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Cheap Dishwashers

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In this review:
  1. Cheap Dishwashers
  2. Dishwasher Cycles, Dishwasher Capacity
  3. Energy Efficient Dishwashers, Dishwasher Drying Ability
  4. Dishwasher Reviews
  1. Quiet Dishwashers
  2. Dishwasher Deals
  3. Discount Dishwashers Features Comparison Table
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Cheap Dishwashers Buying Guide

Looking for a dishwasher that will leave your dishes clean and shiny without making much noise or running up your utility costs? Shoppers on a budget can find cheap dishwashers that fill the bill for less than $500.

We researched traditional, front-loading dishwashers that hook up to a water line and an electrical outlet.

The standard size is 24 inches wide, although if you're strapped for space, you can also find 18-inch models. At the high end, you can spend more than $2,000 for a dishwasher loaded with features, but you don't have to give up much to get a cheap dishwasher. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, cheap dishwashers have at least some of the snazzy features found on more expensive models and will get your dishes just as clean. Some features will be more important to you depending on the size of your household, the types of dishes you use, and how often you wash them. Most dishwashers in any price range offer at least three basic settings: light, normal, and pots and pans. Some cheap dishwashers automatically adjust the cycle depending on how dirty the dishes are, and most have a delay start mode.

Probably the most in-demand quality in a cheap dishwasher, outside of effective cleaning, is a low noise level. For a dishwasher so quiet you don't know it's running, you typically have to pay a premium price for a brand such as Asko, KitchenAid, Miele, or Bosch. However, some cheap dishwashers that claim to be quiet actually hit the low-noise target.

Whirlpool, Frigidaire, Kenmore, and GE dominate the cheap dishwasher market. Each manufacturer offers an array of models, some distinguished by a specific bundle of features and some only by their color. As with most appliances, stainless steel means markup. Expect to pay up to $100 extra for that fashionable finish.

Review continues below

No cheap dishwasher generates universal raves. And with the dishwasher market in constant flux, reviews of new models aren't always easy to come by. Nonetheless, we found several cheap dishwashers that stand out for their features and performance.

Our top picks are the Whirlpool DU1301XTV (starting at $360) and the Bosch Ascenta SHE5AL02UC (starting at $469, Amazon). Buyers of the Whirlpool DU1301XTV say it will get off any kind of gunked-up mess, even peanut butter, without pre-rinsing. Likewise, the budget option from Bosch cleans everything and is impressively quiet, according to user reviews. The Frigidaire FDB520RHS (starting at $200, Amazon), another good buy, wins points with users for its low price and ease of operation, but some question its durability and many complain about noise. The GE GSD4000RWW (starting at $359, Amazon) has few fans despite its many features. It doesn't fit as many dishes as other models and some users find it doesn't get dishes clean unless you hand wash them first. Finally, consumers praise the Whirlpool DU1055XTV (starting at $340, Amazon) for its quiet operation and cleaning ability, but it seems to have some major durability issues.

One last thing to bear in mind unless you are going to install the dishwasher yourself: The cost of installation can vary but might add hundreds of dollars to the price of a dishwasher, depending on where you buy it. Also, dishwashers don't automatically come with the fittings necessary for installation. Check to see whether this is part of the package or a separate purchase.

by Elizabeth Sheer (Google+ Profile)

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Best Cheap Dishwashers

Bosch Ascenta SHE5AL02UC
Gold Medal

Bosch Ascenta SHE5AL02UC

 This low-priced dishwasher from the high-priced European brand is whisper quiet. Features include auto wash, quick wash, and sanitary wash, plus the ability to run a half load. Consumers give its cleaning performance overwhelmingly positive reviews. Read more »
Where to buy
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Whirlpool DU1301XTV
Gold Medal

Whirlpool DU1301XTV

 This low-priced option gets raves for some high-quality features, such as the Auto Soil Sensor, which senses how big the load is and how dirty the dishes are. A flatware basket that fits in the door lets users free up real estate for larger dishes. Read more »
Where to buy
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Good Cheap Dishwashers

Frigidaire FDB520RHS
Gold Medal

Frigidaire FDB520RHS

 This super-cheap, no-frills dishwasher does just what it's supposed to do: get dishes clean. It is best for a small family, as it doesn't hold a lot of dishes, and it's a bit noisier than some other cheap dishwashers. But all that is mitigated by its price. Read more »
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Don't Bother Cheap Dishwashers

GE GSD4000RWW

The features on this dishwasher include a rinse-only cycle, precision water jets to blast away food particles, and a rinse aid dispenser you can prefill, with an indicator to show how much is left. But consumers report breakdowns and disappointment in its cleaning ability. Read more »

Whirlpool DU1055XTV

A large tub and 10 cycles and options, plus Whirlpool's Auto Soil Sensor, make this dishwasher seem like a great deal for the money. But relatively inflexible racks make it difficult to fit many dishes and consumers report numerous problems with durability. Read more »

 
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