Top 6 Dishwashers Under $400: Affordable With Efficient Cleaning Performance

Are you trying to find the best dishwasher for under 400 dollars?

Then you are in the right place!

This post will provide you with all the important information about the six best models you can currently find for sale. Check them out, compare their beneficial features, and find a dishwasher that fits your needs perfectly.

The Rundown

What Dishwasher Can I Get For $400?

You can get a classic model designed with a focus on basic functions. However, a lot of dishwashers within this budget are top-rated models with great cleaning and drying performance. The features you must give up with this price range are low noise operation and smart functions such as WiFi connectivity and automatic door.

Good Model Options For Less Money

You can choose classic built-in models with top or front control panels and freestanding dishwashers known as portable models. Built-in dishwashers are designed for greater usage and are ideal for big households and large families. Freestanding models are often called countertop dishwashers and they are a great fit for apartments and limited kitchens.

What Is The Usual Price?

Most dishwashers are priced between $600 and $1,200. Above that price range are models that are considered high-end. However, the dishwashers with a mid-range price between $400 and $900 are often considered to be the most quality ones.

Why Should I Get A Dishwasher Under 400?

Because you will get a quality dishwasher for a lot less money. To name a few, here are the advantages of having a $400 appliance.

• Basic But Good Functions. You don’t really need any more functions than those basic ones which ensure good cleaning performance. Expensive models above $1,000 have additional and convenient functions such as interior light and WiFi connectivity, but those features aren’t really necessary and you certainly won’t miss them.
• Energy Star Certificate. What is great about affordable dishwashers is the fact that you can get a model that saves you energy and water. With an Energy Start certificated dishwasher, you’ll spend only 3 gallons of water, compared with 15 gallons with a standard dishwasher. You’ll also spend only 0.87 kWh of energy, compared with 1.59 kWh per load with a standard non-certificated dishwasher.
• Multiple Cleaning Cycles. No matter the price, you’ll get multiple cleaning cycles suitable for different types of washing. That includes standard washes like normal, heavy, light, and quick. Some models also come with rinse only and ECO mode. Usually, dishwashers have about 6 to 10 cycle options.
• Good Drying Option. These apartment-size dishwasher models may either have a hot drying function or air drying. Both options are efficient, however, the air-drying operation will use less energy and save you some money on the bills.
• User-Friendly Features. With these models, you won’t need to worry about too many buttons, options, and controls. They are designed to be easy to use in order to be suitable for both beginners and professionals.

Here Is What You Need To Know About Dishwashers Under 400

Besides all the mentioned benefits and advantages of these models, we yet need to discuss their construction, sizes, and some other features that you need to bear in mind before buying the perfect model for your household.

Construction: Is It Strong Enough?

Within this price range, you can find a stainless steel constructed dishwasher which is considered to be the best construction. Stainless steel is strong, durable, and resistant to time and corrosion. Besides that option, you can also choose a model that is made by combining steel and plastic. Such a dishwasher is called a hybrid.

Size Palette

You can get a classic 24-inch unit or a bit smaller dishwasher. For smaller models, size range goes from 17 inches to standard 24. The choice depends on the available space in your kitchen.

Capacity Of The Unit

24-inch dishwashers can fit up to 14 place settings while smaller models’ interior capacity varies from 6 to 8 place settings. The choice depends on your needs.

Delay Start

This feature allows you to delay the cleaning cycle by a specific number of hours. You can usually choose between 3, 6, and 9 hours, even though some models allow you to delay start for up to 24 hours.

Noise Level Range

A low-noise level is one of the features you need to give up by buying a less expensive dishwasher. These models come with a noise range between 50 and 60 dB which is a bit loud. For comparison, expensive dishwashers feature a noise level between 40 and 45 dB.

Best 6 Dishwashers Under $400

Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Dishwasher

Different Settings
This portable dishwasher also provides you with multiple controls. Each cycle is specially designed to ensure that the dishwasher provides you with the most perfect cleaning performance no matter what you are washing.

Air Exchange Option
Another amazing thing about this dishwasher is that it provides you with an air exchange option. Once you activate this option, the dishwasher will add the fresh air during the washing cycle to ensure that all of your dishes get dried evenly throughout the unit.

Completely Portable
Because of its highly practical small size and the built-in water tank, this dishwasher is a perfect choice if you need a portable or mobile home dishwasher. You will be able to use it anywhere and anytime you want. Everything you need to have is a power source you can plug the dishwasher into.

Installation Options
As I mentioned, this dishwasher comes with a built-in water tank that eliminates the need for additional hookups. However, if you decide you don’t want to use the water tank, you can hook up the dishwasher to your kitchen faucet.

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hOmeLabs Mini Dishwasher

Mini Design
This dishwasher is a great choice for a small dishwasher to put under sink. This is why it is such a great choice for everyone who lives alone or simply has a small kitchen. You can place it anywhere you want including your home, dorm room, office, RV, camper, etc.

Simple Controls
Thanks to the simple, user-friendly control panel that comes with this dishwasher you will be able to easily choose and set the desired operating mode. Simply load up the dishwasher, chose the appropriate cleaning cycle, and press the start button.

Warning Light Indicators
Another great thing about this dishwasher is that it features warning light indicators that light up when something is wrong with the water supply or when the unit runs out of the rinse aid. Once you check the water supply or refill the rinse aid compartment.

Quick Setup
The whole setup process is very simple. You only need to attach the water inlet hose to your kitchen faucet and attach the outlet hose to your sink. Always make sure that the faucet is turned on when you want to run the dishwasher. Otherwise, the dishwasher won’t get any water supply.

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Danby DDW621WDB Dishwasher

Table Top Design
Like most of the models in this post, this dishwasher also features a tabletop or countertop design. That means that it is specially designed to ensure that it fits between your countertop surfaces and kitchen cabinetry. You can install it beneath your kitchen counters too.

Six Different Settings
This desktop dishwasher provides you with six different cleaning settings that include intensive for heavily soiled dishes, normal, Eco, rapid for a quick clean, glass for your delicate glassware, and soak. You can easily program the desired cleaning cycle and monitor it via the electronic LED display.

Stainless Steel Interior
Thanks to its stainless steel interior, this dishwasher will require very little maintenance. Additionally, the stainless steel material is highly durable and resistant to corrosion and rust. It also retains heat inside the tub much better than dishwashers with polymer tubs.

Automatic Dispensers
Another great thing about this dishwasher is that it comes with built-in automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispensers. Make sure that the dispensers are always full before you run the dishwasher to ensure you always get the most perfect results.

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Kuppet Small Dishwasher

Small Size
This dishwasher model comes in a highly practical small size. It is designed to accommodate up to four standard place settings including plates, bowls, cups, etc. It is a great choice for everyone who lives in a small apartment.

User-Friendly Control Panel
Another great thing about this silver dishwasher is that it features a user-friendly control panel that is located at the top of the dishwasher’s door. The panel provides you with six push-button controls that allow you to set the desired operating mode and a time display that counts down the remaining time of the set cycle.

Sanitizing Performance
No matter which cleaning cycle you choose to set up, you can be sure that this dishwasher will provide you with a very powerful sanitizing performance. That means that you will get perfectly clean and bacteria-free dishes every time you use this dishwasher.

Quick Setup
The best thing about this dishwasher is that it is very easy to set up. You only need to connect it to your kitchen faucet and that is it. Also, everything you need comes in the package with the dishwasher including a tee, water inlet adapter, and water inlet and outlet pipes.

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BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Dishwasher

Spacious Interior
Even though this home dishwasher also features a countertop design, it will still provide you with a spacious interior. It includes a pull-out dish rack, foldable tines for cups, and a cutlery basket and it can accommodate up to six standard size place settings.

Control Panel
You won’t have any trouble setting up the desired operating mode with this cheap countertop dishwasher. It comes with a fully integrated touch control panel that features multiple cleaning cycles and small LED indicators that let you know which cleaning cycle is set.

Soak Option
Another amazing thing about this dishwasher is that it provides you with a soak cleaning cycle that eliminates the need for pre-rinsing or pre-soaking the dishes. Simply load the dirty dishes inside the tub and the soak cycle will remove all the hard-baked leftovers from your dishes.

Safety Lock
Thanks to the safety lock feature that this dishwasher provides you with, you will be able to lock the control panel to ensure that no one can tamper with it. Once you activate it no one will be able to accidentally run the dishwasher.

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Frigidaire FFCD2418UB Dishwasher

Large Capacity
This is the only dishwasher that truly provides you with a large capacity. It features two separate pull out dish racks and a cutlery basket and it can accommodate up to fourteen place settings. This is what makes it such a great choice for a large family.

Built-In Design
Another great thing about this dishwasher is that it features a completely built-in design. That means that it will fit perfectly next to your other kitchen appliances. Additionally, its matt black color will provide your kitchen with a more sophisticated look.

Complete Coverage
You can be sure that this dishwasher will provide your dishes with a thorough wash. It comes with three separate wash arms that spray high-pressure jets of water all around the tub’s interior and ensure complete coverage.

Powerful Filtration
The best thing about this dishwasher is that it features a very powerful filtration system that is designed to catch all the small food particles inside the tub. That means that you never have to worry that the particles might get inside the wash pump.

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Does Affordable Dishwasher Mean Less Safe?

No. No matter the price, every type of dishwasher is designed to meet the highest safety standards. That includes safety control lock, anti-leak protection, and alarm buzzer or light indicators.

$400 Dishwashers Require Minimal Maintenance

The longevity of a countertop dishwasher mostly depends on the way it’s being maintained. To give it the maximum 12-year life, you need to clean your dishwasher once a week. That includes washing the filter and the interior of a dishwasher. Here are the cleaning notes.

• For cleaning the filter, remove it from the dishwasher, and by using a toothbrush and a mild detergent, clean it under the running water.
• For cleaning the interior, empty the dishwasher. Place a white vinegar at the top rack and run the dishwasher. Then place the baking soda at the bottom of the dishwasher and run it one more time.

For more detailed cleaning operation, you can check out this article.