasher, the Beko DUT25401X, had a cycle that was also capable of cleaning over 99% of our test stains, though it took longer to do so. While it does have an adjustable upper rack, it lacks foldable tines and smart features.
Conclusion
Cheap dishwashers have come a long way, offering impressive cleaning performance, decent features, and reliable build quality at a fraction of the cost of premium models. Brands like Beko, Whirlpool, and LG provide budget-friendly options that don’t skimp on essentials like stainless steel tubs or effective wash cycles. However, they may lack advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity or ultra-quiet operation, and their cycles can sometimes be longer or less energy-efficient. For most households, an affordable dishwasher can be a worthwhile investment, delivering clean dishes with minimal hassle while keeping costs down.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can cheap dishwashers clean as well as expensive ones?
Yes, many affordable dishwashers clean effectively, often matching the performance of pricier models on standard cycles. For example, models like the Beko DUT25401X have been tested to remove over 99% of stains, though they may take longer or lack advanced features like soil sensors.
2. Are cheap dishwashers noisy?
Budget dishwashers tend to be louder than premium models, often operating in the 47-52 decibel range, compared to high-end models that can dip below 40 decibels. However, many affordable options, like the GE model mentioned, are still quiet enough not to disrupt conversations.
3. Do cheap dishwashers save energy and water?
Some budget dishwashers are Energy Star-certified and use minimal water (as low as 3 gallons per cycle), but others, like the Whirlpool WDTA50, may not carry this certification, leading to higher running costs. Checking the energy rating is key when choosing an affordable model.
4. How long do cheap dishwashers last?
The lifespan of a budget dishwasher varies, but models from reliable brands like Bosch or Whirlpool often last 7-10 years with proper maintenance. Stainless steel tubs and robust warranties, as seen in the Bosch 100 Series, can enhance durability.
5. Are there any hidden costs with cheap dishwashers?
Potential hidden costs include higher energy or water usage for non-Energy Star models and the need for occasional repairs, especially if the warranty is limited. Choosing a model with a stainless steel tub and a good warranty can help minimize these costs.