15 Best Dishwashers Under $500: When Budget Doesn’t Impact Efficiency




Are you interested in finding out what are the best dishwashers under $500?

Then keep reading my post!

All models I reviewed below offer amazing user-friendly features and ensure exceptional cleaning performance. Check them out and find out which one works the best for you.

The Rundown

Best Of Best Dishwasher Under $500 Rundown Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Dishwasher
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★★
With its versatile cleaning cycles and options, this dishwasher is an exceptional choice for multipurpose use.
Jump To Review

Best Quiet Dishwasher Under $500 Rundown Novete Compact Dishwasher
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★☆
Due to its low operating noise, this dishwasher is a great choice for those looking for a somewhat quieter model.
Jump To Review

Best Built-In Dishwasher Under $500 Rundown Danby DDW1804EB Dishwasher
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★☆
Its narrow 18-inch design makes this dishwasher a great choice for homes that don’t have as much free floor space.
Jump To Review

What Can A $500 Budget Dishwasher Give Me?

A pretty decent model with basic features which provide good cleaning and drying performance. $500 is the beginning price range for the best quality dishwashers, so you won’t really be cut off any standard cleaning feature. Usually, the dishwashwers cost from 300 to 900 dollars so 500 dollars is a middle price.

Are There Some Features That I Won’t Get?

Yes, you won’t get some smart features such as WiFi connectivity, interior LED lights, third rack, smart timer, and similar options. However, these features are considered to be high-end pieces so even though they are convenient, they aren’t really necessary for a good quality dishwasher.

Dishwasher Model Options

For $500, you can get a built-in dishwasher, freestanding appliance, or countertop model. Here are some specific details on what specifications you can count on within this budget range.

  • The built-in model is bigger in size as it usually features an 18 or 24 inches big unit. It has a spacious interior and can fit between 10 and 16 place settings. This dishwasher is designed for standard-size kitchens, big households, and large families. Its control panel can be placed on the top of the door or in front.
  • The freestanding model comes in the same size as the built-in one – with an 18 or 24 inches big unit. The loading capacity goes between 10 and 16 place settings. Freestanding models are identical to built-in ones, they just don’t require building in the cabinetry.
  • The countertop model comes in a smaller size so it can fit any countertop, RV, boat, and a limited kitchen. Its unit is big between 14 and 18 inches and it can hold up to 8 place settings. This model is also known as a portable dishwasher.
  • Convenient Countertop Dishwasher

3 Extra Points For A Dishwasher Under $500

Along with good cleaning functions we yet need to mention, these affordable models come with 3 key benefits which you need to bear in mind before deciding on whether or not you should get this dishwasher.

Good Price For Everything You Need

$500 is a great budget for a dishwasher as it will give you everything you need for efficient cleaning performance. Affordability for enhancing the cleaning experience!

Quiet Dishwashers For Less Than 500

Even though some models do come with 55 to 65 dB of noise, you still can find a model that comes with low noise performance. That includes a 45 to 50 dB noise range.

noise levels in decibels
DecibelPro

Simple Design For Simple Use

As you won’t get additional smart features, you also won’t have too many control buttons. That certainly eases up the usage and makes this model suitable for both beginners and professionals.

So, What Functions Come With A $500 Dishwasher?

Now it’s time to talk about all the functions you get by choosing this dishwasher type.

Are Affordable Dishwashers Strong?

Yes, most of them are, as they are either made from stainless steel or plastic. Both materials are strong and durable, however, if you can choose, go with a stainless steel dishwasher. It is not only the best option in the terms of construction but also the best option for the aesthetic.

Adjustable Racks

These models can come with this feature. Adjustable racks basically allow you to customize the interior with racks, baskets, and compartments so you can easily fit in awkwardly-shaped cookware, dishes, pots, and pans.

Customizable Interior And Racks

Multiple Cleaning Cycles Are A Must

And they do come with these budget-friendly models. Most of these dishwashers have 4 to 12 cleaning cycles. Some of the features that range includes are a normal, light, heavy, and quick wash, ECO mode, and rinse only.

Can I Get Drying Too Within This Budget?

Yes. Most of the models have a high-temperature drying cycle which ensures efficient and equal drying performance. Other dishwashers can feature an air-dry function that is eco-friendly.

What About Energy-Efficient Model?

Yes, you can get this too. If you choose an Energy Star dishwasher, you will save more than 10 gallons of water and almost 1 kWh per load.

Installation Requirements

You can get a model that either requires permanent water hookups or can easily be attached to the kitchen faucet. Some dishwashers even come with built-in water tanks that make them a convenient choice for transportation.

15 Best Dishwashers Under $500

Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Dishwasher

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Plastic
Dimensions: 21.9 x 20.9 x 22.4 inches
Noise: Low But Not Specified
Form Factor: Freestanding
Controls Type: Full Panel
Capacity: 6 Place Settings

User-Friendly Design
This dishwashing machine for less than $500 features a user-friendly design. It comes in a convenient countertop design, has a transparent glass door window, a convenient backlit touch control panel with a time display, etc. It even has a built-in water tank with a capacity of up to 5 liters.

Best Of Best Dishwasher Under $500

Multipurpose Use
Due to the versatile cleaning cycles and options it provides, you can use this compact model to wash versatile items. Apart from the dishes, you can use the machine to sanitize your baby’s toys and bottles or to give fruits and veggies a thorough clean.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★★
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★★
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★☆
Funcionality: ★★★★★

PRICE RANGE

from $400 to $600
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts

Short Description:

  • features a user-friendly design
  • transparent glass door window
  • convenient backlit touch control panel
  • versatile cleaning cycles and options
  • a great choice for multipurpose use
  • comes with a built-in 5-liter water tank
  • requires no permanent water hookups

Novete Compact Dishwasher

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Plastic
Dimensions: 16.8 x 16.7 x 18 inches
Noise: 50 dB
Form Factor: Freestanding
Controls Type: Full Panel
Capacity: 4 Place Settings

Powerful Performance
The great thing about this dishwasher is that it provides a very powerful cleaning and drying performance. Its double spray arms are specially designed to provide complete coverage. It also uses a high-temperature drying cycle to ensure that you never have to dry your dishes manually.

Best Quiet Dishwasher Under $500

Low Operating Noise
As its category implies, this machine creates very little noise. More precisely, it creates about 50 DBs. Thanks to this feature you will be able to run this quiet dishwasher any time you want without worrying that it might bother someone.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★☆☆
Weight: ★★★★★
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $400 to $600
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts

Short Description:

  • compact size and large capacity
  • powerful cleaning and drying performance
  • comes with double rotating spray arms
  • creates about 50 DBs during a cleaning cycle
  • a convenient size for transportation

Danby DDW1804EB Dishwasher

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 22.8 x 17.6 x 34.4 inches
Noise: 52 dB
Form Factor: Built-In
Controls Type: Full Panel
Capacity: 8 Place Settings

18-Inch Design
This built-in designed dishwasher features a bit more narrow 18-inch unit. This makes it a convenient choice for smaller apartments. Due to its size, it can accommodate up to 8 standard place settings at once. Its control panel is located in its top right corner to ensure that you can easily access it.

Best Built-In Dishwasher Under $500

Programmable Delay
Another great option this under 500 dollar dishwasher provides is its programmable delay start feature. You can adjust it several hours in advance to ensure that it finishes on your schedule.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★★★
Weight: ★★★☆☆
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $400 to $600
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts

Short Description:

  • comes in a narrow 18-inch design
  • a convenient choice for smaller apartments
  • accommodates up to 8 standard place settings
  • provides 4 different temperature options
  • a programmable delay start feature
  • Energy Star compliant performance

Farberware FCD06ABBWHA Dishwasher

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 25.6 x 22.8 x 24.1 inches
Noise: 54 dB
Form Factor: Freestanding
Controls Type: Full Panel
Capacity: 6 Place Settings

High-Quality Design
Due to its stainless steel design, you can be sure that this dishwasher will provide exceptional quality, durability, and a lasting lifespan. Its control panel is located in the front of the machine to ensure that you can easily make all adjustments.

Best Stainless Steel Dishwasher Under $500

Low Maintenance
Note that this stainless steel dishwasher requires very little maintenance. It offers a highly convenient self-cleaning cycle that takes care of the machine’s interior. Its design makes it a great choice for use in an office, dorm room, a camper, RV, etc.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★★
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $200 to $600
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts

Short Description:

  • high-quality stainless steel design
  • six place setting capacity
  • convenient touch control panel
  • offers a powerful self-cleaning cycle

EdgeStar BIDW1802SS Dishwasher

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 22.4 x 17.6 x 32.5 inches
Noise: 52 dB
Form Factor: Built-In
Controls Type: Full Panel
Capacity: 8 Place Settings

Convenient Push Buttons
This most reliable dishwasher comes with convenient and simple push-button controls. Its pre-wash cleaning cycle ensures that you don’t have to rinse your dishes before you wash them inside the dishwasher. With its narrow 18-inch size, this reliable 500 dollar dishwasher can accommodate up to 8 standard place settings at once.

Best Most Reliable Dishwasher Under $500

Leak Sensor
The best thing about this reliable dishwasher is that it comes with a leakage sensor. It is specially designed to detect the leak inside the tub and immediately stop the water flow. As a result, your home will remain safe from water damages.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★★★
Weight: ★★★★☆
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $400 to $600
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts

Short Description:

  • comes in a narrow 18-inch size
  • fits up to 8 standard place settings
  • simple push-button controls
  • a convenient pre-wash cleaning cycle
  • a specially designed leakage sensor
  • comes with an Energy Star certificate

SPT SD-2213S Dishwasher

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Iron
Dimensions: 21.6 x 19.6 x 17.2 inches
Noise: 55 dB
Form Factor: Freestanding
Controls Type: Full Panel
Capacity: 6 Place Settings

Generous Capacity
Even though this silver colored dishwasher comes in a somewhat smaller countertop size, it can easily accommodate up to 6 standard place settings. It fits dishes that are up to 10.25 inches in diameter.

Best Silver Dishwasher Under $500

Simple Setup
This dishwasher for under 500 dollars is very easy to set up. All required accessories come included in the package to ensure that you can complete the process with as little effort as possible. You can easily attach it to your kitchen faucet/sink.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★★
Funcionality: ★★★☆☆

PRICE RANGE

from $200 to $500
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts

Short Description:

  • somewhat smaller countertop size
  • accommodates up to 6 standard place settings
  • fits dishes that are up to 10.25 inches in diameter
  • setup accessories come included in the package
  • easy to attach to a kitchen faucet/sink

Black+Decker BCD6W Dishwasher

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 21.7 x 21.5 x 17.2 inches
Noise: 60 dB
Form Factor: Freestanding
Controls Type: Full Panel
Capacity: 6 Place Settings

Simple LED Display
This dishwashing machine features a simple LED display with versatile cleaning cycles and options. Each one is specially designed to ensure that you get the best cleaning results whether you are washing heavily soiled dishes or delicate glassware.

Best Mobile Dishwasher Under $500

Child Lock Safety Mechanism
Another convenient feature of this mobile home dishwasher for mobile home is its child lock safety mechanism. It allows you to lock up the control panel and ensure that no one can tamper with it.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★★
Funcionality: ★★★☆☆

PRICE RANGE

from $200 to $500
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts

Short Description:

  • features a simple LED display
  • versatile cleaning cycles and options
  • offers a child lock safety mechanism
  • easy to connect to a kitchen faucet

Kapas Countertop Dishwasher

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 16 x 17.5 x 16 inches
Noise: 50 dB
Form Factor: Freestanding
Controls Type: Full Panel
Capacity: 6 Place Settings

Easy To Use
Like all listed dishwashers, this one is also very easy to use. Simply load it up, choose the desired operating mode, and make sure that its water tank is full or that its water hookups are properly connected.

Best Desktop Dishwasher Under $500

Built-In Water Tank
This is another dishwashing machine that comes with a built-in 5-liter water tank. It eliminates the need for permanent water installations. It also makes this dishwasher an amazing choice for those who often spend their time on the road.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★★
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $400 to $500
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts

Short Description:

  • 5 different washing programs
  • 75-degree high-temperature cleaning cycles
  • versatile cleaning detergents acceptable for use
  • a faucet adapter comes included in the package
  • comes with a built-in 5-liter water tank

Costway Portable Dishwasher

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Plastic
Dimensions: 17.5 x 18 x 18 inches
Noise: 52 dB
Form Factor: Freestanding
Controls Type: Full Panel
Capacity: 6 Place Settings

Compact  & Portable
This dishwasher is compact and portable. Its control panel is top-mounted to ensure that you can easily access it from any position. It has a built-in water tank with a capacity of up to 5 liters and a convenient see-through door window that allows you to observe its cleaning performance.

Best Camping Dishwasher Under $500

Sanitizing Performance
Although this is a somewhat smaller dishwasher, it still provides exceptional performance. It uses a 149-degree cleaning temperature that both cleans and sanitizes the dishes.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★★
Funcionality: ★★★☆☆

PRICE RANGE

from $300 to $500
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts

Short Description:

  • comes in a compact portable size
  • a convenient see-through door window
  • top-mounted touch control panel
  • a 5-liter built-in water tank

hOmeLabs Compact Dishwasher

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 21.6 x 19.6 x 17.2 inches
Noise: Low, But Not Specified
Form Factor: Freestanding
Controls Type: Full Panel
Capacity: 6 Place Settings

Setting Capacity
Due to its size, this $500 dishwasher can easily accommodate up to 6 standard place settings at once. It features a dish rack, an additional cup rack, and a cutlery basket. It also offers 6 different cleaning cycles, each one specially designed to provide exceptional cleaning performance.

Best Home Dishwasher Under $500

Automatic Dispensers
Just like all listed models, this dishwasher for home use also comes with fully automatic detergent and rinse aid dispensers. Everything you need to do is make sure that they are full before every use.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★★
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $400 to $600
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts

Short Description:

  • accommodates up to 6 standard place settings
  • offers 6 different cleaning cycles
  • comes with warning light indicators
  • fully automatic detergent and rinse aid dispensers

SPT SD-9263W Dishwasher

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 23.6 x 17.6 x 35.6 inches
Noise: 52 dB
Form Factor: Freestanding
Controls Type: Full Panel
Capacity: 8 Place Settings

Rolling Wheels
This dishwasher comes with built-in rolling wheels. They are precisely placed in the four corners o the machine to ensure that you can easily move the machine around when needed.

Best On Wheels Dishwasher Under $500

Energy Star Certified
The best thing about this $500 dishwashing machine is that it comes with an Energy Star certificate. This means that it uses somewhat lower water and power levels per cleaning cycle. Your bills won’t become any higher due to the use of the dishwasher.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★★
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★☆☆☆
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $400 to $800
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts

Short Description:

  • features a freestanding design
  • high-quality stainless steel construction
  • provides 6 different washing programs
  • rinse aid warning light indicator
  • comes with an Energy Star certificate

Ensue Dishwashing Machine

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 19 x 21.5 x 17 inches
Noise: 55 dB
Form Factor: Freestanding
Controls Type: Full Panel
Capacity: 6 Place Settings

Convenient Size
This is another dishwashing machine that comes in a convenient small size. It is specially designed to ensure that it fits atop your kitchen countertops. You can even keep it inside your kitchen cabinets. It offers a standard capacity of up to 6 place settings.

Best Small Dishwasher Under $500

Warning Light Indicators
Another amazing thing about this model is that it comes with warning light indicators. They are added to inform you when something is wrong with the machine.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★☆☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★☆☆☆
Funcionality: ★★★☆☆

PRICE RANGE

from $400 to $700
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts

Short Description:

  • comes in a convenient small size
  • standard capacity of up to 6 place settings
  • comes with warning light indicators
  • very easy to hook up to a kitchen faucet

Danby DDW631SDB Dishwasher

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 19.6 x 21.6 x 17.2 inches
Noise: 54 dB
Form Factor: Freestanding
Controls Type: Full Panel
Capacity: 6 Place Settings

Freestanding Design
This dishwasher also features a completely freestanding design. Thanks to this feature you won’t have to make any permanent water installations for it. This also means that it is very easy to move around.

Best Freestanding Dishwasher Under $500

Versatile Cleaning Cycles 
Its versatile cleaning cycles are specially designed to provide you with exceptional performance. Thanks to this feature you can use this best-rated dishwasher for less than 500 dollars to clean both heavily soiled dishes such as pots and pans, and delicate items such as glassware and silverware.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★★
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★☆☆
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $400 to $600
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts

Short Description:

  • a completely freestanding design
  • made out of stainless steel material
  • versatile cleaning cycles and options
  • user-friendly warning light indicators
  • requires no permanent installations

Magic Chef MCSCD6W5 Dishwasher

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Plastic
Dimensions: 21.7 x 19.7 x 17.2 inches
Noise: 52 dB
Form Factor: Freestanding
Controls Type: Full Panel
Capacity: 6 Place Settings

Operating Modes
This dishwasher provides you with 6 different operating modes. It also offers an adjustable start delay timer you can program for 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours in advance. It creates noise at about 52 DBs, meaning, it isn’t too quiet but it isn’t too loud either.

Best White Dishwasher Under $500

Included Accessories
Keep in mind that this white colored dishwasher comes with all accessories you may need to complete its setup. Thanks to this feature you will need minimal effort input. Most importantly, you will be able to complete the setup as quickly as possible. For more information, click on the enclosed link.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★☆☆
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $300 to $500
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts

Short Description:

  • provides 6 different operating modes
  • an adjustable start delay timer
  • creates noise at about 52 DBs
  • all accessories included in the package

Danby DDW621WDB Dishwasher

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 19.6 x 21.6 x 17.2 inches
Noise: 52 dB
Form Factor: Freestanding
Controls Type: Full Panel
Capacity: 6 Place Settings

Energy Efficient Performance
This small-sized model provides you with energy-efficient washing performance. It features very simple electronic controls and a programmable delay start timer. It also comes with a removable filter you can easily clean when needed. Click on the enclosed link to get a more detailed review.

Best Energy Star Dishwasher Under $500

Drying System
Another convenient feature of this top-rated dishwasher is its powerful drying system. It eliminates the need for drying the dishes manually. You will be able to store your dishes straight from the machine into your kitchen cabinets.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★☆
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $300 to $700
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts

Short Description:

  • 6 standard place setting capacity
  • high-quality stainless steel interior
  • comes with 6 different wash programs
  • provides energy-efficient performance
  • powerful drying performance
  • an easy-to-clean removable filter

If I Pay $500 Or Less For A Dishwasher, Is It Still Safe?

Of course, it is. The price doesn’t impact the safety features of any dishwasher type. So with this model, you can count on classic leakage protection, alarm buzzer and/or light indicators, and safety lock.

$500 Dishwashers Don’t Need Additional Maintaining

Just regular cleaning and that’s it. Here are a few tips on how to clean your dishwasher in order to ensure its longevity.

  • Every 7 days, clean the filter. You can remove it and by using a toothbrush, running water, and mild detergent, clean it.
  • If you want to deep clean your dishwasher, run 2 cycles. In the first one, place white vinegar at the top rack. In the second one, sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of the dishwasher.
  • Once a week, use a soft sponge or cloth, lukewarm water, and detergent to clean the exterior of the dishwasher.

Check out this video for more details on cleaning your dishwasher.

To Wrap It Up

Finding a dishwasher that fits your budget can be hard, however, with a little bit of searching, you can find great dishwashers that are priced under $500. You will stay within your budget but won’t lose efficiency and impeccable cleaning performance. Hey, you may even find an amazing dishwasher for under $400 or $300!



Patricia
As a former cook and a pastry chef, Patricia knows how to recognize fresh ingredients and appreciates their quality above all else. Her ideal day is spent at a local farmer’s market looking for the fruits, vegetables, and herbs she can combine and use to make meals for her loved ones. She is also a big coffee enthusiast and enjoys trying out different coffee brews while traveling.