Article By: Suraiya Fardous
- April 18, 2023 , Last updated on : August 10, 2023
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Dishwashers make your life in the kitchen a lot easier. However, a lot of people think that they need to break the bank to be able to afford a dishwasher in their kitchen. This is not the case, as there are a lot of quality budget dishwashers on the market. The best dishwasher under $500 will ensure you do not need to worry about cleaning after you are done in the kitchen.
Buying guide for the best dishwasher under $500
The requirements for the best inexpensive dishwasher will be different from the requirements for other types of dishwashers. For example, if you want a panel ready dishwasher, your budget will definitely exceed $500. Here is how you can select the best dishwasher under $500 on the market.
Size
First and foremost, the dishwasher you have in mind needs to be able to fit in your dedicated kitchen space without any issues. If you have ample space in your kitchen, you can go for a 24-inch or 18-inch dishwasher. However, if you do not have any space on the floor, you can go for a countertop or portable dishwasher.
Noise Level
The noise level of the dishwasher will determine whether you can work in the kitchen while washing your kitchenware in the dishwasher. Additionally, if you have an open kitchen, it is very important that you select a dishwasher that has a noise level below 60 dB.
Functionality
Last but not least, you can look for additional features that will boost its functionality. For example, you can get a dishwasher with a child lock if you have a kid. Other attractive features include Home Connect compatibility, delay starts feature, Smart Wash System, dry cleaning, etc. However, you might have to increase your budget to be able to afford those.
There are a lot of brands of dishwashers under 500 on the market, which makes it tricky to select one for yourself. As a result, we have selected some of the best dishwashers under $500 and ranked them based on personal experience and user reviews.
List of the best dishwashers under $500
EdgeStar BIDW1802BL
SPT SD-9254SSA
Farberware FDW05ASBWHA
KAPAS KPS-XWJ01
EdgeStar DWP62SV
Farberware FCD06ABBBKA
COMFEE’ CDC17P0ABB
AIRMSEN AE-TDQR03
SPT SD-9254W
COMFEE’ CDC22P2AWW
EdgeStar BIDW1802BL
Capacity: 8 place settings
Noise Level: 52 dB
The EdgeStar BIDW1802BL is the overall best low cost dishwasher that you can get. It has a silverware basket and a cup tray, so you can clean everything in your kitchenware collection using this dishwasher. Additionally, it has six wash cycle that gives you a lot of options to optimally clean your utensils.
Besides giving you a lot of versatility, this EdgeStar Dishwasher also ensures safety with its functional leak sensor that stops the dishwasher as soon as it detects any leakage. Other than that, it has an aesthetic glass panel and also an option for a stainless steel panel that costs a little over the $500 mark.
Pros:
Has a silverware basket and cup tray
Versatile wash cycles
Functional leak sensor
Aesthetic glass panel
Cons:
Can be tricky to install
The only issue we faced while using the EdgeStar BIDW1802BL was that it was a bit tricky to install. However, there are a lot of instruction guides available on the internet to help you out. Other than that, its versatility, combined with its functionality, makes it one of the best dishwashers under $500.
If you want a cheap stainless steel dishwasher, the SPT SD-9254SSA is the one you can get for around $500. It is perfect for heavy water since it has stainless steel tubes that can process heavy water without rusting. Besides the durable stainless steel build, it has some attractive features as well.
The SPT SD-9254SSA has a time delay feature that lets you set when the dishwater cleans your dishes. Additionally, it has a heating function that lets you dry your dishes after cleaning them. Lastly, the rinse aid reminder function alerts you when the dishwasher is low on detergent for cleaning your dishes.
Pros:
Stainless steel build
Time delay feature
Heating function
Rinse aid reminder
Cons:
Energy hungry
The biggest issue we faced while using the SPT SD-9254SSA was that it was very energy hungry, so it would drive up your electricity bills if you used it constantly. However, if you plan to use the dishwasher once a day, this will not be a problem for you. Other than that, its heating function, combined with its stainless steel build, makes it one of the quietest dishwashers for under $500.
If you want the best dishwasher under $400, the Farberware FDW05ASBWHA is the one to get. It is a portable dishwasher that you can easily fit in your kitchen since you can also put it on countertops. Additionally, its portability is further enhanced by the built-in water tank that can hold five liters of water.
Besides portability, the Farberware FDW05ASBWHA is a functional dishwasher as well. It has five different wash programs that let you clean your kitchenware just like you want it. Additionally, the steam sanitization feature lets you kill the bacteria in your ditches and baby bottles. Lastly, the fruit basket allows you to clean fruits and vegetables in the dishwasher.
Pros:
Can hold 5 liters of water
Versatile wash programs
Steam sanitization
Can wash fruits and vegetables
Cons:
Not suitable for dishes larger than 12”
The only drawback of the Farberware FDW05ASBWHA is that it cannot hold dishes that have a diameter larger than 12 inches. However, such large dishes are rarely found in home kitchens. Other than that, its features, combined with its portability, make it one of the best dishwashers under $500.
If you want to go a step downwards and want the best dishwasher under $300, the KAPAS KPS-XWJ01 is the one you should get. Thanks to its digital controls with backlit LED lights, it is very easy to use. As a result, you can use it in the dark as well. Additionally, the dishwasher’s interior has built-in lights, so you can check on your dishes.
Pros:
Easy to use
Digital LED controls
Built-in light
Cons:
Leaves soap residues
The only setback we faced while using the KAPAS KPS-XWJ01 was that it left soap residues in some of the washing programs. However, you can easily overcome this with a few trials and errors. Other than that, its easy-to-use controls, combined with its built-in lights, make it one of the best dishwashers under $500.
If you want a portable dishwasher that can clean cups and cutlery alongside your dishes, the EdgeStar DWP62SV is the one you should get. It includes a cup shelf and a cutlery basket. Additionally, it comes with a quick-connect adapter that can fit any type of faucet typically found in a kitchen sink. Lastly, the stainless steel interior ensures it can last a long time.
Pros:
Includes cup shelf and cutlery basket
Stainless steel interior
Quick connect faucet adapter provided
Cons:
No door lock
The absence of a door lock in the EdgeStar DWP62SV is a big drawback because you can mistakenly create a mess by opening the door while it is running. Other than that, its durability, combined with its functional adapter, makes it one of the best dishwashers under $500.
The Farberware FCD06ABBBKA is one of the best small dishwashers because of its outstanding features. It stands out from the competition because of the self-cleaning feature that allows it to clean itself after it is done with your dishes. Lastly, it has a quick and easy installation process that allows you to set it up by yourself, even if you are not that tech-savvy.
Pros:
Beautiful black design
Quick and easy installation
Self-cleaning function
Cons:
Front panel could be more durable
The only drawback of the Farberware FCD06ABBBKA is that the front panel is not that durable. It can be dented easily. However, if you place it on a countertop, you cannot mistakenly dent it. Other than that, its aesthetic design, combined with its self-cleaning function, makes it one of the best dishwashers under $500.
If you live alone and need a personal dishwasher for yourself, the COMFEE’ CDC17P0ABB is an affordable choice. It is one of the most affordable dishwashers out there, with an ultra-compact design that you can easily fit in the smallest of kitchens. Additionally, it has a leak protection system that keeps your kitchen safe from any accidents.
Pros:
Leak protection system
Child lock
Ultra-compact design
Cons:
Low capacity
The COMFEE’ CDC17P0ABB has a very low capacity with only two place settings. However, if you want to get an affordable dishwasher only for washing your own dishes, this is a perfect choice. Additionally, its compact design, combined with its leak protection system, makes it one of the best dishwashers under $500.
The AIRMSEN AE-TDQR03 is an affordable device that saves you money even after you buy it since it consumes less water and electricity than its competitors. Besides that, it has some attractive features like steam cleaning, which allows you to kill bacteria in your kitchenware. Lastly, it can dry your dishes as well.
Pros:
Saves water and energy
Steam cleaning
Can dry
Cons:
Takes time to clean
The only issue we had with the AIRMSEN AE-TDQR03 is that it took longer to clean our kitchenware than its competitors. However, since most people clear their dishes right after they eat, cleaning time will not be an issue for most. Other than that, its energy-saving functionality, thanks to its air drying feature, makes it one of the best dishwashers under $500.
The SPT SD-9254W top-mount dishwasher needs to be installed in your kitchen’s existing cabinets or countertops. If that is something that you are looking for, then this is your most affordable option. Besides that, it has a silverware basket that lets you clean your utensils. Lastly, the Energy Star certification ensures it will keep your electricity bill from getting too high.
Pros:
Versatile washing programs
Energy Star certified
Has a silverware basket
Cons:
Complicated installation process
The biggest drawback of the SPT SD-9254W is that it is very hard to install since it needs to be set up in one of your existing countertops. However, if you have installed dishwashers before, this will not be an issue for you. Other than that, its ability to clean different types of kitchenware, combined with its Energy Star certification, make it one of the best dishwashers under $500.
If you want the best quiet dishwasher under $500, the COMFEE’ CDC22P2AWW is the one to go for since it has a low noise level of 49 dB only. It has a simple and easy installation process that even non-tech-savvy people can perform. Additionally, it has an astounding eight options for wash cycles, including a speed program for quick operation.
Pros:
Simple installation process
Various washing cycles
Quick operation
Cons:
Draining hose can be too small
Depending on your kitchen setup, the provided draining hose can be too small for you. However, even if it is too small, you can easily get an extension for a few extra bucks. Other than that, its simple installation process, combined with its quick operation, makes it one of the best dishwashers under $500.
The best dishwasher under $500 for you will depend on your specific requirements. For example, if you want a dishwasher under $300, go for the KAPAS KPS-XWJ01. Alternatively, if you want the overall best affordable dishwasher, go for the EdgeStar BIDW1802BL. If you liked our top picks, check out our list of the best drying dishwashers for spotless clean dishes.
