In a hurry, here are our top pick, editor’s choice, and best value.
Top pick
COMFEE’ Countertop
This dishwasher is one of the best models for small families. This dishwasher weighs only 30.8 pounds
Editor’s choice
Farbarewear FDW05A BWHA
It has a very compact design, so if space is an issue in your apartment, this one will fit right in.
Best value
Danby 18 Dishwasher
The dishwasher isn’t very bulky, so space won’t be an issue installing this kitchen appliance.
Choosing the best dishwasher under $500 that fits your kitchen and has all the necessary features can be confusing. I faced the same dilemma while looking for a dishwasher due to the endless options in the market.
I had to research a lot and consider different models to make sure I made the right choice. But I understand that not everyone has the time and patience to spend hours comparing different dishwashers.
Therefore, I have reviewed the top 5 dishwashers under $500 that I think will work for most households to ease your job. After going through multiple products, I have shortlisted these five options while buying my dishwasher. So I thought, why not share the features, benefits, and my review with you?
In my opinion, Danby DDW1804EBSS Built-In Dishwasher is the best dishwasher to buy for under $500. With the multiple advanced features of this premium dishwasher, cleaning dishes would no longer be a messy job.
Table of Contents
A Quick Comparison Of Best Dishwashers Under $500
| Parameters | Comfee Countertop Dishwasher | Farbarewear FDW05A BWHA Portable Countertop Dishwasher | Danby DDW1804EBSS Built-In Dishwasher | SP TSD9254SSA Built-In Dishwasher With Heated Drying | Frigidaire FFCD2413US 24″ Built-in Dishwasher |
| Dimensions | 16.5 x 17.1 x 17.1 | 20.9 x 21.9 x 22.4 | 22.81 x 17.69 x 34.44 | 23 x 18 x 33 | 35 x 24 x 24 |
| Weight | 30.8 pounds | 45.5 pounds | 55.12 pounds | 54 pounds | 55 pounds |
| Wash programs | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 3 |
| Capacity | 2 place settings | 5 liters | 8 place settings | 8 place settings | 14 place settings |
| Voltage | 120 volts | 120 volts | 115 volts | 120 volts | 12 volts |
| Noise | 58dB | – | 52dB | 52dB | 55dB |
Best Dishwashers Under $500: Reviewed and Compared
1. Comfee Countertop Dishwasher
The comfee countertop dishwasher is one of the best models for small families. This dishwasher weighs only 30.8 pounds with dimensions 16.5 x 17.1 x 17.1 inches. It easily fits in a small corner so installing it won’t be an issue if you don’t have a designated space for your dishwasher.
This ultra-compact dishwasher can wash up to 30 items in one go, but I think it is suitable for you if you live alone or have a family of two or three members.
It has multiple washing programs like normal, rapid, glass, fruit, and steam, making cleaning all types of utensils convenient.
Additionally, an Air Refresh mode for rapid drying eliminates the need for an additional drying rack in your kitchen.
Please note that you shouldn’t use any detergent or dishwasher powders while using the fruit mode. Also, don’t use regular dishwasher liquids as it may lead to machine issues.
This Comfee countertop dishwasher does not require any installation, so you can start using it as soon as you get it home.
There is a 5-liter built-in water tank with dual filling modes. You can add water manually or connect the water hose to your kitchen faucet for an automatic water supply. But the dishwasher does not come with a faucet adapter, so you’ll have to buy it separately.
We all know that getting rid of dried food particles is quite irritating. But the 162°F rinsing and 192°F steaming programs easily remove any dried food particles. Another thing I like about this dishwasher is that it’s pretty quiet and runs on low energy.
2. Farbarewear FDW05A BWHA Portable Countertop Dishwasher
If you think the Comfee countertop dishwasher isn’t suitable for your small apartment, you can check out the Farbarewear FDW05A countertop model. This, too, has a very compact design, so if space is an issue in your apartment, this one will fit right in.
Also, if you don’t have multiple water faucets in your kitchen, you can do so manually to fill the five little water tanks.
However, it comes with a water hose for the ones who want to connect it to the kitchen faucet.
The best part is that the Farbarewear FDQ05A has an easy control panel. This LED panel lets you maneuver through the different washing modes with a few clicks. Additionally, the water level indicator lets you know when the correct water level is reached, without requiring you to check it multiple times.
With its five different washing functions, you can wash all types of utensils along with washing fruits and baby care. If you have a baby, you can use the steaming function to sanitize your child’s utensils, milk bottles, etc.
Moreover, using the rapid wash function, you can clean all your daily kitchenware in just 40 minutes. The other washing modes are also very convenient, making it one of the best choices among mini dishwashers.
3. Danby DDW1804EBSS Built-In Dishwasher
Are you looking for a dishwasher that fits right in with your kitchen’s interior and also serves the purpose? If yes, the Danby DDW1804EBSS might just be the right pick for you.
This built-in Danby dishwasher has a standard sleek appearance with a modern outlook.
The dishwasher isn’t very bulky, so space won’t be an issue installing this kitchen appliance.
There are eight place settings to wash every type of utensil, along with a silverware basket.
Moreover, with the six wash different wash modes and four hot water temperature options, you’re sure to get germ-free utensils.
That’s not all; the dishwasher has a sanitizer mode as well. If you’re a new mom, this mode will come in handy. With the extremely quiet function of the dishwasher, you won’t feel disturbed cooking while the dishwasher is functioning.
Another very convenient function this Danby dishwasher has is the delay-start feature. It allows you to pre-select your desired time to clean the dishes, so there is never a rush to wash the dishes.
One of the issues with most dishwashers is that they don’t clean dry food in one wash, and you have to redo some utensils. But not anymore. The smart wash detects dirty dishes automatically and makes them spik and span.
4. SP TSD9254SSA Built-In Dishwasher With Heated Drying
SP TSD9254SSA is one of the popular picks for the best dishwasher under $500, which is why I included it in my list. Let’s begin with the design. I absolutely love the minimal, modern design this SPT built-in dishwasher has.
It’s sleek and simple, so it’ll fit in your kitchen without distorting the kitchen aesthetics.
It has a stainless steel body, making it durable enough to withstand small wear and tears.
This dishwasher weighs only 54 pounds, so fitting it in a standard-size kitchen shouldn’t be an issue.
There are six different wash programs, including- heavy, energy, rinse, glass, normal and quick, covering all washing needs for any household.
Cleaning a sink full of dirty utensils isn’t what we want to do just before bed. Right? Don’t worry. With the time-delay feature, you can clean the utensils at a later start time within 1 to 24 hours.
So you can dump the dirty dishes and pots at the dishwasher and schedule washing time at your convenience.
The error alarm in this dishwasher is such a lifesaver. If you ever press incorrect codes or buttons, the machine will remind you so that you don’t end up with half-washed or dirty utensils.
It has multiple other advanced features like a rinse aid warning, two spray arms for complete cleaning coverage, automatic dispensers, etc.
Although there are two detachable racks, I would have preferred it if it had an additional one. Apart from it, this dishwasher has all the essential features a home kitchen needs.
5. Frigidaire FFCD2413US 24″ Built-in Dishwasher
Do you need a dishwasher that not only cleans your dishes but gets rid of the food particles inside the machine too? If yes, you’ll love the Frigidaire FFCD2423US built-in dishwasher.
The thorough cleaning system with three separate spray arms makes your dishes simply spotless. If you get this dishwasher, there is no additional requirement to install a drying rack as the heated drying system dries your dishes in one go.
Additionally, the status cycle indicator lets you know when your dishes are getting washed, drying out, and ready to take out of the dishwasher.
So you don’t have to peek through to know when the machine finishes its job.
After washing your dishes, the self-cleaning system cleans the machine interiors and removes any dirt and debris, saving you the time you would otherwise have spent cleaning that mess.
Moreover, the time-delay system helps clean dishes at your convenience. You can set the timer up to four hours in advance, which is great if you have guests coming or have to run somewhere early.
This stainless steel dishwasher has other features like different washing modes, drying modes, three cycles, a silverware basket, and one upper and a lower rack. It would have been better if there were an additional rack to wash more utensils together.
Buying Guide: Features To Look For While Buying The Best Dishwasher Under $500
Buying a dishwasher isn’t as simple. You need to consider all the factors like size, capacity, washing programs, and more to ensure you don’t have to look for a new dishwasher, at least for a few years.
Therefore to buy a suitable machine during your first purchase, you must look for the following factors-
Size & Utensil Capacity
First and foremost, inquire about the utensil capacity of the dishwasher. Consider the size and washing capacity according to your family size. Generally, for small families, portable or countertop dishwashers do the job, and large families must get built-in models.
For portable dishwashers, check for machines that can wash at least thirty items at one go. Dishwashers take time, so you want to wash as many items as possible in a single cycle.
Washing & Drying Programs
The next important factor to consider is the washing and drying programs. The dishwasher you buy should be powerful enough to clean your dishes crystal clear. While freshly used dishes are easier to clean, dried food is difficult to get rid of.
Therefore, look for machines with separate spray arms that can easily clean dried food. Don’t forget to check the drying programs as well. Most advanced machines will come with heated drying that removes even the last few drops of water.
Control Panel
A control panel is necessary for easy operation. With a smart control panel, you can quickly select the washing and drying programs, check the washing status, and get different indications.
It’s best if the control panel comes with illuminating buttons for better visibility even in the dark. Also, it’s best to get a machine with fewer buttons for easy operation.
Noise Levels
It’s a bit complicated to determine the noise level without using the dishwasher.
However, most machines mention the noise level in the feature section. Do check it out and compare it with different models to get a better idea.
Try to get a machine that operates quietly to be able to cook without getting bothered by the noise.
Dishwater noise is measured in dBA units. The higher the dBA unit, the louder the machine will be.
Generally, you should look for a model with 55dBA or lower to not get disturbed by the washing noise.
Energy Efficiency
Don’t miss the energy stars while buying a dishwasher. The stars mean that the appliance has passed the energy-efficient guidelines, so the machine consumes less power and water. Generally, the ratings go from A+++ to D, and a model with at least A++ is good enough to get.
Rack Configuration
Considering the rack configuration is again necessary to see whether the dishwasher can fit in all types of utensils or not. Some appliances offer foldable racks to fit wine glasses, large dishes, large pans, etc.
While two racks are good enough, a third rack allows you to shove in some more utensils.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Exterior Material Is The Best For Dishwashers?
Stainless steel is the best material for dishwashers. Steel can withstand heat better than plastic, dries faster, and does not easily get rusty.
How Long Should A $500 Dishwasher Last?
A $500 dishwasher should last you at least eight to ten years. This is the usual life expectancy of most dishwashers.
But you may expect to see issues after five or six years of use. Also, life expectancy varies based on usage, brand, and maintenance.
Plastic Or Stainless Dishwasher Tub, Which One Is Better?
A stainless steel dishwasher tub is always better than a plastic one. Steel tubs are more durable, easier to clean, and can withstand heat.
Do I Need To Clean My Dishwasher Filter?
Yes, you need to regularly clean your dishwasher filter. The filter prevents the food bits from sticking to your freshly cleaned dishes and the drain from clogging.
That’s why you need to thoroughly clean it periodically. If you want to learn how to clean your dishwasher filter make sure to read our full guide.
Concluding Words
I hope my reviews of the best dishwashers under $500 have helped you pick a dishwasher that meets your requirements.
Don’t forget to go through the buying guide to make an informed decision and to put your money on the right appliance.
I would suggest you consider the design in addition to the features so that your dishwasher fits right in with your kitchen aesthetics. If you still need more assistance regarding the purchase, let me know in the comments.
