Finding a reliable dishwasher under $200 can be a game-changer for small apartments, RVs, or budget-conscious households. These compact, portable countertop models save time and effort without breaking the bank.
Why Choose a Countertop Dishwasher Under $200?
In 2020, you can manage a cheap portable dishwasher under $200. They are not only cheap but also effective. Besides, they come with the necessary features. Compact size that is ideal for an apartment or RV. Simple to use control panel with a detail user manual. Delays start conveniences two, four, six or eight hours. Electronic controls panel with LED display. Water supply warning indicator and rinse aid warning indicator for best user experience.
Top Recommended Dishwashers Under $200
1. hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher
This hOmeLabs countertop dishwasher comes with stainless steel interior. You get this unit in a compact size. So, it fits easily on any countertop. You can put dishes on dish basket and spoon, knives and forks on cutlery section. Don’t worry about your mugs and glasses. In this machine, you also get a special place for them. Place your dirty dishes, bowls, and cutlery in a specific place and let your washer to do the rest. For different types of dishes, this dishwasher featured with 6 different wash cycles. You can use heavy, normal, ECO, glass, speed, and rinse according to the needs. Besides, a delay option is included in this machine. Simply press the delay switch to pause a cycle. Apart from that, it uses 1.14 to 3.10 gallons of water per load. Unlike other dishwashers, you don’t need to connect hot water hook-up with it. Because this unit has a built-in water heater. You get both male/female thread connector with the dishwasher when you buy. A compatible faucet adapter and an inlet hose are also included. So, you have no tension with the water connection. Apart from that, a rinse aid dispenser helps your dish and cutlery to dry without any watermarks.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight, ideal for small spaces
- Six wash cycles for versatile cleaning
- Built-in water heater eliminates need for hot water hookup
- Includes faucet adapter and inlet hose
Cons:
- Limited capacity (4-6 place settings)
- Some users report uneven cleaning in corners
2. EdgeStar DWP62SV Countertop Dishwasher
EdgeStar DWP62SV is a hot selling dishwasher in Amazon. It has made dishwashing more relaxing. You can set all usual sizes of plates. This EdgeStar portable dishwasher can hold plates of 10.5 diameters. This dishwasher operates comparatively in quiet than most other machines in the market. It is in a compact size and lightweight design. So, you can set this unit on a countertop. Apart from that, this machine comes with a universal adapter that ensures quick and easy connection to most kitchen faucets. Furthermore, it is a preinstalled dishwasher. That means, no plumbing, no extra cost.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Pros:
- Quiet operation compared to competitors
- Universal faucet adapter for easy setup
- Accommodates plates up to 10.5 inches
Cons:
- Smaller capacity limits load size
- Some users note slow cycle times
3. SPT SD-2225DW Countertop Dishwasher
SPT SD-2225DW is a trending countertop dishwasher. There are 6 wash cycles which include Heavy, Normal, Eco, Glass, Speed and Rinse. A convenient and small dishwasher certified with Energy Star. Simple to use control panel with LED display. Easily fits on a tabletop and need less space. Rinse aid dispenser helps articles to dry without leaving marks.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Pros:
- Energy Star certified for efficiency
- Six wash cycles for flexibility
- Compact design fits small spaces
Cons:
- May struggle with heavily soiled dishes
- Some complaints about water spray missing corners
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Dishwasher Under $200
Unless you’re in the market for a countertop or portable dishwasher, your options are limited to standard 24-inch or compact 18-inch models. Measure the width of your space before buying. PRICE For some, price is the number-one concern; for others, it’s not even a factor. Before you go any further, decide where you fall on that spectrum and figure out how much you want to spend. Make sure your price range isn’t so narrow that it unduly limits your options with regard to dish capacity or efficiency. But be aware that, regardless of your budget, you can expect to spend at least $600 for a good dishwasher. Extremely cheap dishwashers—those at or under the $300 price point—usually lack sensors and internal water heaters, and should generally be avoided.
Key Considerations:
- Size and Capacity: Countertop models typically handle 4-6 place settings, ideal for 1-2 people. Ensure it fits your counter space (most are 22-24 inches wide).
- Wash Cycles: Look for multiple cycles (e.g., Heavy, Normal, Eco) for versatility.
- Water and Energy Use: Energy Star certification ensures lower utility costs. A single cycle uses about 1.5 kWh and $0.17 on average.
- Ease of Installation: Models with universal faucet adapters simplify setup without plumbing.
- Noise Level: Lower decibel ratings (around 50-60 dBA) are quieter but rare in this price range.
Comparison Table: Top Dishwashers Under $200
| Model | Capacity | Wash Cycles | Water Usage | Energy Star | Noise Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| hOmeLabs Compact | 4-6 place settings | 6 (Heavy, Normal, Eco, Glass, Speed, Rinse) | 1.14-3.10 gallons | Yes | Not specified |
| EdgeStar DWP62SV | 6 place settings | 6 | Not specified | Yes | Quiet (not specified) |
| SPT SD-2225DW | 6 place settings | 6 (Heavy, Normal, Eco, Glass, Speed, Rinse) | Not specified | Yes | Not specified |
In-Depth Analysis and User Experiences
Countertop dishwashers under $200 are designed for convenience, but they come with trade-offs. Users praise their portability and ease of use, especially for apartments or camping, as noted in Reddit discussions: “Bosch makes countertop dishwasher. Have a buddy who uses them for camping. They’re great. Make sure to not overdose on detergent; portable dishwashers require very little detergent.” However, a common complaint is uneven cleaning, particularly in corners, due to centralized water sprays: “I’ve purchased 2 in the past from Amazon, but noticed they don’t wash dishes in the corners of the appliance. The water sprays from the center so everything on the edge comes out still dirty.”
Compared to full-size dishwashers, these models lack advanced sensors and heated drying, which can leave dishes wet or spotty. For better drying, opt for models with rinse aid dispensers, like the hOmeLabs or SPT. Energy efficiency is a plus, with most models using 1-3 gallons per cycle, saving water compared to handwashing (about 4% of domestic water use in England and Wales, per BBC Good Food).
Durability is a concern. Unlike older models like the GE Potscrubber 940, which “are built like tanks,” modern budget dishwashers may only last 3-5 years, especially with frequent use. For longevity, avoid overloading and use minimal detergent, as excess can clog filters.Recommended reading:cheapest dishwasher
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a dishwasher under $200 clean effectively?
Yes, but performance varies. Models like the hOmeLabs and EdgeStar handle light to moderate messes well, but heavily soiled dishes may require pre-rinsing. Multiple wash cycles help tackle different soil levels.
2. Do I need plumbing for a countertop dishwasher?
No, most models connect to a kitchen faucet with included adapters, making them ideal for renters or temporary setups.
3. How many dishes can these dishwashers hold?
Typically, 4-6 place settings, enough for 1-2 people. They can fit plates up to 10.5 inches, mugs, and cutlery, but large pots may not fit.
4. Are they energy-efficient?
Most are Energy Star certified, using about 1.5 kWh and 1-3 gallons of water per cycle, costing roughly $0.17 per load.
5. How long do these dishwashers last?
With proper care, expect 3-5 years. Regular maintenance, like cleaning filters and avoiding detergent overuse, extends lifespan.
Conclusion
Countertop dishwashers under $200, like the hOmeLabs, EdgeStar DWP62SV, and SPT SD-2225DW, offer affordable, space-saving solutions for small households. While they excel in portability and ease of use, limitations like small capacity and uneven cleaning require realistic expectations. By prioritizing Energy Star certification, multiple wash cycles, and easy setup, you can find a model that fits your needs. For more appliance insights, check out Consumer Reports or Good Housekeeping.