You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get a quality dishwasher. Whether you live in a small home, or have a big family, there are lots of options on the market to make your dishwashing routine easier.
In our list of the 15 best affordable dishwashers, you’ll find a huge range of options. This includes energy-efficient, extra spacious, countertop-friendly, stainless steel dishwashers, and much more!
- Panel-ready
- Has self-cleaning filter
- Lots of unique cycles
- Compact & portable
- 7 washing cycles plus drying cycle
- Comes with child lock
- Smart wash cycle
- Three adjustable racks
- Has water filtration system
- Voice & phone control
- Has multi-motion spray arms
- Troubleshooting via phone app
- Spacious interior
- Energy-efficient
- Four cycle options
- Six cycle options
- Convenient time delay
- LED time display
- Linear spray arm for even cleaning
- Whisper-quiet
- Has extra utensil basket
- Six cycle options
- Easy to install
- Stainless steel interior
- Includes adjustable racks
- Customizable cycle options
- Durable construction
- Steam pre-wash cycle
- Dry boost function
- Has hard food disposer
Product Reviews
We’ve put hours of research into creating our list of the 15 best affordable dishwashers. Taking time to look into expert advice, real customer reviews and studying each dishwasher, we’re confident that you’ll find a dishwasher that sparks joy!
1. Bosch 100 Series 24
Best Affordable Dishwasher With Self-Cleaning Filter
Cleaning a filter can be pretty yucky. If that’s your worst nightmare, you can always opt for a self-cleaning filter on your dishwasher. They work a little bit like a garbage disposal, in which a grinder will dice up food particles so they can easily wash away. Less (maybe even zero) maintenance so you have time for the more important things in life.
This dishwasher has a stainless steel and plastic blend tub which can withstand heavy loads and high temperatures. Efficiency is one of the main features of this dishwasher, ensuring sparkling clean dishes every single time. Whether you’re washing big pots and pans, or random utensils, this dishwasher gets the job done.
Finally — you have options with this dishwasher. With lots of unique cycles, choose the one that works best for your load. You have the option of a half load, delicate, normal, auto heavy, rinse wash, a sanitary cycle, extra dry, speed wash or steam cleaning.
Pros
- Panel-ready so you can customize the exterior.
- Self-cleaning filter which grinds up food particles.
- Lots of unique cycles.
- Efficient and deep cleans every time.
Cons
- No light wash option.
- Awkwardly designed dish racks.
Product Specs
Type | Front panel — fully integrated |
Capacity | 14 place settings |
Features | Self-cleaning filter, panel ready |
Warranty | One year |
Energy Rating | Energy Star and CEE certified (around $35 per year) |
2. Farberware Professional Portable Countertop Dishwasher
Best Affordable Portable Dishwasher
This portable dishwasher is perfect if you’re on the go a lot. If you’re living in a van or RV, this is a must-have. It’s also great for small spaces, if you don’t have room for a built-in dishwasher, as well as dorm rooms. Less time washing dishes, more time to study!
It’s quick and easy to install, so if you are picking up and moving your stuff, you can easily transport this with you. There is a quick-connect assembly pack with everything you need to connect it directly to your faucet.
While it is compact, it still has lots of space inside. There is room for six-place settings for dishes up to 10 inches in diameter. There’s a fold-down rack for mugs and cups, as well as a cutlery basket for your silverware.
With seven different washing programmes, you can switch it up depending on what you’re cleaning. This includes a heavy, normal, baby care, light, glass, speed and self-cleaning cycle!
Pros
- Compact and portable.
- Spacious inside.
- Seven washing cycles, plus a drying cycle.
- Child lock.
Cons
- Some items turn over easily and fill up with water.
- Many customers had issues with the pump and draining ability.
Product Specs
Type | Countertop portable |
Capacity | Six place settings |
Features | Seven wash cycles, plus a dry cycle |
Warranty | One year limited |
Energy Rating | Energy Star rated (around $60 per year) |
3. Insignia Dishwasher With Recessed Handle
Best Affordable Dishwasher for Big Families
This 16 place setting capacity dishwasher is the perfect size for big families. It can hold everything from dinner time, plus breakfast and lunch (depending on the size of your family).
It also has a third rack, which utilizes space at the top of the dishwasher. This rack is perfect for laying items flat such as whisks, knives, large spoons and other things. No matter how many people are in the family, this dishwasher has space for their dishes!
With lots of people in the family, cleaning up after dinner can be a bit chaotic. But this dishwasher makes it easier. The adjustable racks can be lowered, raised or angled — or even removed — so that you can make space for every single dish. This flexible loading is a life-saver!
As for washing, there are five main cycles. We love the idea of the smart wash cycle which detects soil levels and cycle size and adjusts accordingly. Sparkling clean dishes. Every time.
Pros
- Smart wash cycle.
- Three racks, all adjustable.
- Water filtration system.
- Sanitize option.
Cons
- Not fingerprint-resistant.
- Recessed handle can get dirty quickly — and it’s harder to clean.
Product Specs
Type | Top panel |
Capacity | 16 place settings |
Features | Smart wash cycle, third rack, water filtration |
Warranty | One year |
Energy Rating | Energy Star (around $33 per year) |
4. LG Smart Wifi-Enabled Dishwasher
Best Affordable Smart Dishwasher
A smart dishwasher is the closest thing you’ll get to a robot doing the dishes. If you want a Wi-Fi enabled dishwasher at a good price, we recommend this LG model.
What is a smart dishwasher? With the LG model, you can control the appliance with your voice or your phone. You can even do it when you’re at work!
The app also tells you specifically how much time is left on your cycle. So you can plan exactly when to empty the dishwasher to prepare for the next meal. The app will also alert you when the cycle is complete.
That’s not all to love about this dishwasher. It also has a unique QuadWash arm. The multi-motion spray arms can move in both directions. They also swivel to provide maximum coverage so your dishes come out spotless every time.
Pros
- You can control it with your voice or phone.
- QuadWash arm for spotless cleaning.
- Third rack for extra items.
- You can troubleshoot issues from the app.
Cons
- It doesn’t dry the dishes well.
- Not fingerprint-resistant.
Product Specs
Type | Top panel |
Capacity | 15 place settings |
Features | Wi-Fi enabled, QuadWash arm |
Warranty | One Year General, Five Years Control Board and Rack Parts, 10 Years Direct Drive Motor, Lifetime Stainless Steel Door Liner or Tub |
Energy Rating | Energy Star and CEE certified (around $34 per year) |
5. Whirlpool Tall Tub Built-In Dishwasher
Best Affordable Energy-Efficient Dishwasher
For some, energy efficiency is of utmost importance. Check out the Whirlpool Tall Tub dishwasher. This Whirlpool Dishwasher It has an Energy STAR certificate, is CEE Tier 1 qualified and runs at only $31 per year, according to standard energy prices and usage.
So if you want to cut the cost of running, this is the dishwasher to consider. Of course, it has great cleaning features, too. Firstly, it’s a spacious option. There are 14 place settings, an adjustable silverware basket and it’s a tall tub washer.
As for the cycles, there are four main options: normal, heavy, one hour wash and Soak & Clean. So whether you want the dishwasher to take its time on a heavy wash, or go at ultra-speed with the one hour wash, the world is at your disposal.
You can also choose from these options: heated dry, high temperature, sanitization cycle and sensor wash.
Pros
- Spacious.
- Energy-efficient.
- Four cycle options.
- Child lock.
Cons
- It doesn’t dry the dishes well.
- Not the quietest — 55 decibels.
Product Specs
Type | Front panel |
Capacity | 14 place settings |
Features | Sanitization cycle |
Warranty | One year limited |
Energy Rating | Energy Star and CEE certified (around $31 per year) |
6. SPT Compact Countertop Dishwasher
Best Affordable Dishwasher for Small Kitchens
Small kitchen? No problem. Hand washing dishes can take time (and be a sore spot for couples!) so why not get a countertop dishwasher, such as the SPT compact option?
This single rack dishwasher has space for six table settings. So whether there are two people and you want to wash an entire day of dishes, or you’re cleaning up after a dinner party, this is a good shout.
Once you’ve loaded the dishwasher, you can choose between six wash cycles: heavy, normal, ECO, glass, speed or rinse. You can even delay the start time by two, four, six or eight hours for your convenience. No more beeping noises in the middle of the night. Set it to be done when you wake up!
Finally, you can easily hook this up wherever you are. The installation is quick and straightforward.
Pros
- Six cycle options.
- Delay timer for convenience.
- LED display for remaining time.
- Easy to install.
Cons
- Too short for some standard size plates.
- Does not dry the dishes.
Product Specs
Type | Countertop |
Capacity | Six place settings |
Features | Six cycle options |
Warranty | One year |
Energy Rating | Energy Star certified (yearly cost not specified) |
7. Samsung Linear Wash Stainless Steel
Best Affordable Quiet Dishwasher
Whisper-quiet operation is a common factor to forgo when you choose an inexpensive dishwasher. But for many families, especially in homes where the bedrooms are near the kitchen, it’s important to have a quiet dishwasher.
The Samsung Linear Wash operates at 42 decibels, so it’s very quiet. You definitely won’t be able to notice it from another room.
This dishwasher has a first-of-its-kind WaterWall feature. The sliding spray bar moves back and forth to give deep and even cleaning results during the cycle.
We also love that this dishwasher has an AutoRelease door which opens automatically to aid the drying cycle.
And don’t forget about the Zone Booster function which targets areas of the dishwasher with custom settings. So if you have delicate glasses or heavily soiled pots, the Zone Booster focuses more on these areas to ensure a deep clean.
Pros
- Linear spray arm for even cleaning.
- Whisper quiet.
- Door opens at the end of the cycle to aid with drying.
- Extra utensil basket.
Cons
- It’s a bit confusing if you’re not technical. Lots of options.
- Long cycles.
Product Specs
Type | Top panel |
Capacity | 15 place settings |
Features | WaterWall arm, Zone Booster, AutoRelease door |
Warranty | Five years for circuit board and racks; lifetime for door and tub; one year for everything else |
Energy Rating | Energy Star certified (around $29 per year) |
8. Danby Countertop Dishwasher
Best Affordable Countertop Dishwasher
If you’re looking for a countertop dishwasher, this is a popular choice! It’s 21.65 by 19.69 by 17.24 inches so it should fit on most countertops. Just make sure you have the room before buying.
It’s a great option for people living in dorm rooms, small apartments or travelling in an RV!
This dishwasher has six different cycles: intensive, normal, economy, rapid, glass and soak. So no matter what you’re washing — this can handle it! You can also choose when your dishwasher starts. Use the delay timer function to start the cycle at a time that suits your schedule.
Capacity wise, this dishwasher has space for six table settings. So it’s good for one to two people and their daily dishes, or an evening meal with the family.
Pros
- Six cycle options.
- Delay timer.
- Easy to install.
- Stainless steel interior.
Cons
- Difficult to load dishes because of the rack layout.
- Normal and intensive cycles run on for quite long.
Product Specs
Type | Countertop |
Capacity | Six place settings |
Features | Portable, six cycles, delay option |
Warranty | One year |
Energy Rating | No certificate (around $18 per year) |
9. Samsung Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
Best Affordable Top Control Dishwasher
Top control dishwashers are great for a sleeker look, hiding buttons from curious fingers, and they have nicer handle options. If you’re in the market for a top control built-in dishwasher, check out this dishwasher from Samsung.
The digital controls are easy to use and select. As for the cycle options the four main ones are: auto, normal, heavy and express 60. You can customize these by adding a high-temperature wash, a sanitization cycle, delay start or a heated dry cycle.
When it comes to loading the dishwasher, the racks are adjustable. So you can lower, raise or remove them to fit in your specific dishes. There is space for 14 place settings, making cleanup after dinner parties super easy.
Pros
- Adjustable racks.
- Durable.
- Customizable cycle options.
- Spacious.
Cons
- The drying cycle isn’t super effective.
- Issue with the electrics. Lights may blink continuously.
Product Specs
Type | Top panel |
Capacity | 14 place settings |
Features | Adjustable racks, express cycle |
Warranty | One year |
Energy Rating | Energy Star and CEE certified (around $34 per year) |
10. GE Front Control Built-In Dishwasher
Best Affordable Dishwasher for Hard Water
Good news. All our budget dishwasher recommendations are suitable for hard water, so long as you add a rinse aid. However, this one is extra special because it has a steam pre-wash cycle to help with hard water spots and mineral deposits.
This cycle loosens stubborn and tough dirt from the cycle before starting. This helps with hard water spots on the inside of the machine and it washes away mineral deposits built up on the racks. Plus, it helps clean the dishes. It removes food and burnt bits so you don’t need to soak or pre-rinse dishes. At all.
We also love the Dry Boost function on this dishwasher that ensures your dishes are three times drier than standard drying cycles.
Pros
- Steam pre-wash cycle to help with hard water and stubborn food.
- Dry Boost function.
- Dedicated silverware jets.
- Hard food disposer.
Cons
- Not the most quiet — 54 decibels.
- Many customers say it doesn’t clean dishes as well as some other brands.
Product Specs
Type | Front panel |
Capacity | 16 place settings |
Features | Steam pre-wash, hard food disposer, dry boost |
Warranty | One year |
Energy Rating | Energy Star and CEE certified (around $35 per year) |
11. Samsung-StormWash™
Best Affordable Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Stainless steel dishwashers are durable, easy to clean and they can handle higher temperatures. The Samsung StormWash dishwasher has a stainless steel tub and a black stainless steel finish. The finish is sleek and fingerprint resistant, making this a statement piece in the kitchen.
Besides being stainless steel, it has other incredible features. Firstly, it gets its name, StormWash, from the fierce washing power. Forget pre washing your dishes. This heavy-duty cycle can clean the dirtiest of dishes, silverware, and pots and pans.
We love that the door automatically opens at the end of the cycle to help with drying dishes faster. This circulates the air to speed up the process.
You’ll also find the digital leak sensor is super handy. In case there is even the smallest of leaks, the appliance turns off immediately to prevent water damage to your floors.
Pros
- Stainless steel tub and exterior.
- StormWash cycle for heavy-duty cleaning.
- Door automatically opens to help with drying.
- Flexible racks to make space for everything.
Cons
- The normal cycles don’t do as near a good job as StormWash.
- Tricky to find the dishwasher detergent that works best.
Product Specs
Type | Top panel |
Capacity | 15 place settings |
Features | StormWash cycle, automatic door, and leak sensor |
Warranty | One year |
Energy Rating | Energy Star certified (around $32 per year) |
12. Amana - 24 Inch Built-In Dishwasher
Best Affordable Front Control Dishwasher
Many people prefer front control dishwashers so they can see the cycle options and how long is left on each cycle. If that sounds like you — check out the Amana dishwasher.
This dishwasher has a very user-friendly control panel, too. If you’re not super tech-savvy, this is a pretty classic aesthetic. It only has three cycles to choose from: one hour wash, heavy and normal. For most people, that’s all they’d ever need. You can customize these cycles by adding in a heated dry or high-temperature wash when needed.
Keep in mind there is no sanitization cycle. So if you have young kids, you may want to think about a different option.
Last but not least, this dishwasher has a triple-filter wash system for sparkling clean and hygienic results. So, all 12 place settings can clean efficiently and effectively.
Pros
- Easy to learn all the settings.
- Sensor wash option.
- 12 place settings.
- Triple filter wash system.
Cons
- No sanitization cycle.
- Doesn’t dry dishes well.
Product Specs
Type | Front panel |
Capacity | 12 place settings |
Features | Triple filter wash and sensor wash |
Warranty | One year |
Energy Rating | Energy Star certified (around $32 per year) |
13. GE Built-In Dishwasher Black
Best Affordable Built-In Dishwasher
This GE built-in dishwasher will fit perfectly into your kitchen. While it may look best in more modern, black and white kitchens, there is also a white option if you prefer!
This dishwasher has a front control panel so you can easily adjust your settings accordingly. It has turn-to-start controls which are big and easy to read. Of course, if you have curious kids and pets, you’ll need to keep them away from this one.
As for space, this one has room for 12 place settings which is quite spacious. Once you’ve loaded in all the dishes, you can choose between five washing cycles: heavy, light, normal, plate warming and rinse only. This gives you versatility and flexibility.
We also love that this dishwasher has a hard-food disposer that chops up food particles so they can easily wash away.
Pro Tip
Pros
- Hard food disposer included.
- Extra filtration for clean water.
- Short wash option for when you’re in a hurry.
- Five cycles.
Cons
- 64 decibels — not the quietest.
- Oddly shaped top rack. Not a lot of room for flexibility.
Product Specs
Type | Front panel |
Capacity | 12 place settings |
Features | Hard-food dispenser and extra filtration |
Warranty | One year limited |
Energy Rating | Energy Star certified (around $33 per year) |
14. Thermador Built-In Custom Panel
Best Affordable Integrated Dishwasher
When your dishwasher matches the rest of your kitchen decor, it just looks lovely. With the Thermador dishwasher, you can make sure that the dishwasher’s exterior matches the rest of your kitchen cabinets. While this is often quite an expensive choice, this is a super affordable option.
Besides its fully integrated design, this dishwasher also has some other fun features. When it’s operating, it shines a blue power light onto the floor to let you know it’s on. The tall sprinkler inside ensures that the items on the bottom rack get cleaned super well. Plus, there’s a PowerBoost option for increasing the water pressure and temperature if you need a deeper clean for extra dirty dishes.
As for capacity, this dishwasher is on the larger side with space for up to 15 place settings. You’ll never run out space in your dishwasher again!
Pros
- Custom panel option.
- 24-hour delay start option.
- 15 place setting capacity.
- Extra dry option sanitizes 99.9 percent of bacteria.
Cons
- 48 decibels — so not extremely quiet.
- Custom panel and handle not included in price.
Product Specs
Type | Fully integrated |
Capacity | 15 place settings |
Features | Four cycles and extra dry option |
Warranty | Two years |
Energy Rating | Energy Star and CEE certified (around $30 per year) |
15. Hotpoint Bisque Dishwasher
Best Affordable Dishwasher with Hard Food Disposer
Don’t always have time to thoroughly scrape the plates before loading the dishwasher? That usually runs the risk of clogging the dishwasher. But not if you have one with a hard food disposer, like the Hotpoint Bisque.
We still recommend scraping the plates as best as you can. However, the processor can grind up extra bits so they can easily drain away.
This dishwasher comes in three color options: bisque, white or black so you can choose your favorite.
Once you’ve chosen your favorite color, enjoy all this appliance has to offer. One big selling point is the water saver cycle. Quickly wash everyday items so you can use them again for the next meal. While the other cycles are a bit longer, this is great if you’re in a hurry.
Plus, if you’re not tech-savvy, this is a good choice. It has classic control settings, using a turn dial to choose your cycles. There are a few options including normal, heavy, hot start, water-saving, rinse only and plate warmer.
Pros
- Included hard food disposer.
- Easy to use.
- Flexible loading options.
- Heated dry setting.
Cons
- 64 decibels — on the louder side.
- Not super durable.
Product Specs
Type | Front panel |
Capacity | 12 place settings |
Features | Hard food disposer, heated dry option |
Warranty | One year |
Energy Rating | Energy Star certified (around $37 per year) |
Product | Best | Type | Capacity | Features | Energy Star Certified |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bosch 100 Series 24 | Self-Cleaning Filter | Front panel; fully integrated | 14 place | Self-cleaning filter, panel ready | Yes |
Farberware Countertop Dishwasher | Portable | Countertop portable | 6 place | Seven wash cycles, plus a dry cycle | Yes |
Insignia Dishwasher | Big Families | Top panel | 16 place | Smart wash cycle, third rack, water filtration | Yes |
LG Smart Wifi Dishwasher | Smart | Top panel | 15 place | Wi-Fi enabled, QuadWash arm | Yes |
Whirlpool Tall Tub Dishwasher | Energy-Efficient | Front panel | 14 place | Sanitization cycle | Yes |
SPT Compact Dishwasher | Small Kitchens | Countertop | Six place | Six cycle options | Yes |
Samsung Linear Wash | Quiet | Top panel | 15 place | WaterWall arm, Zone Booster, AutoRelease door | Yes |
Danby Countertop Dishwasher | Countertop | Countertop | Six place | Portable, six cycles, delay option | No |
Samsung Built-In Dishwasher | Top Control | Top panel | 14 place | Adjustable racks, express cycle | Yes |
GE Built-In Dishwasher | Hard Water | Front panel | 16 place | Steam pre-wash, hard food disposer, dry boost | Yes |
Samsung-StormWash™ | Stainless Steel | Top panel | 15 place | StormWash cycle, automatic door, & leak sensor | Yes |
Amana – 24 | Front Control | Front panel | 12 place | Triple filter wash & sensor wash | Yes |
GE Built-In Dishwasher Black | Built-In | Front panel | 12 place | Hard-food dispenser & extra filtration | Yes |
Thermador Built-In Custom Panel | Integrated | Fully integrated | 15 place | Four cycles & extra dry option | Yes |
Hotpoint Bisque Dishwasher | Hard Food Disposer | Front panel | 12 place | Hard food disposer, heated dry option | Yes |
How to Choose a Budget Dishwasher
When you’re in the market for an inexpensive dishwasher, what is the best way to get your money’s worth? Consider these criteria to make sure you find one that’s right for you.
Dishwasher FAQs
Don’t Break the Bank
You can definitely get an inexpensive dishwasher when you shop well. While there are many budget dishwashers that won’t clean your dishes effectively, our options are the best of the best.
Whether you want a front control, top control, countertop or super spacious dishwasher — we have plenty of options. Spend less time scrubbing, and more time hanging with the family, when you choose one of the best affordable dishwashers on the market.