A dishwasher is an excellent appliance to quickly and efficiently clean up after a big meal so that dirty dishes don’t sit in the sink where they attract pests. This is especially true in apartments where insects and rodents can invade from neighboring apartments in the building. However, upgrading a kitchen appliance is rarely a cheap process, so it’s important to be budget-conscious when looking for a new dishwasher.
The best dishwashers under $500 are typically suitable for small homes, apartments, and condos and have an average capacity of four to eight place settings. These efficient machines don’t use the same amount of water as a full-size dishwasher, and they can come with a range of different wash settings and features, such as safety locks or sensor wash cycles. The list below is a good place to start the search for the best dishwashers under $500.
- BEST OVERALL: Novete TDQR01 Portable Compact Countertop Dishwasher
- RUNNER-UP: EdgeStar DWP62SV 6 Place Setting Portable Dishwasher
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Danby DDW631SDB Countertop Dishwasher
- BEST COUNTERTOP: Black+Decker BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher
- BEST PORTABLE: Farberware Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher
- BEST STANDARD: EdgeStar BIDW1802BL 18-Inch-Wide Dishwasher
- BEST FOR QUIET OPERATION: SPT SD-2225DW Compact Countertop Dishwasher
- BEST FOR QUICK OPERATION: Farberware FCD06ABBWHA Compact Portable Dishwasher
- BEST EFFICIENT OPERATION: hOmeLabs HME010393N Digital Countertop Dishwasher
- ALSO CONSIDER: Kapas Portable Countertop Dishwasher
How We Chose the Best Dishwashers Under $500
There were a number of things we looked for in choosing the best dishwashers under $500. We particularly wanted to offer as much variety as possible in terms of capacity and functionality. While not surprisingly portable and countertop dishwashers dominate, it is possible to find standard-size models on a limited budget, and it is well worth keeping an eye open for special deals.
Construction quality and reliability are key issues. It’s easy to pick well-known dishwasher brands with established reputations, but research brought others to our attention that may be less well known but use modern design and manufacturing techniques to keep costs down. For example, while high-quality machines tend to use stainless steel for the interior, plastic tubs are common on budget machines. User feedback helped us establish which proved durable in real- world use and which were best avoided.
Our Top Picks
This list of top products was selected based on important criteria discussed later in the article, including the type, size, noise level, rack configuration, cycles, energy efficiency, and overall quality to help you find the best dishwashers under $500 to help keep the kitchen clean.
Photo: amazon.com
Keep the kitchen neat and tidy with the high-quality cleaning power of the Novete countertop dishwasher that features two water-supply methods and five washing modes, including normal, speed, eco, baby care/heavy, and fruit. The fruit mode refers to a 20-minute cold-water rinsing that is appropriate for either dishes or fruits and vegetables.
This countertop dishwasher weighs just 28 pounds, and it has enough capacity to wash up to four place settings, making it suitable for couples and small families. Fill the dishwasher using a direct connection to the faucet, or manually fill the tank with a bucket, cup, or any other type of container that can hold and pour water. After washing the dishes, switch the dishwasher to the dry function to ensure the newly cleaned dishes are completely dry when they are unloaded.
Product Specs
- Type: Countertop/portable
- Place settings: 4
- Size: 16.8 inches high by 16.9 inches wide by 18.1 inches deep
Pros
- Versatile, high-quality model can run from mains water supply or its own 5-liter (1.3- gallon) tank
- 5 cycles plus drying and an automatic ventilation mode to prevent odor buildup
- At only 28 pounds, it’s portable enough for boat or RV use
Cons
- Washer heats the water, but can take up to 15 minutes to get hot
- Heavy duty setting isn’t quiet, but not as loud as most full-size dishwashers
- A few buyers complain that the company is slow to respond to warranty issues
Get the Novete dishwasher at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
This countertop dishwasher has a capacity to hold six place settings, making it a suitable choice for an individual, a couple, or even a small family. It operates at just 52 decibels, which prevents the dishwasher from flooding the home with loud droning sounds while it keeps the kitchen clean. The dishwasher weighs 44 pounds, and it comes with the hoses and adapters needed to connect to the faucet and an easy-to-use digital display.
Made for use in a modern kitchen, the countertop dishwasher from EdgeStar has a stainless steel exterior and features a bold digital display. This dishwasher can be set for seven different wash cycles, and it comes with a dish rack, cup shelf, and cutlery basket. It’s an efficient model that is Energy Star rated and uses just 2.85 gallons of water in a single wash.
Product Specs
- Type: Countertop
- Place settings: 6
- Size: 17.3 inches high by 22 inches wide by 19.6 inches deep
Pros
- A very quiet dishwasher with 7 wash cycles and space for 6 place settings
- Energy Star rated with delayed start timer to take advantage of off-peak electricity
- Comes 5 feet of hose and a quick-connect faucet adapter for simple hookup
Cons
- A weight of 44 pounds and lack of water tank reduces its portable use
Get the EdgeStar 6-place-setting dishwasher at Amazon or Lowe’s.
Photo: amazon.com
Danby’s countertop dishwasher comes at an inexpensive price, allowing users to upgrade from their current countertop dishwasher without emptying their wallets. This appliance weighs 44 pounds and runs at a noise level of about 54 decibels, which is quieter than a regular conversation. Load up to six place settings into the pullout rack, utensil compartment, and fold-down cup rack.
This countertop dishwasher is Energy Star compliant with low water consumption of just 3.1 gallons per wash cycle. It is also made with a delayed start system that prompts the dishwasher to automatically start after 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours, depending on the user’s preference. Just choose from among the seven dishwasher cycles to get started, including rinse, rapid, glass, normal, heavy, eco, and baby care.
Product Specs
- Type: Countertop
- Place settings: 6
- Size: 19.7 inches high by 21.6 inches wide by 17.3 inches deep
Pros
- Given the capacity and the feature set, this model is very competitively priced
- Has 8 wash cycles including an eco cycle, and it’s Energy Star compliant
- Durable stainless steel interior with improved spray arm provides more efficient cleaning
Cons
- The standard gap between countertop and cabinets is 18 inches, so this model may not fit every kitchen setup
Get the Danby dishwasher at Amazon, Target, or Wayfair.
Photo: amazon.com
With a capacity of six place settings, this countertop dishwasher is a suitable option for a small or medium-size family. It provides enough space for a full meal’s worth of dishes so that plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery can be quickly cleaned after a meal. It has seven wash programs, including intensive, normal, eco (energy-saving), glass, 90 minutes, rapid, and soak, allowing users to choose the best program for each load. It also has the option to delay the start of a cycle time by up to 24 hours, and it comes with a child lock.
The Black+Decker countertop dishwasher weighs 46.2 pounds, and the product comes with all the necessary water hoses and connections for immediate use. It’s a great choice for families with infants and anyone living in an apartment or condo because the dishwasher produces just 54 decibels of sound, which is about the same noise level as a normal conversation.
Product Specs
- Type: Countertop
- Place settings: 6
- Size: 17.2 inches high by 21.7 inches wide by 21.7 inches deep
Pros
- Purpose-designed for the countertop, yet it’s light enough to store if space is limited
- Commercial-quality model from a brand known for long-term reliability and value
- Offers 7 cycles, delay timer, child lock, and quick-connect faucet kit
Cons
- Some owners have been critical of support suggesting that quality control can be inconsistent
Get the Black+Decker dishwasher at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.
Photo: amazon.com
The portable dishwasher by Farberware is a compact product that can be picked up, moved around the room, or loaded into a vehicle with relative ease. It weighs just 35 pounds, and it’s equipped with dual-fill options, allowing the user to connect the dishwasher directly to the faucet or to fill the dishwasher manually with a bucket of water. This versatility makes it a great option for both the home and to take camping, so users never need to worry about washing dishes by hand, even while enjoying the great outdoors.
The Farberware portable dishwasher contains a 5-liter water tank and just enough capacity to wash two place settings. However, it does include a steam function to sterilize baby bottles and other infant accessories, keeping them safe from bacteria, fungi, mold, and viruses. Despite the small size, it functions well for an individual, a couple, or a new family, and it has a pullout dish rack and cutlery rack.
Product Specs
- Type: Countertop/portable
- Place settings: 2
- Size: 17.3 inches high by 16.5 inches wide by 17.3 inches deep
Pros
- Compact and lightweight model has its own water tank for ultimate portability
- 5 wash programs including steam for baby items, plus Air Refresh for faster drying
- Includes convenient pitcher for refilling and a hose to allow for mains water hookup
Cons
- The price is comparatively high, and a faucet adapter may be needed for hose connection
Get the Farberware dishwasher at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
Available in white, black, and stainless steel, this standard built-in dishwasher needs to be installed under a kitchen counter where it doesn’t take up floor space and can be secured directly to the counter. This product has a small capacity for standard dishwashers with enough space for just eight place settings, but this is more than enough room to help a medium-size family keep the kitchen clean, even after a large meal.
The standard dishwasher is an affordable option that comes with six wash cycles, including heavy, normal, eco, glass, rapid, and rinse. It weighs 52.9 pounds and operates at just 52 decibels to help ensure that starting a load of dishes doesn’t disturb anyone. The dishwasher is equipped with a leak sensor that will automatically shut off the water intake if a leak is detected, protecting the home from water damage.
Product Specs
- Type: Standard 18-inch
- Place settings: 8
- Size: 32.5 inches high by 17.6 inches wide by 22.4 inches deep
Pros
- It comes with the convenience of 2 racks, a silverware basket, and a cup tray while remaining very affordable
- 6 wash cycles plus heated drying and sanitization options with 24-hour delay timer
- Energy Star compliant with automatic leak detector to prevent potential flooding
Cons
- Reports of persistent error codes that are difficult to understand
Get the EdgeStar 18-inch-wide dishwasher at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
Living in an apartment or a condo can come with official noise restrictions that can limit the type of appliances and even when certain appliances can be used, but with the SPT countertop dishwasher, users can run a load in the middle of the night if they feel like it without disturbing anyone. The dishwasher operates at a maximum noise level of 55 decibels, which is less than the volume of a normal conversation.
This countertop dishwasher weighs just 43 pounds, and it also comes with the necessary hoses, connector, and a universal faucet adapter so that installation is quick and easy. It has a stainless steel interior and a bold white exterior with a capacity for up to six place settings. Just place the dishes in the slide-out rack or the utensil rack, and choose one of six wash cycles to best suit the items being washed.
Product Specs
- Type: Countertop
- Place settings: 6
- Size: 17.2 inches high by 21.7 inches wide by 19.7 inches deep
Pros
- Competitive performance and feature set with consistently quiet operation; ideal for small living spaces
- Energy Star certified with 6 cycles and an LED display of runtime remaining
- Comes with universal faucet connector that should mean an adapter is not required
Cons
- There are several reports of damage on receipt that could indicate poor packaging
Get the SPT dishwasher at Amazon or The Home Depot (silver).
Photo: amazon.com
This Farberware countertop dishwasher is designed for efficiency and convenience with a speed-cleaning cycle that can wash the contents of the dishwasher in only 45 minutes. But this is just one of seven dishwasher programs including light, normal, heavy, glass, baby care, and a self-clean setting that allows the dishwasher to clean itself. At less than 45 pounds, it’s a good choice for small kitchens, apartments, dorms, or larger RVs.
The countertop dishwasher is available with either a white or black exterior, and it holds up to six place settings in the pullout rack, the fold-down cup racks, and the cutlery basket. This dishwasher also features a drying function that adds extra heat to the final rinse in order to enhance drying results. It has a child lock and comes with all necessary hoses and adapters to connect the dishwasher right away.
Product Specs
- Type: Countertop
- Place settings: 6
- Size: 17.2 inches high by 21.7 inches wide by 19.7 inches deep
Pros
- 7 wash programs including a speed-cleaning cycle that can clean dishes in just 45 minutes
- Competitive price makes it an affordable extra for guest accommodations or cabins
- Interior layout includes fold-down cup racks and cutlery basket for added versatility
Cons
- Described as portable but weighs 44 pounds, and it does not have separate water tank
Get the Farberware dishwasher at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
The hOmeLabs countertop dishwasher doesn’t just look great; it actually helps users save money on their utility bills by keeping water and electricity consumption to a minimum. It’s an Energy Star–certified model with seven wash cycle programs, including the energy-saving eco mode that reduces the amount of water used and the time spent washing lightly soiled loads of dishes. Other wash cycle programs include normal, heavy, glass, quick wash, rinse, and baby care.
This countertop dishwasher weighs 42.5 pounds, and it comes with the necessary hoses, connectors, and a faucet adapter, allowing users to quickly install the dishwasher at the kitchen sink. It runs at a very low noise level of just 50 decibels and has a capacity for up to six place settings, making it a good choice for a small family or a couple.
Product Specs
- Type: Countertop
- Place settings: 6
- Size: 17.2 inches high by 21.6 inches wide by 20.2 inches deep
Pros
- Single button selection of 7 wash cycles, with efficiency underlined by Energy Star certification
- Highly water efficient, requiring less water for a full load than washing dishes by hand
- Built-in rinse aid dispenser for streak-free cleaning and faster drying
Cons
- Few owners have experienced breakdowns or leaks
Get the hOmeLabs dishwasher at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Use this versatile countertop dishwasher to help keep the kitchen clean throughout the week and to quickly tidy up after a big meal. It has enough space to fit up to four place settings, and the dishwasher has a 60-minute drying program so users don’t need to worry about hand-drying the dishes while unloading the dishwasher. The appliance operates at about 60 decibels and weighs only 26.4 pounds, allowing it to be picked up, moved to a different counter space, or loaded into a car.
This countertop dishwasher is a great choice for camping because it doesn’t just connect to a faucet for automatic filling; it can also be filled manually with a bucket. It comes with five wash- cycle settings including standard, quick, strong, eco, and rinse. The rinse cycle is actually referred to as the fruit cycle because it’s a 19-minute cold water rinse that can also be used to wash fruits and vegetables.
Product Specs
- Type: Countertop/portable
- Place settings: 4
- Size: 17 inches high by 16 inches wide by 16 inches deep
Pros
- A compact and very lightweight model with its own water tank
- Easy-to-use LED control panel for program selection and monitoring water-fill level
- Optional use of mains water supply with hose and faucet connector included
Cons
- Although this dishwasher generally seems durable, some owners have reported breakdowns and rust
Get the Kapas dishwasher at Amazon or Walmart.
What to Consider When Choosing a Dishwasher Under $500
Don’t rush into a decision before fully understanding the product. Instead of defaulting to the cheapest product, take some time to make your decision to take into account the best features and options available to you. Think about the dishwasher type, size, cycles, and energy efficiency, as well as several additional important product factors detailed below.
Type and Size
When you’re trying to decide on the best dishwasher for the home, the first thing to determine is what type and size of dishwasher would be suitable. Dishwasher capacity is measured in place settings. One place setting includes a large dinner plate, small snack plate, saucer, bowl, coffee cup, drinking glass, knife, two teaspoons, a dinner fork, and a small salad fork.
- Standard dishwashers are rarely found for under $500, but these products are very popular for large-family homes. They are generally installed under the counter in the kitchen and have a large capacity that allows them to hold between 12 and 16 place settings. However, it’s important to check installation requirements, as getting this done by a professional can increase the cost considerably.
- Freestanding dishwashers are smaller than standard dishwashers, though they both sit on the floor. Freestanding models typically have a pair of wheels and a pair of stationary feet so that the appliance can be moved around the kitchen on the wheels when necessary. These appliances can fall into the portable dishwasher category, but they are larger than countertop dishwashers with a capacity of about eight to 12 place settings.
- Countertop dishwashers are small enough to be categorized as portable dishwashers, though size and weight should be taken into account. These products are made for apartment living, taking up only a small amount of space on the counter instead of taking up floor space. The capacity of these appliances ranges from just four to six place settings. Many also have a convenient heating element to dry the dishes.
Cycles and Energy Efficiency
After determining what type of dishwasher is the most suitable for your space, it’s time to look at the available performance features. Dishwashers under $500 can actually come with a surprising number of cycle options, including light, normal, and heavy cycles, but they can also incorporate more specialized settings such as an energy-saving cycle, a rinse cycle, a pots-and-pans cycle, and a speed- or quick-wash cycle.
Energy efficiency should also be a concern so you don’t end up paying more than is necessary to operate the dishwasher. Dishwashers can range in consumption from 2 to 5 gallons of water and between 0.7 and 1.5 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per cycle. For more efficient water and energy consumption, choose a dishwasher with an energy-saving mode.
Rack Configuration
Dishwashers of all sizes and types typically feature a dish rack, but the size, shape, and even the number of racks can differ among products. Some dishwashers have removable or adjustable racks to make it easier to wash tall glasses, large plates, pots, and pans. These products may also have fold-down tines to adjust the available space to the dishes or cookware that’s being washed.
Another possible feature to be on the lookout for is a third rack. This isn’t a full third rack, so you don’t have to worry about it taking up a lot of space. Instead, it’s essentially a shallow rack at the top of the dishwasher for oversize utensils, like ladles and spatulas, or small cups and other objects, like shot glasses or espresso cups.
Control Panel and Design
Appliances stand out in the kitchen, so you should put some effort into looking for a dishwasher that matches the aesthetic of the room. These appliances typically have a modest range of colors, including white, black, or silver, but they can sometimes have more vibrant options such as blue or red.
The design of the dishwasher also extends to the control panel and even to the functions of the appliance, with many products offering baby-care functions to super-heat dishes in order to sterilize baby bottles and accessories. Additionally, some dishwashers come with safety locks to keep kids from opening or operating the dishwasher, and some come with anti-flood systems to monitor the water level and shut down the intake if the water level rises too high.
Noise Level
The noise level of a dishwasher doesn’t seem like that big a deal until you put the dishes to wash when the baby is sleeping and spend the next hour trying to get the now-crying child back to sleep. With this type of scenario in mind, manufacturers developed quieter dishwashers, so they are more appropriate for small homes, dorms, apartments, or anywhere that noises must be kept below a certain level.
Noise level for dishwashers is measured in decibels (dB), and most models have a decibel range from 45 to 60 dB. As a guideline, a standard vacuum cleaner or hair dryer creates about 70 dB of sound, while a normal conversation ranges from 60 to 70 dB. Refrigerators generally operate at about 50 dB, while a whispered conversation is just 20 to 30 dB.
FAQs
Even after deciding which of the best dishwashers under $500 is ideal for your home, there may still be some lingering questions about these machines. Take a look below to get the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about dishwashers so that you can feel confident in your decision.
Q. What should I put in the dishwasher to clean it?
Clean a dishwasher by placing about a cup of white vinegar into the dishwasher and running it on a high-heat cycle; because the vinegar will cut through oil and grime, you only need to wipe the interior dry when the cycle is complete.
Q. When should I replace a dishwasher?
It’s advised to replace the dishwasher when it regularly stops in the middle of a cycle or if it has problems starting. Another sign that it’s time to upgrade is if the dishwasher no longer cleans the dishes the way that it did originally. This will typically begin to happen after 5 to 10 years of use.
Q. How many gallons of water does a dishwasher use?
On average, a dishwasher will use between 2 and 5 gallons of water per cycle, though this depends on the size of the dishwasher and the wash cycle that’s selected.
Q. How do I pull out my dishwasher?
Countertop and portable dishwashers can typically be pulled out without any extra steps, but a standard dishwasher is often secured to the underside of a countertop, so you would need to remove these screws before the dishwasher can be slowly pulled away from the wall. Keep in mind that the drain line and electrical connection should remain attached when the dishwasher is being pulled out.
Why Trust Bob Vila
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Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
