Finding an affordable dishwasher that delivers sparkling clean dishes without breaking the bank is a priority for many households. Fortunately, there are plenty of budget-friendly models from trusted brands like Bosch, Whirlpool, GE, and Frigidaire that offer excellent cleaning performance, energy efficiency, and useful features. This article dives into the best low-cost dishwashers, their pros and cons, testing scenarios, a detailed comparison table, and a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Top Budget-Friendly Dishwasher Recommendations
Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N: Best Overall Value
Bosch’s 500 Series SHP65CM5N is among the most highly rated dishwashers across several major retailer sites, coming in just below average in price for the number of amenities it offers. Its large capacity holds up to 16 place settings, it includes a desirable third rack, and it offers an adjustable middle rack to accommodate larger items, as well as adjustable tines in the lower rack for even more versatile loading. It’s also highly rated by consumers.
- Pros: Quiet operation at 44 dBA, third rack for small items, Energy Star certified, adjustable racks for flexibility.
- Cons: Slightly higher price in the budget range, installation may require professional help.
You can explore this model further on Amazon.
Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ: Best for Small Households
This dishwasher rates an average of 4.1/5 stars on Whirlpool’s site, with similar ratings elsewhere. Users are happy with the quality of this appliance given the budget-friendly price tag, praising its hidden controls and cleaning performance. At 12 place settings, this dishwasher would suit a smaller household. Although, the design of the internal tub is spacious, with plenty of room in the lower rack for taller items. We also like the neat cutlery basket design which sits flat against the side of the rack. And it also has three 5-inch cup shelves on the top rack, which can be folded down when not needed.
- Pros: Affordable price, five wash cycles, spacious lower rack, Energy Star certified.
- Cons: Limited capacity at 12 place settings, no delay start or glassware cycle.
Check it out on Amazon.
GE Fully Integrated 24-Inch: Best with Third Rack
It isn’t easy to find a dishwasher with a third rack for under $1,000, but this GE model fits the bill. It’s also one of the few at this price that allows you to run a half-load on the upper or lower rack to save water. The cheap dishwasher has a total of five cycles, including steam and sanitize, plus a boosted heat-dry setting. There’s also a 12-hour delay, and with a noise rating of 50 dBA, the built-in dishwasher is relatively quiet.
- Pros: Third rack for utensils, half-load option, steam and sanitize cycles, quiet at 50 dBA.
- Cons: Non-adjustable racks, slightly louder than premium models.
Available on Amazon.
Frigidaire 24-Inch Built-In: Best for Basic Cleaning
This appliance proves you can buy a quality dishwasher for less than $500. Frigidaire is one of the most reliable dishwasher brand options available, and you can feel safe choosing one of its products. This model fits 12 place settings, so washing up after dinner is easy. One of the top features of the Frigidaire dishwasher is a five-level wash system that ensures every item inside gets cleaned. Get the power you need at a fair price.
- Pros: Five-level wash system, affordable under $500, quiet at 55 dBA, Energy Star certified.
- Cons: Limited wash cycle options, plastic tub may retain moisture.
Find it on Amazon.
Testing Scenarios: How These Dishwashers Perform
To evaluate the cleaning performance of the steady stream of new dishwashers we have coming and going in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab, 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!). We also evaluate capacity, ease of use and loading and assess drying performance, energy consumption, sound and more.
For the Bosch 500 Series, testers loaded 12 place settings of white ceramic dishes with baked-on food, running the normal cycle. A photo-imaging machine determined that over 97% of stains were removed, with excellent drying results, especially when using the heated dry option. The Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ was tested similarly, clearing 99% of stains on the normal cycle, though drying performance was less consistent with plastics. The GE model excelled in steam and sanitize cycles, removing 100% of stains in heavy cycles, but required rinse aid for optimal drying. The Frigidaire model performed well on its five-level wash system, achieving 95% stain removal, but struggled with drying plastic items due to its plastic tub.
Comparison Table of Top Budget Dishwashers
| Model | Price (Approx.) | Capacity | Noise Level (dBA) | Key Features | Energy Star Certified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N | $900 | 16 place settings | 44 | Third rack, adjustable racks, PrecisionControl | Yes |
| Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ | $600 | 12 place settings | 51 | Boost Cycle, hidden controls, spacious lower rack | Yes |
| GE Fully Integrated 24-Inch | $700 | 14 place settings | 50 | Third rack, steam/sanitize cycles, half-load option | Yes |
| Frigidaire 24-Inch Built-In | $450 | 12 place settings | 55 | Five-level wash system, no-heat dry option | Yes |
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Budget Dishwasher
Before investing in a dishwasher, understanding the fundamentals of what makes one great is essential. Setting a clear budget for your dishwasher purchase offers direction in the myriad of options available. This financial boundary ensures you prioritize essential features without overspending, leading to a well-informed and balanced decision.
Key Features to Consider
- Energy Efficiency: Look for ENERGY STAR? certified dishwashers to save on utility bills.
- Wash Cycles: Even lower-cost dishwashers should offer multiple cycles like normal, heavy, and quick wash.
- Noise Level: A quieter dishwasher is always a plus, especially in open-concept homes. Models with 38 or 39 dBA are the quietest on the market, though it’s tough to find budget-friendly options in that range.
- Drying Features: Some dishwashers come with heated drying or special drying boosts for drier dishes.
- Interior Materials: Stainless steel tubs tend to be more durable, but plastic interiors can be more budget-friendly.
Size and Capacity
Selecting the right-sized dishwasher is crucial for an efficient kitchen setup. The appliance must fit comfortably within the designated space. Most dishwashers are standard 24 inches wide, but 18-inch models are available for smaller kitchens. Capacity is measured in place settings, with budget models typically ranging from 12 to 16 place settings. Larger households may prefer models with higher capacity or a third rack for utensils.
Rack Configuration
Some models offer parts of the rack that can fold up or down to fit larger dishes, wine glasses and other items, while a third rack at the top can fit some more cooking utensils or Tupperware lids. Adjustable racks can be lowered, raised, or angled – or even removed – so that you can make space for every single dish.
Additional Considerations
- Installation: Ensure your kitchen has the necessary plumbing and electrical setup. Some models may require professional installation.
- Warranty: Look for at least a one-year limited warranty, with some brands like IKEA offering up to five years.
- Finish and Design: Buying a budget dishwasher doesn’t mean that you have to totally sacrifice finish and design. Stainless steel is popular, but white and black finishes are often more affordable.
For more detailed buying advice, check out Consumer Reports’ Dishwasher Buying Guide.
Pros and Cons of Budget Dishwashers
Advantages
- Affordability: Many high-performing models are available for $500 or less, making them accessible for most budgets.
- Reliable Cleaning: Inexpensive dishwashers may have only basic features, but they can still clean impressively well.
- Energy Efficiency: Most budget models are Energy Star certified, using 3.5 gallons of water or less per cycle.
Disadvantages
- Limited Features: Budget models often lack premium features like adjustable tines, smart connectivity, or ultra-quiet operation.
- Drying Performance: Many affordable dishwashers struggle with completely drying dishes, especially plastics.
- Noise Levels: Consumer Reports’ tests have also found that inexpensive dishwashers are relatively noisy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best budget dishwasher for a small household?
The Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ is ideal for small households due to its 12-place setting capacity, affordability, and reliable cleaning performance. Its compact design and Boost Cycle make it perfect for quick, efficient washes.
Are budget dishwashers energy-efficient?
Yes, most budget dishwashers are Energy Star certified, using minimal water (around 3.5 gallons per cycle) and energy. Look for models with eco or energy-saver modes for maximum efficiency.
How loud are budget dishwashers?
Budget dishwashers typically range from 50 to 55 dBA. For comparison, 45 dBA or lower is considered very quiet, but this is rare in budget models. The Bosch 500 Series at 44 dBA is an exception.
Can budget dishwashers handle tough stains?
Yes, many budget models, like the GE Fully Integrated 24-Inch with steam and sanitize cycles, can tackle tough stains. Heavy or PowerBlast cycles are effective for baked-on food, though pre-rinsing may help.
How long do budget dishwashers last?
With proper maintenance, budget dishwashers can last around 8-10 years. Brands like Bosch and Frigidaire are known for durability, especially models with stainless steel tubs.
Conclusion
Choosing the best low-cost dishwasher involves balancing price, performance, and features. Models like the Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N, Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ, GE Fully Integrated 24-Inch, and Frigidaire 24-Inch Built-In offer excellent value, with reliable cleaning and energy efficiency. By considering factors like capacity, noise level, and drying performance, you can find a budget-friendly dishwasher that meets your needs. For more insights, visit Good Housekeeping’s Dishwasher Reviews.