Inflation has caused some of CR’s top-rated dishwashers to move out of reach in the $500-or-less range—but there are still a number of strong options. Dishwashers at this price tend to come with only basic features and usually have plastic tubs, which don’t resist stains as well as stainless steel tubs. Consumer Reports’ tests have also found that these dishwashers are relatively noisy.
But if you’re just looking for a machine that gets dishes clean, “you can still find a dishwasher that might be right for you,” says Larry Ciufo, who oversees CR’s dishwasher tests. We found four that cost $500 or less and that wash and dry quite well. Some of them even have a few extra features that you’d typically only find on more expensive models.
To learn more about what you should consider when shopping for a dishwasher, take a look at our dishwasher buying guide. There, we discuss what you can reasonably expect from dishwashers in different price categories, whether it’s under $500, between $500 and $1,000, or more than $1,000.
CR members can read on for ratings and reviews of the best dishwashers that still usually cost less than $500. Those with a little more wiggle room might consider additional models in our comprehensive dishwasher ratings chart. It includes more than 130 rigorously tested models from 20 brands, and you can filter them according to features that meet your needs.
