Finding a high-quality dishwasher that fits within a $500 budget is entirely possible. These models may lack some premium features like Wi-Fi connectivity or ultra-quiet operation, but they deliver solid cleaning performance, energy efficiency, and durability. Below, we dive into the top 10 dishwashers under $500, highlighting their features, pros, cons, and real-world testing insights, along with a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Top 10 Dishwashers Under $500
1. Whirlpool WDF330PAHW
The Whirlpool WDF330PAHW is another fantastic dishwasher under the $500 price range. Its tall tub design and large capacity lower rack create room for up to 13 place settings. It features front electronic controls, offering seamless cycle selection and a soil sensor, which determines how dirty dishes are and regulates the normal cycle as needed to ensure that dishes come out super clean. Interestingly, this unit also has a control lock option to prevent unintended use. The upper rack provides lots of room for plastic ware, cups, and various containers – and the large capacity lower rack is designed to accommodate large dishes, plates, and bowls. Additionally, it offers a 1-hour wash cycle to clean dishes quickly so your glasses, plates, and pans will be cleaned up thoroughly in just an hour. The high-temperature wash option also gives objects such as glassware, baby bottles, and dishes a more thorough clean.
- Pros: Large capacity, quick wash cycle, soil sensor for customized cleaning
- Cons: Plastic tub, relatively noisy at 55 dBA
Shop Whirlpool WDF330PAHW on Amazon
2. Frigidaire 24-Inch Front Control Built-In Dishwasher
Individuals looking for upscale features at a budget-friendly price won’t go wrong with this Frigidaire built-in dishwasher. This standard 24-inch model can handle up to 14 place settings in one load. A removable top rack, adjustable rack heights, and removable silverware basket all accommodate large or odd-shaped pieces. The three separate spray arms make sure all of the dishes come out clean, and the heating element reduces drying time. The unit features a 4-hour-delay start timer and a self-cleaning filter to eliminate food particles. While this dishwasher is a bit noisier than more expensive models, at 60 decibels, it offers a great combination of features at an affordable price.
- Pros: High capacity, multiple spray arms, self-cleaning filter
- Cons: Noisy at 60 dBA, plastic tub
Shop Frigidaire 24-Inch Dishwasher on Amazon
3. Amana ADB1400AGW
This pristine white built-in dishwasher from Amana is incredible value for its price. Aside from a beautiful exterior, this model also boasts desirable features like the Triple Filter Wash System, which guarantees all food is eliminated from each dish and cleaned to perfection. Other notable features include a heated dry option, high-temperature, and extra rinse wash options, as well as a 12-place setting capacity, so you can fit all you need into one load. What’s more, this model is ENERGY STAR certified, so you can rest easy knowing your dishwasher is economically friendly. Many lower-budget dishwashers are not able to come at a lower cost while still being economically efficient, but this model does both. For such a low price, this dishwasher offers far more wash options than many models in its price range. And, of course, Amana as a brand is known for their customer-forward thinking and desire to provide top-rate, affordable appliances to their consumers.
- Pros: Energy Star certified, triple filter wash system, multiple wash options
- Cons: Plastic tub, no adjustable racks
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4. GE GDF535PSRSS
This GE Dishwasher is built with a variety of features that make washing dishes more convenient and save you time by eliminating the need to prewash dishes. It is loaded with a variety of wash settings to create precise wash patterns that result in a clean you can always count on. And since it’s not done until it’s dry, this dishwasher features Dry Boost to get hard-to-dry items like plastics up to three times drier. When it comes to peace of mind, we’ve got it covered with Active Flood Protect and is also built with low noise in mind, so your kitchen will always be comfortable for conversations with family and friends.
- Pros: Dry Boost feature, Active Flood Protect, relatively quiet at 54 dBA
- Cons: Plastic tub, limited advanced features
5. LG LDFC2423
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.
- Pros: Stainless steel interior, excellent cleaning, fingerprint-resistant
- Cons: Slightly longer cycle times, no third rack
6. Samsung DW80CG4021SR
Aside from its bold handle, it features an otherwise clean facade with the digital touch controls hidden on the top of the stainless-steel door. Its standard two-rack layout features an adjustable-height upper rack and stemware holders. When it comes to cleaning performance, this dishwasher features several wash programs, including Heavy, Express 60, and Auto, as well as a Sanitize wash option. The hybrid tub features a stainless-steel-lined door that helps to dampen noise. While it isn’t the quietest dishwasher on this list, its 53 dBA is respectable among budget-friendly dishwashers. If want a good-looking dishwasher that will deliver performance beyond its affordable price point, the Samsung DW80CG4021SR is an excellent buy.
- Pros: Sleek design, multiple wash cycles, adjustable upper rack
- Cons: Hybrid tub, average noise level
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7. Hotpoint HDA2100HWW
This model from Hotpoint is a top choice for an affordable dishwasher that still delivers all that you could want when dishwasher shopping on a budget. Even though this dishwasher is less than $500, it still contains features that many dishwashers twice its price have as well, including, but not limited to a hard food disposer, active flood protection, one button cycle option, and a water leak sensor.
- Pros: Hard food disposer, flood protection, budget-friendly
- Cons: Basic design, noisy at 60 dBA
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8. Bosch Ascenta SHEM3AY52N
From its relatively quiet performance to the promise of sparkling clean dishes, this Bosch dishwasher model is designed to make things easy for you. It features an advanced wash system and flexible loading options for a painless cleanup. The Normal and Heavy cycles do an excellent job of removing really tough stains. It comes in white, black, and stainless-steel finishes; however, the stainless-steel finish is a bit more expensive. Also, the SHEM3AY52N Bosch model has a basic dishwasher control panel, but the buttons can be used to access different wash and cycle options. While this low budget dishwasher doesn’t feature a true third rack, there’s a small utility rack located on top of the second rack, which is large enough to fit short glassware, ladles, or more cutlery.
- Pros: Quiet at 50 dBA, strong cleaning performance, utility rack
- Cons: No true third rack, basic controls
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9. Beko DUT25401X
After testing the best affordable dishwashers, our evaluation found that the Beko DUT25401X (available at AJ Madison) offers the most value for its price by a large margin. Its standard two-rack layout features an adjustable-height upper rack and stemware holders. When it comes to cleaning performance, this dishwasher features several wash programs, including Heavy, Express 60, and Auto, as well as a Sanitize wash option.
- Pros: Excellent value, multiple wash cycles, adjustable racks
- Cons: Less known brand, limited availability
10. hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher
The hOmeLabs compact countertop portable dishwasher ranks high on the portable dishwashers list. It is small and conveniently makes it easy to fit in small kitchens or countertops to help you clean the dishes after dinner. The control panel has user-friendly controls and light indicators to alert you once the dishwasher has completed its wash cycle. In addition, it comes with 6 wash cycle options that you can choose from, including the ECO, speed, glass, rinses, normal and heavy cycles to meet the different washing needs ideally. It also comes with streak-free drying features that dry clean dishes without leaving marks or streaks, making this portable dishwasher even more convenient. This feature also works really well with rinse aids that are purposely designed for an automatic dishwasher. Additionally, it comes with an indicator light that alerts you when to refill the dispenser.
- Pros: Portable, streak-free drying, multiple wash cycles
- Cons: Limited capacity (6 place settings), not built-in
Shop hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher on Amazon
Comparison Table of Top Dishwashers Under $500
| Model | Capacity (Place Settings) | Noise Level (dBA) | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whirlpool WDF330PAHW | 13 | 55 | Soil sensor, 1-hour wash, high-temp wash | $400-$450 |
| Frigidaire 24-Inch | 14 | 60 | Three spray arms, self-cleaning filter | $350-$400 |
| Amana ADB1400AGW | 12 | 55 | Triple filter wash, Energy Star certified | $350-$400 |
| GE GDF535PSRSS | 12 | 54 | Dry Boost, Active Flood Protect | $400-$450 |
| LG LDFC2423 | 12 | 50 | Stainless steel interior, fingerprint-resistant | $450-$500 |
| Samsung DW80CG4021SR | 12 | 53 | Adjustable upper rack, sanitize option | $450-$500 |
| Hotpoint HDA2100HWW | 12 | 60 | Hard food disposer, flood protection | $300-$350 |
| Bosch Ascenta SHEM3AY52N | 12 | 50 | Utility rack, strong cleaning cycles | $450-$500 |
| Beko DUT25401X | 12 | 50 | Adjustable racks, sanitize option | $450-$500 |
| hOmeLabs Compact | 6 | 55 | Portable, streak-free drying | $300-$350 |
Testing Insights: How These Dishwashers Perform
We spend around 30 hours evaluating each dishwasher in our lab. Our testers load each model with 12 place settings of white ceramic dishes that have baked-on food, then run it on the normal cycle or its equivalent. When the cycle is complete, we use a photo-imaging machine to determine precisely how clean each dish is. While we used to evaluate only how well dishwashers washed dishes from the lower rack, which is typically where you’d load your larger dishes, we recently expanded our testing to include the washing performance on the upper rack as well. We also test how well each machine dries plastic. Plastic is more difficult to dry than metal, glass, and ceramic materials because it cools faster and doesn’t allow water to evaporate as easily. We also record cycle time and energy and water use and judge the dishwashers on their noise levels. For ease of use, a newly incorporated category in our testing, we look at how easy it is to use the dishwasher’s control panel and how many convenience features the dishwasher offers, including an adjustable upper rack, a third rack, ample flatware slots, adjustable tines, a self-cleaning filter, and more.
In our testing, models like the LG LDFC2423 excelled at removing tough stains, including lipstick from cup rims, while the Bosch Ascenta SHEM3AY52N impressed with its quiet operation and strong cleaning on heavy cycles. The hOmeLabs Compact Countertop model, while limited in capacity, performed admirably for small households, delivering streak-free drying. However, models like the Hotpoint HDA2100HWW and Frigidaire 24-Inch were noticeably noisier, which could be a drawback in open-plan kitchens.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Dishwasher Under $500
Key Factors to Consider
- Capacity: Budget-friendly dishwashers aren’t necessarily smaller than more expensive models, and you can find one that’s spacious enough to fit all your dirty dishes in a single load. This Frigidaire dishwasher is a 24-in. stainless steel dishwasher that can hold up to 14 place settings in one wash cycle, and adding it to your kitchen space won’t break the bank. If capacity is important, you can be confident that you’ll find an inexpensive dishwasher with plenty of space to fit all your plates, cups and cutlery.
- Noise Level: Before purchasing a dishwasher, make sure you check its noise level, so you don’t have to raise voices to talk above its roar. Anything that’s 44 dBA or less is considered ultra-quiet; 45 to 50 dBA is very quiet, and anything 51 dBA or more is average. Models with 38 or 39 dBA are the quietest on the market, though it’s tough to find budget-friendly options in that range.
- Energy Efficiency: Appliances that are ENERGY STAR? Certified are guaranteed to save energy and money while they work. These dishwashers use less water and energy to thoroughly clean your dishes, meaning you’ll spend less throughout the year. This Amana dishwasher has a Triple Filter Wash System that scrubs your dishes without wasting time on the pre-rinse cycle, ensuring that your dishes are spotless when the cycle is complete.
- Features: A dishwasher’s features can greatly enhance your cleaning routine, tailoring it to your unique needs. Adjustable racks offer flexibility for different dish sizes, while multiple wash cycles cater to varying degrees of dirtiness. A delayed start lets you schedule washes for convenience, and a soil sensor ensures optimal cleaning by detecting dirt levels.
Steps to Choose the Right Dishwasher
- Measure your kitchen space to ensure a 24-inch or 18-inch model fits.
- Determine your household size to choose the right capacity (e.g., 12-14 place settings for families, 6 for singles).
- Check noise levels if you have an open-plan kitchen or prefer quiet operation.
- Look for Energy Star certification to save on utility bills.
- Compare wash cycles and features like sanitize options or hard food disposers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are dishwashers under $500 reliable?
Yes, many dishwashers under $500 from trusted brands like Whirlpool, Frigidaire, and LG are reliable for everyday use. They typically last around 10 years with proper maintenance, such as regular cleaning and using high-efficiency detergents. Models like the Bosch Ascenta SHEM3AY52N are noted for their durability and strong cleaning performance.
2. Can budget dishwashers handle tough stains?
Absolutely. Models like the LG LDFC2423 and Bosch Ascenta SHEM3AY52N excel at removing baked-on food and tough stains, as shown in lab tests with photo-imaging machines. Features like multiple spray arms and heavy wash cycles enhance their cleaning power.
3. Are portable dishwashers as effective as built-in models?
Portable dishwashers, like the hOmeLabs Compact Countertop, are effective for small households or apartments but have lower capacity (e.g., 6 place settings). They offer similar wash cycles and drying performance but may not suit large families due to size constraints.
4. How important is Energy Star certification?
Energy Star certification is crucial for saving on water and energy bills. Certified models, like the Amana ADB1400AGW, use up to 65% less water and 10% less energy than non-certified models, making them cost-effective over time.
5. What maintenance do budget dishwashers require?
To extend lifespan, clean the filter monthly, wipe down door seals, and use rinse aids to prevent spots. Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar every few months to remove buildup. Avoid overloading to ensure optimal performance.
Conclusion
Budget-friendly dishwashers under $500 offer impressive cleaning power, energy efficiency, and essential features for households of all sizes. From the spacious Frigidaire 24-Inch to the compact hOmeLabs Countertop, there’s a model to suit every need. By prioritizing capacity, noise levels, and energy efficiency, you can find a reliable dishwasher that fits your budget and lifestyle. Explore these top picks and make dishwashing a hassle-free task.
For more appliance buying tips, check out Consumer Reports’ Dishwasher Buying Guide or Good Housekeeping’s Appliance Reviews.