At the end of a busy day, the last thing anyone wants is to slave away over a sink of dirty dishes. Enter the trusty dishwasher, ready to take care of all the dirty work for you.
If you're in the market for a new dishwasher or you're renovating your kitchen to allow for one of these lifesavers, you'll soon discover they can cost into the thousands. But our testing has found there are some good options to consider that won't break the bank.
So, what should you consider when shopping for a dishwasher and can you really get one at a decent price?
Price vs performance
CHOICE experts put dishwashers through their paces regularly in our labs. Our testing is rigorous and very precise to ensure our results are repeatable and comparable, test after test.
Crockery is identically stained with foods like oats, egg yolk, butter, tomato juice and tea stains and left to dry for 15–18 hours before being loaded into the dishwashers for cleaning.
Our experts find that not all dishwashers are made equal, there are differences when it comes to type, configuration and features. While our top-performing models are at the pricier end of the scale, price doesn't always equal performance, with some expensive options failing to impress our experts.
The good news is, if you're on a budget, we've found some dishwashers for under $1000 that will give you pretty good results.
We explain the types, their pros and cons and what you can expect from a cheaper dishwasher. Exclusively for CHOICE members, we reveal which cheap dishwashers impressed in our tests.
If you just want to get straight to the products to look for you can jump to the results now.
What to consider when looking for a cheap dishwasher
Running costs
A dishwasher generally makes up around 2.9% of a household's annual energy usage and because buying energy-efficient appliances is important, we rate energy efficiency in our labs and the score contributes to our overall CHOICE Expert Rating.
We measure how much each dishwasher will cost you over 10 years for water and electricity if you wash a full load every day using a normal or auto-sensing cycle. This number is an estimate – the running costs can quickly rise if you're using your dishwasher more frequently or using a more intensive cycle.
If you're on a budget, it's important to think beyond what you'll pay instore. You may be spending under $1000 upfront to purchase your new dishwasher, but don't forget to consider how much it'll cost you to run long-term. For example, a dishwasher that costs $629 to purchase but $2107 in running costs over 10 years can end up costing you more than a dishwasher that costs a bit more upfront but is energy efficient and provides savings in running costs.
If you are lucky enough to have solar and run the dishwasher during the day the energy cost savings can be significant
Of course, if you are lucky enough to have solar and run the dishwasher during the day the energy cost savings can be significant. And remember: Using your dishwasher is still significantly more energy efficient than washing up by hand.
Features
Consider which features are important to you and if it's worth paying a premium for them. CHOICE product category manager Denis Gallagher says "Some pricier dishwashers will have more to offer in terms of features and programs, such as an anti-flood feature, fan-assisted drying, auto-programs, salt dispensers and auto-open doors." If these aren't features you're particularly interested in, there's no need to spend more on a model that has them.
Denis says "If you happen to be around when your dishwasher finishes it's cycle and it doesn't have the auto-door open feature, crack the door open and wait 20-minutes or so before unloading the dishes. You should get dryer dishes as a result."
Type
Dishwashers come in differing types and configurations. Choosing the right type for your needs and kitchen aesthetic will be one of your main purchasing decisions and can also influence how much you'll pay.
Freestanding with worktop
These dishwashers come with a worktop and don't need to be installed in cabinetry. They can also be converted into a built-in model if you have the space to install it in this way. The freestanding dishwashers we've tested range in price from $499 to $2599.
Built-in
A built-in dishwasher is designed to be mounted under your kitchen benchtop. It doesn't require top or side panels but must be enclosed and anchored to prevent tipping forward during loading and unloading. Built-in models we've tested range in price from $1549 to $3249.
Fully-integrated
These fancy dishwashers are made to be unseen. Blending right into your kitchen cabinetry, you won't even know it's there (until you hear it running a cycle). Even the controls are hidden (unless you have a semi-integrated dishwasher where only the control panel can be seen) so you'll need to keep the door open to operate the controls.
There's no difference in terms of performance, but there is a difference when it comes to price. Fully-integrated dishwashers are usually more expensive to buy than your standard freestanding or built-in models and will also cost you extra when it comes to installation, requiring you to match the front panel to the rest of your kitchen cabinetry.
Installation costs
Don't forget to factor in the potential cost of installation.
If you're simply replacing your dishwasher with a new one, installation should be a breeze (providing it's the same size) as you'll already have the existing cavity, plumbing and electrical connections ready to go.
If you're starting from scratch and a dishwasher is a new addition to your kitchen, you'll need to make adjustments to the existing cabinetry and make sure plumbing and electrical connections are set up. A job best left to the professionals.
What you may miss out on when buying a cheaper dishwasher
In terms of performance, the majority of models we've tested deliver good results for washing and drying. While we can suggest sub $1000 dishwashers that are worth considering, there are also cheap models that aren't up to scratch. To find out more, take a look at our article on dishwashers to avoid buying.
Despite being a hit-and-miss for performance, cheaper dishwashers can also have very long cycle times and can cost more in terms of energy efficiency, negating any saving you've made on the initial purchase.
When it comes to spending less, you may also have to compromise on features. We find that cheap dishwashers can lack basic features like anti-flood protection, time-remaining display, rinse-only programs and half-load options.
Cheap dishwashers can lack basic features like anti-flood protection, time-remaining display, rinse-only programs and half-load options
Denis says "Features like adjustable baskets and fold-down plate racks are nice to have and make the dishwasher more versatile, but they don't contribute to performance, so consider if it's something you really need."
The exterior finish of the dishwasher can also contribute to price. A stainless steel finish can cost more than a white enamel exterior, so consider your kitchen aesthetic and if you can make a saving there.
What are the best value dishwashers?
We independently test and review dozens of new dishwashers each year in our onsite labs, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product. For CHOICE members, we reveal the best dishwashers you can buy for under $1000.
Our detailed dishwasher testing data is available exclusively for CHOICE members. If you're not yet a member, join CHOICE to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more.
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