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 many options on the market to make your dishwashing routine easier.
You’ll find a vast range of options in our list of the 15 best affordable dishwashers. This includes energy-efficient, extra spacious, countertop-friendly, stainless steel dishwashers, and much more!
We spent hours researching real customer reviews, expert advice, and dozens of products to create this list. After looking at each product’s type, capacity, features, and more, we’re confident you’ll find something to suit your home and budget.
- Panel-ready to customize the interior
- Has self-cleaning filter
- Lots of unique cycles
- Compact & portable
- 7 washing cycles plus drying cycle
- Comes with child lock
- Smart wash cycle detects soil levels
- Three adjustable racks
- Has water filtration system for maximum hygiene
- Includes a quick one-hour wash
- High-temperature wash option
- Heavy cycle tackles burnt-on food
- 14 place setting capacity
- Energy-efficient
- Four cycle options including normal and heavy
- Six cycle settings for flexibility
- Convenient time delay
- LED time display
- Triple filter wash system
- Slim design
- Heated dry option
- Six cycle options including eco and soak
- Easy to install
- Easy-to-clean stainless steel interior
- Includes height adjustable racks
- Customizable cycle options
- Durable stainless steel 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 you’ll find a dishwasher that sparks joy!
Bosch 100 Series 24
Best 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, where a grinder 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 can run 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.
- Easy to customize the settings.
- 24-hour delay start so you can initiate cycle when suits you.
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) |
Our Ratings
Farberware Professional Portable Countertop Dishwasher
Best Portable Dishwasher
This portable dishwasher is fantastic if you’re on the go a lot. This is a must-have if you’re living in a van or RV.
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 programs, 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 size.
- Spacious inside with six place settings.
- Seven washing cycles, plus a drying cycle.
- Child lock for added safety.
- Quick and easy to install.
- Extra drying feature to avoid damp dishes.
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) |
Our Ratings
Insignia Dishwasher With Recessed Handle
Best for Big Families
This 16-place setting capacity dishwasher is a great 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 best 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 many family members, 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.
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 systems detect soil level and choose cycle.
- Three racks, all adjustable.
- Water filtration system ensures maximum hygiene.
- Sanitize option to kill bacteria and germs.
- You can place the silverware basket on top or bottom rack.
- 16-place setting capacity,
Cons
- Not fingerprint-resistant.
- Recessed handle can get dirty quickly and is 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) |
Our Ratings
Whirlpool Built-In Dishwasher
Best for Heavy-Duty Cleaning
Even though you’re choosing something budget-friendly doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice cleaning power. This dishwasher has a heavy cycle for dealing with big messes, greasy tableware, and burnt-on food. This saves you time and an arm workout at the kitchen sink!
Besides the heavy cycle, it also has a one-hour wash cycle which cleans your dishes in half the time. If you have guests coming over soon, pop this cycle on and enjoy spotless plates and silverware in a fraction of the time.
Speaking of plates, this dishwasher has a 13-place setting capacity so that you can clean your family’s daily dishes in just one cycle. And to keep your little ones in mind, this has a four-hour delay start so that it’s not running as you’re trying to get them down for naps or bedtime.
Pros
- Includes a quick one-hour wash for fast results.
- Energy Star certified saves you money.
- Includes a four-hour delay start to suit your schedule.
- High-temperature wash option for thoroughly cleaning certain items.
- Heated dry option adds extra heat.
- Heavy cycle tackles burnt-on food and bigger messes.
Cons
- Not all dishes get bone-dry, especially silverware.
- You need to add a rinse aid for best results.
Product Specs
Type | Front control |
Capacity | 13 place settings |
Features | High-temperature wash, heated dry |
Warranty | One year limited |
Energy Rating | Energy Star Certified (around $32 per year) |
Our Ratings
Whirlpool Tall Tub Built-In Dishwasher
Best Energy-Efficient Dishwasher
For some, energy efficiency is of utmost importance. Check out the Whirlpool Tall Tub dishwasher. This Whirlpool Dishwasher 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 running costs, this is the dishwasher to consider. Of course, it has excellent 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
- 14 place setting capacity.
- Energy-efficient, estimated at 260-kilowatt hours annually.
- Four cycle options, including normal and heavy.
- Child lock for added safety.
- The silverware basket can fit on the lower rack or door.
- Sanitization option for killing bacteria.
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) |
Our Ratings
SPT Compact Countertop Dishwasher
Best 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 for flexibility.
- Delay timer for convenience.
- LED display for remaining time.
- Easy to install.
- Easy and quick to install.
- Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser.
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) |
Our Ratings
Amana With Triple Filter Wash
Best Plastic Dishwasher
Sometimes plastic is the way to go. It’s easy to clean, works with bleach, and makes the overall appliance more affordable. While the exterior is stainless steel, you can choose from a black or white option if you’d rather.
The other great feature of this dishwasher is the Triple Filter Wash System which results in a better clean. You don’t need to stand at the sink and pre-rinse everything before putting it in the dishwasher. This uses three filters to remove food particles from the water, resulting in a more hygienic cycle.
Customers also love the quick wash cycle, which cleans smaller loads super fast. If you have guests popping over and no clean dishes, utilize the power of this cycle.
Another thing worth noting is the high-temperature wash which is great for baby items or cleaning dishes after a family illness.
Pros
- Triple filter wash system so you can skip the pre-rinse.
- Slim design suits smaller kitchens.
- 12-place capacity for medium-sized families.
- Heated dry option removes excess moisture.
- High-temperature wash option provides a deeper clean.
Cons
- 59 decibels is quite loud.
- Very basic cleaning power.
Product Specs
Type | Front control |
Capacity | 12 place settings |
Features | Triple filter wash system, heated dry option |
Warranty | One-year limited |
Energy Rating | Energy Star Certified (around $35 per year) |
Our Ratings
Danby Countertop Dishwasher
Best Countertop Dishwasher
This is a popular choice if you’re looking for a countertop dishwasher! 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 an excellent option for people living in dorm rooms, small apartments, or traveling in an RV!
This dishwasher has six 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, including economy and soak.
- Delay timer to suit your schedule.
- Easy to install.
- Easy-to-clean stainless steel interior.
- Energy Star compliant and uses 3.1 gallons of water.
- Room for six place settings.
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 | Energy Star compliant (around $18 per year) |
Our Ratings
Samsung Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
Best 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
- Height adjustable racks to accommodate various shapes.
- Durable stainless steel door.
- Customizable cycle options.
- 14 place setting capacity.
- Digital Water Leakage Sensor detects leaks and shuts off appliance.
- Auto Cycle detects soil levels and chooses best cycle.
Cons
- The drying cycle isn’t super effective.
- Issue with the electrics. Lights may blink continuously.
- 55 decibel sound rating isn’t the quietest.
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) |
Our Ratings
GE Front Control Built-In Dishwasher
Best 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 ensures drier dishes.
- Dedicated silverware jets.
- Hard food disposer grinds up food and prevents clogs.
- Third rack for cleaning utensils.
- Four bottle wash jets for taller items.
Cons
- Not the quietest — 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) |
Our Ratings
GE Front Control Built-In Dishwasher
Most Reliable
Although you’re choosing something budget-friendly, you still deserve reliability. This one has fantastic, reliable features, so you can depend on this dishwasher.
The main bonus is the Active Flood Protect feature. This involves a water leak sensor to prevent overflows. The water sensor will cancel the cycle before a flood can even happen, letting you know there’s an issue with a blinking light and alarm.
It’s also made in America, using durable and dependable materials and technology. You can rest assured that your dishes will be clean and dry after every cycle.
The Dry Boost feature gets dishes seven times drier than similar dishwashers. No need to wipe them dry as you unload the dishwasher in the early morning!
Pros
- Super reliable technology and materials.
- Dishes will be seven times drier than other models.
- Sanitization cycle kills 99.99 percent of bacteria.
- Active Flood Protect prevents leaks before they happen.
- Hard food disposer cuts and removes food particles.
- 14 place settings.
Cons
- Plastic interior isn’t as durable as stainless steel.
- The door is flimsy and hard to close fully.
Product Specs
Type | Front control |
Capacity | 14 place settings |
Features | Dry boost, sanitization cycle, hard food disposer |
Warranty | One year limited |
Energy Rating | Energy Star Certified (around $35 per year) |
Our Ratings
Amana - 24 Inch Built-In Dishwasher
Best 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. When needed, you can customize these cycles by adding a heated dry or high-temperature wash.
Keep in mind there is no sanitization cycle. So if you have young kids who are always sick, you may want to think about a different option. However, it does use high temperatures to reduce bacteria — but it might not kill it all.
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 detects soil levels and cleans accordingly.
- 12 place settings for medium-sized families.
- Triple filter wash system for better results.
- High temperature reduces bacteria.
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) |
Our Ratings
Frigidaire Front Control Built-In Dishwasher
Best Stylish Dishwasher
This Frigidaire built-in dishwasher will fit seamlessly with your kitchen. While it may look best in more modern black-and-white kitchens, you can also choose the white or stainless steel option.
This dishwasher has a front control panel, so you can easily adjust your settings accordingly. The settings are simple and easy to navigate. 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 14 place settings which is very spacious. Once you’ve loaded in all the dishes, you can choose the two cycle options: heavy and normal. While this doesn’t give you much flexibility, it keeps things simple, which many folk love.
It also has a heat dry option if you want bone-dry dishes. You can even use the no-heat dry option to save pennies.
Pros
- Five-level wash system including two spray arms.
- Get dry dishes with or without heat.
- Spacious capacity with 14 place settings.
- Includes a self-cleaning filter.
- Lets you know when the dishwasher needs more rinse aid.
Cons
- Only two cycle options to choose from: heavy and normal.
- Louder option at 62 decibels.
- The door is hard to open and shuts by itself sometimes.
Product Specs
Type | Front panel |
Capacity | 14 place settings |
Features | 5-level wash system and self-cleaning filter |
Warranty | Not provided |
Energy Rating | No certificate (around $39 per year) |
Our Ratings
Bosch Custom Panel Ready Dishwasher
Best Integrated Dishwasher
When your dishwasher matches the rest of your kitchen decor, it just looks lovely. With the Bosch 100 Series dishwasher, you can ensure that the dishwasher’s exterior matches the rest of your kitchen cabinets. While this is often quite expensive, this is a more affordable option.
Besides its fully integrated design, this dishwasher also has some other fun features. It operates at a maximum of 50 decibels, ensuring that it’s no louder than general chit-chat. It also features an extra utility rack for random items, like ladles or spatulas.
Customers love the PrecisionWash feature, which detects soil levels for you and adjusts accordingly. No need to guess the best temperature and cycle to choose.
As for capacity, this dishwasher is on the larger side, with space for up to 14 place settings. You’ll never run out of space in your dishwasher again!
Pros
- Overflow Protection System prevents leaks.
- InfoLight shines onto the floor to indicate the cycle is running.
- Super durability thanks to stainless steel tub.
- Nine rack positions due to height-adjustable racks.
- Sanitization option to kill bacteria.
- Custom panel-ready option.
Cons
- Still quite pricey.
- Only includes a 12-month warranty.
Product Specs
Type | Top control, custom panel ready |
Capacity | 14 place settings |
Features | PrecisionWash, overflow protection system |
Warranty | One year |
Energy Rating | Energy Star Certified (around $35 per year) |
Our Ratings
Hotpoint Front Control 60dBA Dishwasher
Best 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 Piranha hard food disposer, like the Hotpoint 24” dishwasher.
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.
Another big selling point is Active Flood Protect feature which will prevent leaks before they happen. The sensor can determine when water levels are too high and drain the water until it’s at a safe level again.
Pros
- Hard food disposer prevents clogs.
- Easy one-button control panel.
- One of the most affordable on the market.
- Active Flood Protect feature prevents leaks.
- Heated dry option ensures drier dishes.
Cons
- Only two cycle options: every day or heavy-wash.
- Feels a bit cheap and flimsy.
Product Specs
Type | Front panel |
Capacity | 12 place settings |
Features | Hard food disposer, heated dry option |
Warranty | One year |
Energy Rating | Not Energy Star Certified (around $40 per year) |
Our Ratings
Product | Best | Type | Capacity | Features | Energy Star Certified |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bosch 100 Series 24 | With Self-Cleaning Filter | Front panel; fully integrated | 14 place | Self-cleaning filter, panel ready | Yes |
Farberware Countertop Dishwasher | Portable Dishwasher | Countertop Portable | 6 place | Seven wash cycles, plus a dry cycle | Yes |
Insignia Dishwasher | For Big Families | Top panel | 16 place | Smart wash cycle, third rack, water filtration | Yes |
Whirlpool Built-In Dishwasher | Heavy-Duty Cleaning | Front control | 13 place | High-temperature wash, heated dry | Yes |
Whirlpool Tall Tub Dishwasher | Energy-Efficient Dishwasher | Front panel | 14 place | Sanitization cycle | Yes |
SPT Compact Dishwasher | For Small Kitchens | Countertop | Six place | Six cycle options | Yes |
Amana With Triple Filter Wash | Plastic Dishwasher | Front control | 12 place | Triple filter wash system, heated dry option | Yes |
Danby Countertop Dishwasher | Countertop Dishwasher | Countertop | Six place | Portable, six cycles, delay option | No |
Samsung Built-In Dishwasher | Top Control Dishwasher | Top panel | 14 place | Adjustable racks, express cycle | Yes |
GE Built-In Dishwasher | For Hard Water | Front panel | 16 place | Steam pre-wash, hard food disposer, dry boost | Yes |
GE Front Control Built-In Dishwasher | Most Reliable | Front control | 14 place | Dry boost, sanitization cycle, hard food disposer | Yes |
Amana – 24 | Front Control Dishwasher | Front panel | 12 place | Triple filter wash & sensor wash | Yes |
Frigidaire Front Control | Stylish | Front panel | 14 place | 5-level wash system & self-cleaning filter | No |
Bosch Custom Panel Ready | Integrated Dishwasher | Top control, custom panel ready | 14 place | PrecisionWash, overflow protection system | Yes |
Hotpoint Front Control | With Hard Food Disposer | Front panel | 12 place | Hard food disposer, heated dry option | No |
How To Choose a Budget Dishwasher
What is the best way to get your money’s worth when you’re in the market for an inexpensive dishwasher? Consider these criteria to ensure you find one that’s right for you.