Quick Summary: For our top choice for the best dishwasher under $500, we chose the SPT Countertop Dishwasher. This is because of the stainless-steel build that makes it durable and the six-place setting capacity of the cleaning rack. It also comes with easy to use controls and a simple connector for easy installation.
Confuse about what to expect when looking for the best dishwashers under $500?
With so many different models out there, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. What you select depends on the size of your kitchen, what features you like, and how much you want to spend.
After reading hundreds of consumer reports and recommendations, we’ve come up with a list of the ten inexpensive choices. Reviewers caution potential buyers that these machines may not be as quiet as they’d like.
Additionally, budget dishwashers usually work optimally when you use a softer detergent and remove any food residue from bowls, plates, and utensils before loading them.
Although they may not offer all the “bells and whistles” of higher-end appliances, they have more in common with higher-priced opotions than you might think.
We tried to include options that offer a little something for everyone, from your basic model that can be permanently installed to a compact countertop machine to an appliance that features a LED-control panel and advanced settings.
Quick Navigation:
- Comparison of 10 Best Dishwashers Under $500
- Reviews of Top 10 Dishwashers Under $500
- How to Choose The Best Dishwasher Under 500 Dollars?
- Our Recommendation
Comparison of 10 Best Dishwashers Under $500
 | 1. SPT Countertop Dishwasher (Best Overall)The SPT Countertop Dishwasher is an option that offers room for up to six separate place settings and can be installed simply and quickly with the simple connection. | Read Our Review |
 | 2. Koldfront Countertop Dishwasher (Best Budget)The Koldfront Countertop Dishwasher has a six place setting capacity so you can do fewer cycles with larger loads and it can fit under the most common sized cabinets. | Read Our Review |
 | 3. Magic Chef 6 Place Setting DishwasherThe Magic Chef Dishwasher comes with simple controls for use with a digital display and room for both cup racks and a cutlery basket for easy washer arrangements. | Read Our Review |
 | 4. EdgeStar 18 Inch Built-In DishwasherThe Edgestar Built-In Dishwasher is a black option that has a sleek, modern style that has an 18-inch width and six different washing cycles for you to choose from. | Read Our Review |
 | 5. EdgeStar Countertop Portable DishwasherThe Edgestar Portable Countertop Dishwasher is equipped with the capacity for six full place settings inside it and is Energy Star rated with seven different wash cycles available. | Read Our Review |
 | 6. SPT SD-2224DS Countertop DishwasherThe Sunpentown Countertop Dishwasher has a silver color for a sleek and stylish design and has the option for a delayed start cycle and has a low energy consumption. | Read Our Review |
 | 7. GE Built-In 24 Inch Dishwasher, White, 5 CyclesThis General Electric Dishwasher is a built-in appliance with a classic white exterior that has a 24-inch width and comes with five separate wash cycles to choose from. | Read Our Review |
 | 8. hOmeLabs Compact Countertop DishwasherThe hOmelabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher is a portable option that contains both a setting rack and silverware basket and is Energy Star rated for its low energy consumption. | Read Our Review |
 | 9. Costway Countertop Dishwasher With Portable Compact TabletopThe Costway Countertop Dishwasher is a stainless-steel appliance option that offers easy to use electronic controls with a rotary cycle selector and functions operated by a push-button system. | Read Our Review |
 | 10. Whirlpool Tall Tub Built-In DishwasherThe Whirlpool GIDDS is a built-in dishwasher and is a tall tub design that offers the most conveniently placed front controls with three cycles and a 1-hour wash cycle. | Read Our Review |
Reviews of Top 10 Dishwashers Under $500
Best Overall
1. SPT Countertop Dishwasher
In our SPT Countertop review, customers noted the time and again how this model combines convenience and versatility in a compact machine.
The dish rack and silverware basket come with enough room for six place settings at a time, so if you’re washing dirty dishes for a small crowd, you can tackle all those cups, plates, and utensilss in one load.
This machine comes with settings for all your cleaning needs heavy, normal, light, glass, speed, and soak. The faucet adapter comes with a connector that’s quick and easy to set up. This one has a modern look that goes with any kitchen and is built to last.
This dishwashing dynamo is designed for frequent use with a powerful spray arm. Because it’s user-friendly, you can actually look forward to dish duty. With so much to offer for the price range, it’s not surprising that this SPT countertop model is rated as the best affordable dishwasher.
Pros:
- Stainless steel interior and spray arm
- Six cleaning cycles with easy controls
- Attractive contemporary styling
Cons:
- Hose connection can leak
- Small items slip through the basket
- Can not use detergent packets
Best Budget
2. Koldfront 6 Place Setting Countertop Dishwasher
The Koldfront Countertop Dishwasher allows you to save money in more ways than one. This inexpensive machine uses 61% less energy than similar models.
The savings don’t stop there, as this can get the job done with just a small amount of detergent and doesn’t waste much water. Its powerful spray arm cuts through tough grease and food residue.
With six cycle settings, the Koldfront portable dishwasher is easy to operate and works for all your dishwashing needs. Its automatic rinse agent dispenser minimizes water spotting, while its internal heater elevates water temperature to 149 degrees to sanitize your dirty dishes.
Koldfront 6 place setting also features a five-foot hose, can be hooked up to just about any type of kitchen faucet and fits well under most types of cabinetry.
Pros:
- Compact height fits under cabinets
- Hoses store out of sight
Cons:
- Noisy operation
- Old-school controls feel brittle
Best Countertop Dishwasher
3. Magic Chef 6 Place Setting Countertop Dishwasher
The Magic Chef Countertop Dishwasher packs the power of a large machine into a small machine. The easy-to-use program knob lets you select from five cycle settings. Organize your dishes in the cutlery basket and cup rack for easy loading and unloading.
If you follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for loading, you’ll be surprised at how much you can fit into the machine. This inexpensive machine features an automatic detergent and rinses dispenser for thorough cleaning.
An efficient drying system and antiflood mechanisms keep cycles running smoothly. With its stainless steel design, this model looks good no matter what you throw at it.
A set-up kit is included to help you get started. The Magic Chef Portable dishwasher earned top marks as one of the best one under $500 because it’s well-made, quiet, and easy to keep clean.
Pros:
- Anti-flood switch
- Extra glassware rack
- Residual drying system evaporates every last drop
Cons:
- Often back-ordered due to popularity
- Used units have been shipped as new
- Most expensive unit
Best for Small Size
4. EdgeStar 18 Inch Built-In Dishwasher
If you’re looking for a more permanent addition to your kitchen, consider the EdgeStar 18 inch dishwasher. It fits incredibly well in small spaces, but it’s still large enough to hold up to eight place settings– complete with a silverware basket, 2 pull-out dish racks, and a cup tray.
The EdgeStar Stainless Steel Dishwasher is operated with a dial that lets you choose from six cycles– normal, heavy, light, speed, glass, and rinse.
Use on/off and start/pause switches to manage dishwashing at your convenience. You can easily follow the light indicators to track what phase your wash cycle is currently in.
When your dishes are done, a buzzer lets you know it’s time to take them out. The 18″ built-in dishwasher ranked in the top ten lists because it’s user friendlyness and install and frequently meets or exceeds customers’ expectations.
Pros:
- 6 different wash cycles: heavy, normal, light, glass, speed, and rinse
- Slim design of 18 inches wide
- Two pull-out dish racks, silverware basket and cup tray
- Light indicators to show which cycle of the wash the unit is in, buzzer indicates end of cycle
Cons:
- Third rack available separately
Best for Easy Installation
5. EdgeStar 6 Place Setting Countertop Portable Dishwasher
The EdgeStar Countertop Dishwasher offers a bit more convenience because it can be stored in a cabinet when not in use so you can take full advantage of available counter space.
Consumers who are concerned about minimizing their carbon footprint will be happy to know that this economical appliance makes efficient use of energy and water.
The EdgeStar portable dishwasher is user-friendly, too, with an automatic child lock function, LED-display with full digital controls featuring six wash cycle programs, and a delayed start feature. This compact machine under $500 provides most of the standard features that come with a dishwasher, plus a few extras.
Pros:
- EnergyStar approved–very low electricity consumption
- Delayed start feature
- Quick rinse setting only takes 10 minutes
Cons:
- Only fits 9-inch plates
- Noisy operation
- Must open door to air dry dishes
Best for Versatility
6. SPT SD-2224DS Countertop Dishwasher
The SPT Countertop Dishwasher silver offers plenty of features to meet all your dishwashing needs. Ideal for homes and workplaces that have small kitchens, it connects easily to most faucets and holds up to six place settings.
With so many cycle options- heavy, normal, light, mini party, speed, soak, and rinse– this model is prepared to tackle just about any job. You can delay the start time from two to eight hours so you can wash when it’s convenient.
The LED-display lets you know how much time is remaining in the cycle and what phase it’s in. To make it even easier to keep your it running smoothly, this one comes with water supply and rinse aid warning indicators.
It’s high-tech features and versatility easily place the SPT SD-2224DS dishwasher in the “best versatile dishwasher” category.
Pros:
- Delay start feature with full control panel
- 7 wash cycles: Heavy, normal, light, mini party, rinse, speed and soak
- Loads up to 6 standard place settings
- Indicators for water supply and rinse aid
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Looks rather basic, not very attractive design
Best 24 inch Built-in Dishwasher
7. GE Built-In 24 Inch Dishwasher
The GE 24-inch Dishwasher is efficient and easy-to-use. Another of the best affordable options, this one operates on a 4-level wash cycle and 2-stage filtration system.
There is enough room to accommodate up to 12 place settings, and the machine comes with five cycle settings and allows for heated drying.
Users who prefer lower-tech devices often opt for this GE built-in dishwasher because they can choose the desired setting using a dial rather than a touch-screen panel.
The cycle progress indicator gives you an idea of when you can expect washing to be complete. This built in dishwasher is durable and reliable.
Pros:
- 64 dBA quiet, for powerful and efficient cleaning
- Built-in hard food disposer for effective removal of solids
- Short wash quickly washes loads of everyday dishes
- Front control built in feature
- 2-stage filtration with ExtraFine filter keeps water clean
Cons:
- Some users found delivery took extra time for this product
Runner up for Best Countertop Dishwasher
8. hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher
hOmeLabs offers up their slick looking dishwasher and it has earned the highest ratings from its users with almost no negative reviews to be found.
It features plenty of room for six place settings, a delayed start option and is fast and easy to connect to your sink earning this the best countertop dishwasher hands down for durability and performance.
While it has a similar shipping weight compared to other available units, users report it is not nearly as heavy as they expected and it is the perfect option for studio apartments, RVs, and even your basement bar.
It has all the expected perks found in the top dishwashers including a choice of programmable cycles, and a removable silverware basket. You will need a threaded connection on your kitchen faucet for the quick-connect adapter to work.
However, if you have done your homework, no tools are required to get it connected and running right out of the box.
Pros:
- Excellent reputation among satisfied owners
- Quick-connect to your faucet requires no tools for setup
- Extra rinse-aid dispenser delivers streak-free dishes
Cons:
- Requires threaded faucet connection
- Takes two hours to run longest cycle
- Must let it cool before unloading to prevent burns
Best Heavy Duty Dishwasher
9. Costway Countertop Dishwasher with 6 Place Settings
The Costway dishwasher provides the convenience of a full-sized dishwasher for all your dish-cleaning needs. It is large enough to accommodate six standard place setting, making it an ideal choice for couples, singles, apartments or the office kitchen.
The Costway portable dishwasher is built to last thanks to the stainless-steel interior that features a durable and robust upper rack.
For convenience, the manufacturer has fitted the dishwasher with easy push buttons electronic controls. Also, it features a silverware basket and cup shelf which facilitates easy loading.
For an added expediency, Costway dishwasher has also been equipped with detergent and rinse aid. What we liked most about it is the quiet operation with which it carries its task without disrupting other areas.
Pros:
- Six cycle options: heavy, normal cycle, eco, speed, glass and rinse
- Operates quietly
- Easy-to-use control with rotary selector
- Fits between most standard cabinets and countertops
- Delay start function between 1 to 24 hours
- Value for money
Cons:
- Some users say dishes are not heated dry
- Filter needs frequent cleaning
Best for Minimal Water Consumption
10. Whirlpool Tall Tub Built-In Dishwasher With Front Controls
If you’re looking for a resource-efficient dishwasher, the Whirlpool tall tub will not disappoint you. It has an efficient wash system that is capable of thoroughly cleaning all your load of dirty dishes with nearly half less the amount of water and energy required in a conventional dishwasher.
The Whirlpool Brand’s improved motor and wash system that optimizes the cleaning performance for better results is one of the top selling feature. The washer’s tall plastic tub model allows users to load tall and oddly shaped items on both racks.
Compared to the rest of the standard models of our selected dishwashers, this Whirlpool 24 inch dishwasher comes with an additional three interior spaces that will make room for an extra load of items.
Just like most of the Whirlpool products, the WHIRLPOOL GIDDS-293411 provides the user with a quiet operation, thanks to its system of sound-reducing insulation.
Pros:
- Cleans thoroughly with 1 hour wash cycle
- Cleaning functions work on silent mode with Quiet Partner Sound Package
- High temperature washing system disinfects dishes
- Comes with tall tub structure for ease in installation
Cons:
- It does not dry the dishes properly
- No space for placing the liquid cleaning product
How to Choose The Best Dishwasher Under 500 Dollars?
Before you purchase, it may help to see a “run-down” of what you should consider so you can narrow your options and make a decision.
Space Constraints
Think about which product makes the best use of available space. If your home kitchen is especially small or you’re buying a dishwasher for a tiny workplace break room, one of the more compact machines will probably be the most practical for you.
Countertop dishwashers can be easily stored in a cabinet when they’re not in use, freeing up counter space for storage or food-prep.
If on the other hand, you have a spacious kitchen and was a considerable number of dishes regularly, a larger or more permanent best value dishwasher may better meet your needs.
User Preferences
Some people are looking for a high-tech option with some of the “extras” you find with more expensive units, while others like to keep it simple. LED panels to activate the machine at the touch of a button, and lighted displays may make it easier to track the progress of your washing cycle.
The best budget choices that have lower-tech controls have their advantages, too. In the reviews, a number of consumers reported that they preferred using a dial to select cycle options. Manually-operated controls tend to last longer than electronic set-ups.
When considering what is the best inexpensive dishwasher for you, think about other features that are important to you. Some consumers want an appliance that just gives them the basics, while others prefer something that provides more washing options, like speed cleaning.
Some of the higher-tech versions even allow you to delay cycle start-times by anywhere from one to 24 hours.
Integrated, semi-integrated or freestanding
Depending on your kitchen size, and your cleaning needs, you will want to choose between the three available options.
Integrated and semi-integrated will fit better with the existing kitchen design and décor. A freestanding dishwasher is ideal for a temporary location.
Size of the Dishwasher
The size will depend on the cleaning performance required, frequency and size of your family. If you have a large family, it translates to a bigger load of dishes which require a bigger one.
On the other hand, if you have a small family or you’re single, consider investing in a simple, small to a mid-sized dishwasher.
Noise level
Noise can sometimes be irritating and irksome. Like most machines, dishwashers also produce sound.
If you live in a small compartment, or maybe your laundry is near your study or sleep, you might consider investing in a dishwasher fitted with a sound-insulation mechanism that inhibits the transmission of sound to the external environment.
Capacity/Gallons
To avoid any surprises when paying your water utility bill, ensure that you are aware of the total dishwasher capacity or the number of gallons your washer will use.
Budget Concerns
Many of you are looking for an kitchen appliance that gets the job done without breaking the bank. While even the best cheap dishwashers often don’t have as many features as their more costly counterparts, customers were often surprisingly satisfied with how well they worked.
Plus, the initial savings on the machine itself frequently yielded additional rewards, as several of these models are highly-efficient, leading to reduced water and energy costs.
Our Recommendation for the Best Dishwasher Under $500
When looking for the best budget dishwashers, you have a considerable array of choices to consider. Making a decision is easier when you nail down just how much you want to spend, what features you’re looking for, and what the best value dishwashers offer compared to different price ranges.
Think about how much space you have and whether a countertop dishwasher or one that can be permanently installed is right for you.
It may not offer all the perks available with more high-end types, but you can choose from several options-like the SPT countertop dishwasher that fit your needs, your budget, and your expectations.
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