Imagine this: you’ve just finished a big family dinner, and the sink is piled high with dirty dishes. The thought of scrubbing them all by hand makes you groan. Wouldn’t it be amazing to just load them up and let a machine do the work? That’s where a dishwasher comes in, but finding one that’s both affordable and does a great job can feel like a treasure hunt.
Many people want the convenience of a dishwasher but worry about the cost. It’s tough to know if a cheaper model will actually clean your dishes well or if it will break down quickly. You might be asking yourself, “Can I get a good dishwasher without spending a fortune?” This guide is here to help you answer that question.
By reading on, you’ll learn how to spot the best budget-friendly dishwashers. We’ll show you what features matter most, even on a tight budget, and what to avoid. Get ready to discover how to get sparkling clean dishes without emptying your wallet, making dishwashing a breeze instead of a chore.
Our Top 5 Dishwasher Cheap Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dishwasher Cheap Detailed Reviews
1. COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of washing dishes by hand in your small living space? The COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher in sleek black is here to save the day! This compact powerhouse is designed for dorms, RVs, and apartments, offering a convenient way to keep your dishes sparkling clean. It’s the perfect size for 2-3 people, holding up to 6 place settings, which is about 70 pieces of tableware. Even large plates up to 10 inches fit inside. Don’t worry if you find a little water inside when it arrives; that’s just from factory testing, which is totally normal.
What We Like:
- Compact Size: It fits perfectly on your countertop or can be tucked into a cupboard, making it ideal for small kitchens.
- Easy Setup: You can connect it directly to your faucet with the right adapter, making installation a breeze.
- Versatile Washing: With 8 different washing programs like Baby-Care, ECO, and Glass, you can choose the best cycle for any load.
- Powerful Cleaning: The Heavy program uses 12 spray nozzles and high temperatures (up to 154℉) to tackle tough messes.
- Quick Wash Option: The Speed program cleans your dishes in just 45 minutes, perfect for when you’re in a hurry.
- Energy Efficient: It’s Energy Star compliant, using as little as 2.77 gallons of water for the Speed cycle, saving you money and resources.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires Faucet Adapter: You’ll need to purchase a suitable adapter for faucet connection separately.
This COMFEE’ dishwasher offers a fantastic solution for busy individuals and small households needing a reliable and efficient way to handle their dirty dishes.
2. COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments& RVs
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of washing dishes by hand in your apartment or RV? The COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher is here to help! This compact countertop dishwasher makes cleaning up after meals a breeze, even if you don’t have a lot of space or a direct water hookup. It uses a built-in water tank, so you can place it almost anywhere. Get ready for cleaner dishes with less effort!
What We Like:
- No complicated installation needed; just add water and go, or connect to your faucet.
- Super compact design fits easily on countertops and washes up to 30+ items.
- Six different wash programs, including a special fruit wash and a high-temp hygiene cycle.
- The 162℉ (and up to 192℉) high-temperature wash kills germs, making it great for baby bottles.
- Air-dry function keeps dishes fresh and prevents odors.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need more than 19.6 inches of space between your countertop and wall cupboards for it to fit properly.
- Requires specific dishwasher powder or detergent; regular liquid dish soap can cause problems.
This COMFEE’ dishwasher is a fantastic solution for anyone looking for convenience and cleanliness in a small living space. It brings the power of a dishwasher to you, no matter where you are.
3. Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings
Rating: 9.0/10
The Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially for those with limited space. This dishwasher packs a punch with its impressive features and smart design, making dishwashing a breeze.
What We Like:
- Its slimline design fits easily into smaller kitchens, but it still holds a lot of dishes – up to 8 place settings!
- You can wash large plates and pots up to 11 inches tall.
- It has 6 different wash programs to handle everything from light rinses to tough, greasy pans.
- The Heated Dry feature means your dishes come out sparkling and dry, so you don’t have to towel them off.
- The HI TEMP program uses hot water (up to 136°F) to sanitize dishes, making it perfect for baby bottles and kid’s plates.
- The stainless steel tub is durable and looks great.
- It’s Energy Star certified, so it’s good for your wallet and the environment.
What Could Be Improved:
- Make sure to only use dishwasher detergent, as regular dish soap can cause problems.
- The Rapid and Self-clean cycles don’t include the Heated Dry function.
This Midea dishwasher is a smart choice for anyone looking for an efficient and reliable way to keep their kitchen clean. It offers great value with its many features and compact size.
4. Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher with 8 Place settings
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher, a smart choice for your kitchen. It handles up to 8 place settings, making it great for families or small gatherings. This dishwasher cleans your dishes efficiently, saving you time and effort. Its sleek stainless steel design also adds a modern touch to your home.
What We Like:
- It fits 8 place settings, so you can wash a good amount of dishes at once.
- You get 6 different washing programs for different types of loads, like tough grease or delicate glasses.
- The stainless steel tub is strong and helps the dishwasher work better.
- It’s Energy Star certified, meaning it uses less electricity and saves you money on your bills.
- A 24-hour delay timer lets you start the wash cycle whenever you want.
- Its built-in style and ADA-compliant height make it easy to install and use for everyone.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it fits 8 place settings, larger pots and pans might be a tight squeeze depending on their size.
- The 18-inch width means it might not be a direct replacement for a standard 24-inch dishwasher without some cabinet adjustments.
This Honeywell dishwasher offers a good balance of features and efficiency for most homes. It’s a solid option for keeping your kitchen clean and your energy bills low.
5. Farberware Compact 6-Place Setting Dishwasher – Portable Mini Countertop Dishwasher with 7 Wash Programs – Perfect for Small Spaces Like Apartment
Rating: 8.6/10
Tired of washing dishes by hand in your small living space? The Farberware Compact 6-Place Setting Dishwasher is your solution. This mini countertop dishwasher is designed for apartments, dorm rooms, RVs, and even boats. It fits easily on your counter and can handle a surprising amount of dishes, holding up to six place settings. You can even wash plates up to 10 inches wide!
What We Like:
- It’s compact and portable, making it ideal for small kitchens, apartments, RVs, and boats.
- It has a 6-place setting capacity, which is great for everyday use.
- It includes folding rack shelves and a cutlery basket to help organize your dishes.
- You get full-size dishwasher cleaning power in a small unit.
- It offers seven different wash programs, including Heavy, Normal, Eco, Baby Care, Glass, Speed, and Rinse, so you can pick the best one for your load.
- The Extra-Drying function uses heat to make sure your dishes come out extra dry.
- It’s easy to use with a simple display and controls.
- Connecting it is a breeze with the quick connect assembly and included adapters for your sink faucet.
- Farberware is a trusted brand known for durability and value.
What Could Be Improved:
- It might not be suitable for very large families or those who host frequent dinner parties due to its 6-place setting limit.
- While it connects to a faucet, it doesn’t have a dedicated water tank, so it needs to be near a sink.
This Farberware dishwasher brings convenience and cleanliness to any small space. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to simplify their dishwashing routine.
Finding a Dishwasher That Won’t Break the Bank
Shopping for a dishwasher can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to keep costs down. But a cheap dishwasher doesn’t have to mean a bad one. With a little know-how, you can find a reliable appliance that gets your dishes sparkling clean without emptying your wallet.
What to Look For in an Affordable Dishwasher
When you’re on a budget, focus on the essentials. You want a dishwasher that cleans well, is reasonably quiet, and doesn’t waste water or energy.
Key Features to Consider
- Wash Cycles: Most dishwashers offer a few basic cycles. Look for at least a “normal” cycle for everyday loads, a “heavy” or “pots and pans” cycle for tough messes, and an “eco” or “energy saver” cycle to save on utility bills. Some might have a quick wash for lightly soiled dishes.
- Drying Method: Cheaper models often use a heated dry option, which uses an element at the bottom to heat the air. Others use a “condensation dry,” where the heat from the wash cycle helps water evaporate. Heated dry is usually more effective but uses more energy.
- Capacity: Dishwasher capacity is measured in place settings. A standard dishwasher can hold about 10-12 place settings. If you have a large family or entertain often, you might need a larger one, but for smaller households, a more compact model might be sufficient and cheaper.
- Noise Level: Dishwashers are measured in decibels (dB). A quieter dishwasher is usually more expensive. For budget models, aim for something under 60 dB. You can often find this information in the product specifications.
Important Materials and What They Mean
The materials used in a dishwasher can affect its durability and how well it cleans.
- Stainless Steel Tub: While more expensive dishwashers often have stainless steel tubs, some budget models might offer them. Stainless steel is durable, resists stains and odors, and helps with drying.
- Plastic Tub: Most affordable dishwashers have plastic tubs. They are lighter and cheaper to produce. While they work fine, they might not last as long as stainless steel and can sometimes hold onto odors.
- Racks: Look for racks that are coated to prevent rust and are easy to adjust. Some racks have folding tines that give you more flexibility for loading larger items.
Factors That Affect Quality (and Price!)
Certain features add to the cost of a dishwasher. Knowing what you can skip helps you save money.
- Advanced Wash Technologies: Things like soil sensors that adjust water usage, multiple spray arms for better coverage, or specialized wash zones for specific items are often found in pricier models. Basic dishwashers still clean well without these.
- Energy Efficiency Ratings: Higher Energy Star ratings usually mean a higher upfront cost. While energy-efficient models save money on bills over time, a slightly less efficient but much cheaper model might be a better choice if your budget is very tight.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often charge more. Don’t be afraid to explore less popular brands that still offer good warranties and positive reviews.
User Experience and Use Cases
A dishwasher’s main job is to make your life easier.
- Ease of Use: Simple controls are best for budget models. You want to be able to easily select a cycle and start the machine.
- Loading and Unloading: The interior layout of the racks matters. Can you fit your plates, bowls, and glasses easily?
- Cleaning Performance: Read reviews! See what other people say about how well the dishwasher cleans different types of food residue. Even cheap dishwashers should handle everyday grease and grime.
Who is a Cheap Dishwasher For?
- First-time homeowners or renters: You need a functional appliance without a huge investment.
- Those on a tight budget: You prioritize getting the job done without overspending.
- People who don’t need fancy features: You’re happy with basic cleaning and don’t need all the bells and whistles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Dishwashers
Q: Do cheap dishwashers clean as well as expensive ones?
A: Many budget-friendly dishwashers clean dishes effectively. They might lack advanced features, but they can handle everyday messes. Always check reviews for real-world cleaning performance.
Q: What is the average price range for a cheap dishwasher?
A: A “cheap” dishwasher typically falls between $300 and $500. Prices can vary based on sales and specific models.
Q: Are cheaper dishwashers louder?
A: Yes, often they are. Higher-end models invest more in sound insulation. Look for decibel (dB) ratings to compare noise levels.
Q: What are the most common wash cycles on a budget dishwasher?
A: You’ll usually find a normal cycle, a heavy-duty cycle, and an energy-saving or eco cycle.
Q: Should I worry about the tub material if I buy a cheap dishwasher?
A: Plastic tubs are common in cheaper models. They work well but might not be as durable or odor-resistant as stainless steel.
Q: How long do cheap dishwashers usually last?
A: With good care, a budget dishwasher can last 7-10 years. Maintenance is key to a longer lifespan.
Q: Can I find a cheap dishwasher with a stainless steel tub?
A: It’s less common, but sometimes you can find models on sale or from less mainstream brands that offer stainless steel tubs at a lower price point.
Q: What is the most important thing to check in reviews for a cheap dishwasher?
A: Focus on reviews that talk about cleaning performance, reliability, and any common issues people encounter.
Q: Are there any hidden costs with cheap dishwashers?
A: Installation can be a cost if you don’t do it yourself. Also, consider potential repair costs down the line, though many budget models are simpler to fix.
Q: What does “place setting” mean for dishwasher capacity?
A: A place setting includes one of each: dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, cup, saucer, and cutlery (fork, knife, spoon).
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!