Say Goodbye to Grimy Dishes With the Best Cheap Dishwashers

Throwing in laundry at home is a major lifestyle upgrade over shlepping to the laundromat. The same holds true for doing dishes: You can’t beat the convenience of a dishwasher versus working through a sink full of dirty pots. And, just like budget-friendly washing machines, there are plenty of cheap dishwashers that cover all the essentials—namely, leaving your dishes sparkly clean. While they may have fewer bells and whistles, they’re just as effective as more expensive options, and most are Energy Star-certified to help save you money on electric.

There are even smart dishwashers, ultra-quiet options, and portable dishwashers on the market that are well under $1,000, so you can get just what you need no matter your budget.

For more kitchen appliances recommendations, check out the best stainless steel refrigerators, front-load washers, and smart ovens.

The Best Cheap Dishwashers

What to Consider

Price aside, shopping for a cheap dishwasher versus a more expensive model isn’t that different. The same basics apply, including type, size, capacity, and key features like the number of wash cycles and noise level. Here’s an overview of the most important considerations.

Type

Most of the cheap dishwashers we write about are standard built-in or integrated models. There are also portable and countertop dishwashers, and we include a few in our coverage, though keep in mind that they typically have fewer features and tend to be louder.

Size and Capacity

There are standard 24-inch-wide dishwashers and more compact, or “half-size,” 18-inch models. You’ll see the number of place settings that fit inside listed in specs, but that isn’t the best or the most reliable metric since dinner dishes are rarely so uniform. That metric may be deceiving, too, since a traditional five-piece place setting includes a teacup and saucer. Instead, measure the height of your biggest dishes and check whether the racks move to make more space for tall items.

Noise Level

Noise is measured in decibels, or dBA, and a dishwasher’s noise level is almost always included in the specs on a retailer’s website. 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.

Features

A third rack is handy for small items that tend to slip out of a silverware basket, like straws and travel mug lids, and stainless steel tubs are preferable to plastic for durability. Most cheap dishwashers are Energy Star-certified and use 3.5 gallons of water or less during a normal cycle, and typically feature an average of four to six wash cycles.

In terms of smart features, there are Wi-Fi-enabled models and others with optional Wi-Fi connectivity. Some models offer a self-cleaning filter, though we still recommend cleaning your dishwasher at least twice a year.

How We Selected

We only recommend cheap dishwashers from major appliance brands we’ve grown to trust, such as GE, Frigidaire, Bosch, and Samsung, and aimed to include models with the most attractive features and the lowest price points.

We considered the most popular models from these brands and compared specs, including the number of cycles, tub material, noise level, and Energy Star certification, as well as convenient extras like third racks and removable silverware baskets.