As a thrifty buyer, you tend to find the sweet spot between cost and performance, getting the biggest bang for your buck in appliances. As you search for your dishwasher, it is more than possible to get that powerful cleaning performance you want without increasing your budget, even if it means passing on high-end bells and whistles. So, as you search for an affordable dishwasher, take a look at the guide our experts have created to answer some of those tough dishwasher questions, and the compiled list of our best budget dishwashers picked just for you!
At a Glance:
Best Overall: Frigidaire® 24” Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher (FDPC4221AS)
Best Budget Dishwasher with Food Disposer: Hotpoint® 24” White Built In Dishwasher (HDA2100HWW)
Best Budget Dishwasher with Energy Star: GE® 24” Built In Dishwasher-White (GSD3300KWW)
Best Budget Dishwasher with Dry Boost: GE® 24” Black Built In Dishwasher (GDF550PGRBB>
Best Budget Dishwashers: Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Frigidaire® 24” Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher (FDPC4221AS)
Harness the best in dishwashing performance and power with our best dishwasher under $500 from Frigidaire. Get a complete clean with the five-level wash system equipped with upper, middle, and lower spray arms to ensure your dishware comes out spotless and sparkling after every cycle. And help the environment with the energy saver dry option that reduces energy usages with the no-heat dry feature. Best of all, after the last guest leaves for the night, handle all the dishes in one go with 12 place settings that offer all the flexibility and space you need.
Features:
- Energy saver dry option
- 5 level wash system
- 12 place settings
Best Budget Dishwasher with Food Disposer: Hotpoint® 24” White Built In Dishwasher (HDA2100HWW)
Save money and water using this Hotpoint dishwasher with a quick water saver cycle for everyday dishware or glasses. And with the 12-place setting capacity racking, you’ll have all the flexibility you need to wash a variety of dishes at once using a heavy wash cycle or the 5 cycles/2 options that allow you to select the best combination for your dish load. The best part of this dishwasher model is the Piranha Hard Food Disposer that eliminates food blockages and clogs by grinding them down into tiny particles that are easy to wash away.
Features:
- Piranha hard food disposer
- 12 place settings
- Water saver cycle
Best Budget Dishwasher with Energy Star: GE® 24” Built In Dishwasher-White (GSD3300KWW)
As our best affordable dishwasher, this GE dishwasher is chock-full of features to make dishwashing that much easier. Get the most thorough clean with the three-level wash system in the 12-place setting capacity racking of the tub for dishware flexibility. And say goodbye to fishing out leftover food in your dishwasher with the Piranha Hard Food Disposer that grinds food into small particles and washes away effortlessly. Best of all, this dishwasher is Energy Star qualified, saving you energy and money year-round.
Features:
- Piranha Hard Food Disposer
- Hot start option
- Two-stage filtration with extra fine filter
Best Budget Dishwasher with Dry Boost: GE® 24” Black Built In Dishwasher (GDF550PGRBB)
Get a dishwasher that outperforms the others with this feature-filled GE dishwasher. With the Dry Boost feature, your hard-to-dry items like plastic dishware and cups will be three-times drier than the standard heated dry. And with the steam and sanitize cycles, it can loosen tough soils for a spotless clean without going through the trouble of pre-rinsing or soaking. Also, with the tub’s extra-large capacity, you have more than enough space to wash large dishware, silverware, or Tupperware after hosting family gatherings. Best of all, you can also enjoy the multiple cycle options, adjustable upper rack, hard food disposer, and more.
Features:
- 16 place setting capacity
- Water leak sensor
- Adjustable upper rack
Best Budget Dishwsher with Filtration System: Frigidaire® 24” Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher (FFCD2418US)
Washing large loads of entertaining dishware will be a piece of cake with this Frigidaire dishwasher for under $500. For those nights after a big party, clean all your dishes, pots, and pans in one go with this dishwasher that fits up to 14 place settings. And for the ultimate clean, harness the power of the five-level wash system that features an upper, middle, and lower spray nozzle to wash your dishes at every angle. You can save even more money using the energy saver dry option to reduce energy usage with the no-heat dry option.
Features:
- 14 place settings
- Stay-put door
- 4-hour delay start
How We Chose Our Top Picks
Performance: Spend less time in your kitchen with high-quality dishwashers that offer top-grade cycles capable of eliminating those last few droplets of water to reduce the chances of water spots on your glasses and plates.
Noise Levels: Dishwasher noise levels can range from 38–60 decibels, which can be loud enough to disturb a conversation or quiet enough to wash at night with uninterrupted sleep. Enjoy that afternoon nap with your insulated dishwasher that muffles noises to function at 39 decibels and lower for peace and quiet.
Cycles: For users, we know it’s essential to have cycle options, since some people just want the standard washes, while others may want an additional heavy wash, sanitation, or energy saver dry options too. Consider the length of the cycles is also worth and the length of the cycles, since every dishwasher’s “normal” option isn’t the same.
Budget Dishwasher FAQs
Q: Is it cheaper to use a dishwasher or wash by hand?
A: Although washing dishes by hand may seem cheaper, using a dishwasher is safer, quicker, and more affordable than even the most economical hand-washing methods, since dishwashers save you time, energy, and especially water in the long run since hand washing can consume up to 27 gallons of water per load.
Q: What are the best brands to buy cheap dishwashers?
A: The most affordable dishwasher brands are Whirlpool, Frigidaire, GE, Hotpoint, and Samsung, just to name a few since their economic dishwasher models keep it simple without all the bells and whistles but pack a punch in cleaning performance.
Why Trust Us?
Ever since Spencer’s TV and Appliance opened in 1973, we have spent the last 48 years servicing the Arizona community with the largest inventory at the lowest possible prices for its customers. We make it our mission to exceed customer satisfaction and give each customer a unique experience with our employees that leaves them feeling like they are family. If you can’t take our word for it, read our About Us page to hear from some of our buyers!
Shop Best Budget Dishwasher at Spencer’s TV & Appliance
Discover the best budget dishwasher that offers all the power and performance you can need at Spencer’s TV & Appliance. For our best prices, explore some of our best budget dishwashers or promotions online. Or, if you have any questions about our dishwasher brands or models, visit us in person at one of our 10 appliance showrooms throughout Arizona, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Glendale. Get a dishwasher that’ll have your dishware looking spick and span every load!
Discover More: The Best ADA Compliant Dishwashers: A Guide + Reviews