Adam holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Linguistics, and creative writing has always been his greatest passion. For more than 25 years he's been working for several well-known automobile and travel magazines as an editor and expert consultant, but when Adam started his writing path here, at WisePick, it turned out that he's capable of writing practically anything about everything.
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known household appliances manufacturer, so no wonder he knows everything about almost everything you buy for your home.
Last updated: June 11, 2021
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Dishwashers are an important appliance to have in your home. No one wants to leave the comfort of a dinner table surrounded by friends and family to toil away in a kitchen with dirty dishes. But what if you are short on space or short on money? Luckily, finding the best dishwasher under $500 isn’t as hard as you would think.
In this article, four of the best dishwashers under $500 are reviewed. Each review contains important information that is necessary before making any purchase. Specifics like height, width, and depth are mentioned for all products, as well as the number of place settings that can be washed at one time. Other features, like energy consumption and water capacity, are also listed. This information allows you to find the dishwasher that best suits your needs. There’s no sense in buying a fancy dishwasher only to find out that it doesn’t fit on your counter, or creates an energy bill that you can’t afford.
This article looks at the best dishwashers you can find under $500 and then offers an in-depth buying guide to help you make the best decision for your circumstances. We looked at online reviews and manufacturer details to compile a handy table with overview information. Each of the four dishwashers reviewed also has more information about their pros and cons and what to expect once you take your dishwasher home. The buying guide has specific information about dishwashers under $500 and a frequently asked questions segment to give you as much guidance as possible. We think that after reading this article, you’ll be better informed to make this important purchase.
If you’re tight on space but long on dishes, then this countertop dishwasher is perfect. It is able to hook up to any standard kitchen faucet and can be placed on the counter or under a countertop. It is stylish with a minimalist design and comes in black, white, and silver to match any kitchen décor.
There are seven different cycles to choose from when running this dishwasher including heavy duty and quick wash. Its standard 2.85-gallon water consumption is good for the environment and will help save on your water bill.
The best part about this dishwasher is that it cleans! Stuck on dirt, messy plates, even pots and pans: the EdgeStar is able to save you the time and effort of this tedious task. The good news is that this model is a perfect dishwasher under 300 dollars only!
Why are we impressed?
7 wash cycles feature means it can clean all of your dishes
This hOmeLabs dishwasher is perfect if you care about both – clean dishes and the environment. While most standard dishwashers have a water consumption of 2.85 gallons, this machine consumes only 0.7 gallons. All this allows the hOmeLabs dishwasher to be Energy Star certified. As a bonus, many energy suppliers offer rebates on Energy Star appliances.
Even though this portable dishwasher doesn’t use a lot of water, it still cleans your dishes. This includes grimy pots and pans. There is a six-place setting capacity which means that six people can eat dinner and not have to fight over who cleans up afterward.
The six different cycles include everything from speed to heavy, so you can rest easy knowing that it can handle all manner of dirty dishes.
If all this sounds too good to be true, don’t worry as there is a two-year limited warranty on this dishwasher. This gives you enough time to soundly test all the features and be confident that no matter the mess, you won’t have to clean up afterward.
What stands out?
Energy Star certified because of its 0.7-gallon water consumption
6 cycles are enough to tackle all manner of dishes
Small enough to fit on a counter or under a cabinet
This state of the art SPT dishwasher has an elegant LED display that looks good in any modern kitchen. Its silver-colored finish gives a dramatic look and its minimalist controls are easy to use but unobtrusive.
There are seven wash cycles that range from normal to speed. There’s even an aptly named mini party cycle that is perfect for those who love to entertain. It has a large capacity of seven-place settings which is great for when you have a lot of guests over. Just because you’re short on space doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice cleanliness.
The water consumption is at an average 2.85 gallons which means that while it’s not the most energy efficient machine, it’s still not that harmful for the environment. And at 55 decibels of sound, you can run this dishwasher and not worry about it overtaking a conversation.
What makes it special?
7 wash cycles feature creates enough choice to clean all dishes thoroughly
Small enough to sit on a countertop and not take up too much space
This SPT dishwasher has a nice, sophisticated design. It has a silver exterior and a stainless steel interior. Its controls are minimal but easy to operate so that they don’t overwhelm the surface.
The size is average for a dishwasher under $500 and can fit on both a countertop or under a cabinet. It doesn’t take up too much room but can still wash up to six-place settings at once. It is a nice, practical solution for a small kitchen or an older kitchen that doesn’t have built-in space for a dishwasher.
While the 3.8-gallon water consumption is quite higher than other models, there are options to lessen this. Among the six-cycle options are light and speed cycles which would use less water for dishes that are not heavily soiled. This is perfect if you plan on using the SPT dishwasher primarily for normal plates and bowls.
What makes it special?
6-cycle options give plenty of choices
Silver exterior and minimal controls give it a nice, modern appearance
Able to fit on a countertop and doesn’t take up too much space
What cons did we find?
Large 3.8-gallon water consumption is not the most environment-friendly
There are many options for dishwashers under $500, and this can lead to an overwhelming decision. Consult this buying guide to help you make sense of what you need and take the stress out of your purchase.
What to expect from a dishwasher under $500
You get what you pay for, and this is no exception with a dishwasher. Paying under $500 for a dishwasher doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice on quality, but it does mean that its size will be affected. With size comes capacity which is why it’s important to focus on the details of any new dishwasher.
Dishwashers under $400 or even $500 are normally priced at this level because they are smaller and more compact. They can be placed on the floor or even on a countertop. This is great if you have a kitchen that does not have a built-in space for a dishwasher.
Key features to look for in a dishwasher under $500
Dimensions
The standard size for a dishwasher is 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 35 inches high. Most models will come with adjustable-height legs to ensure a more accurate fit. There are also compact, or apartment-sized dishwashers that measure maximum 18 inches wide, 25 inches high, and 24 inches deep. All four dishwashers reviewed in this guide measure around 17 inches wide, 21 inches high, and 21 inches deep. Be aware, though, that many measure slightly off these standard sizes. Always make sure you measure the dishwasher space and not just your current dishwasher when you are looking to replace it. If your kitchen is fairly compact, consider getting a 18-inch dishwasher. Also, an integrated dishwasher might be a good way out in case your space is limited.
Capacity
Before you purchase a dishwasher, think about how you will be using it. Are you a single person who only has a few people over at a time? Are you a family of five that hosts large gatherings each week? How many people will be dirtying dishes is correlated to how big a capacity of a dishwasher you will need. While the SPT SD-2224DS has a capacity of seven-place settings, the other three dishwashers reviewed have a capacity of six-place settings.
There’s no point in buying a dishwasher with a smaller capacity when you need to wash dishes after a family get together. Having stacks of plates waiting for the current cycle to run its course is just a mockery of your attempts to clean the kitchen. Likewise, save a bit of money and purchase a dishwasher with a smaller capacity if you don’t expect to be cooking for large groups of people.
Number of cycles
The more options, the better. Having different types of cycles means that you can ensure the right type of cleaning is happening for your dishes. If you don’t like having to wash all the pots and pans after an elaborate meal, then look for a dishwasher that has a scrub cycle. If you are just one or two and often run small loads, look for a quick wash feature to help save money on your electricity bill. Not all dishes are created equal, and different cycles are needed to take care of them all.
Hot water connection and water heating
It’s extremely important that your dishwasher can connect to a hot water source. Without so, your dishes will not become clean. The highest temperature that a dishwasher can reach varies among models, so do your research. A water heating temperature above 140℉ is what to aim for. Any lower and you just can’t be assured that all the grime will be cleaned off your pots and pans.
Most compact dishwashers are able to connect with a standard kitchen faucet. If this is where you want to connect your dishwasher to, be sure that there is space next to your sink. While tubing can be extended, if there is no room on your countertop for the tube to reach a water source, then your dishwasher simply won’t work.
Water consumption
Water consumption is important to consider when purchasing a dishwasher under $500 as it will determine how large your utility bill will be. The standard water consumption for dishwashers is 2.85 gallons, which both the EdgeStar DWP62WH and the SPT SD-2224DS have. If you want an eco-friendly, Energy Star certified dishwasher, look towards the hOmeLabs HME010033N.
Warranty
A standard warranty for dishwashers is one-year limited. This way you are covered for the first year of your dishwasher’s life and can have peace of mind if anything breaks. If you anticipate using your dishwasher on a frequent basis and are not at all handy, then you can always look into extended warranties or service plans that will help for future problems.
Safety and care
A dishwasher is an electrical appliance, and care needs to be taken with it. Always make sure that there is ample room between your dishwasher and the wall or cabinet. This allows for heat to circulate and cool the machine down before overheating. As a lot of water is involved, check periodically that there are no exposed wires or open control panels. Any exposure to water could result in a fire. As a rule, kitchens should have a smoke detector and a fire extinguisher, and if yours doesn’t, it is high time to update the room.
Take care of your dishwasher so that it lasts its full lifetime. Most warranties only cover the first year, so be sure to regularly clean your dishwasher so that no food particles become stuck. See our FAQ section to learn more about routine cleaning.
FAQ
If you’re still not sure what to look for in a dishwasher under $500, here are some frequently asked questions with answers.
There’s nothing worse than opening an unexpectedly high electricity bill. To help offset costs, it’s a good idea to purchase appliances that won’t affect your bills. In the USA and Canada, look for appliances, including dishwashers, that have an Energy Star logo on them. This means that they have been built to high electrical standards and save energy and money.
The more features dishwashers have, the more chances are that they won’t affect your bills. Look for dishwashers that have a quick wash feature on them. This means that you can wash a load of dishes in under one hour, which is almost half the time of a regular load. It is perfect for small loads or dishes that aren’t too dirty. Less washing time means less energy used.
Another feature that will help trim your electricity bill is air drying instead of heat drying your dishes. Most dishes don’t have to be dried and will instead dry on their own in due time. Make sure you purchase a dishwasher that has the feature to turn off automatic drying.
When purchasing a dishwasher, there is often the option to have it installed, too. But this is an added expense, and when you’ve already had to pay a chunk of money on an appliance, it’s nice to be able to save a bit elsewhere. Luckily, dishwashers have come a long way and many are easy-to-install, even if you have no plumbing experience.
Cleaning your dishwasher is an often overlooked task because it is in essence a machine that cleans. But like all appliances, dishwashers should have regular maintenance to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
To clean your dishwasher, start by checking the drain. While most dishwashers can withstand small chunks of food, there is always the possibility of food becoming stuck. The drain is at the bottom of the dishwasher, so you may need to remove the bottom rack and reach in. While you’re in there, take out the filter and give it a good cleaning. A lot of hot water and a soft brush will remove any residue that has accumulated.
You don’t need any fancy chemicals to clean a dishwasher. Instead, use ordinary vinegar. Pour white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe cup and place it on the top shelf. Then, set the dishwasher to its highest heat setting. Wash the empty dishwasher for a full setting.
The last step involves the all-purpose baking soda. While the vinegar will disinfect and remove odors, the baking soda will help to remove stains and act as a secondary deodorizer. Sprinkle the bottom of the dishwasher with baking soda. Wash on a short cycle with hot water.
If you’re not sure about cleaning your dishwasher yourself, look for models that have a stainless steel interior. Dishwashers such as the SPT SD-2201S has such an interior which makes it easy to clean any grime that has built up. Some dishwashers also have a self-clean cycle option, so look for this feature before your next purchase.
Our Verdict
The four dishwashers in this review were chosen because they all perform exceptionally well while still being priced under a budget-friendly $500.
If you are an environmentally-conscious person, then the hOmeLabs HME010033N is the best option. It received Energy Star certification because of its extremely low 0.7-gallon water consumption. This is almost three times lower than standard dishwashers. As bonus, it has a two-year limited warranty just in case there are any issues with it.
Another solid dishwasher is the SPT SD-2224DS. With a capacity of seven-place settings, this dishwasher can clean slightly more than any other appliances on this list. This is great if you regularly host large groups of people and don’t want to deal with any mess. There are also seven different cycles that range from soak to mini party. Whatever the occasion, the SPT SD-2224DS will work for you.
The best overall best dishwasher under $500 is the EdgeStar DWP62WH. It has a six-place setting capacity and seven cycles which is perfect for all occasions. Its dimensions mean that it can fit comfortably on a countertop or even under a cabinet and its sleek, modern design looks great in any kitchen.
