Top 5 Best Dishwasher Under $400: Reviewed and Buying Guide

We all need a budget-friendly and cost-effective dishwasher to get all our cutlery and every other dishware automatically cleaned. As you would have guessed, not all affordable dishwashers can give you the performance needed to get the job done. There are very good dishwashers you can get at a budget friendly price. In this article, you would learn about the top 5 best dishwashers under $400 you can get this year!

Top 5 Dishwashers under $400

Farberware Professional Dishwasher

First on our list of the best dishwashers under $400 is the Farberware FCD06ABBWHA. This particular dishwasher has been designed to be a kitchen ‘must-have’ for families, especially small ones. What’s more? It is perfectly suitable for students in dorms who do not have too much space and are on a budget.

Think of ease on a budget, and the Farberware FCD06ABBWHA is all yours! Manufactured with the layman in mind, you do not have to be a professional to set up the machine in your home. They are usually panel ready. It’s quick connect assembly with accessories and adapters allows you to connect the dishwasher to your faucet quite easily. You can start washing your dishes immediately. It is that simple to use.

Afraid it might disfigure your kitchen counter? Have no worries. This dishwasher has been designed in such a way that no matter where it is placed, space automatically starts to look elegant. It has been built with stainless steel material so that you can trust its durability.

Do you want more time to yourself? The FCD06ABBWHA Compact Dishwasher has a rack inside that allows you to wash your fruits and vegetables. Awesome right? This way, you save yourself some time. Even when you wash dishes, there is a speed cycle feature that lets you get your items clean in only 45 minutes. The dishwasher comes with a self-cleaning program, so the dishwasher cleans itself.

The Farberware compact dishwasher is remarkably useful. With the six place setting capacity, you are able to wash different types of dishes, even ones that are up to 10-inches in diameter. Considering its compact size, it would surprise you to know that the portable dishwasher offers seven different wash programs. 

To cap it all, the dishwasher comes with a feature that adds extra heat to the final rinse, though the feature only comes with some of the wash programs. If you like for the work to be done completely by the machine, this is for you.

An interesting feature of this dishwasher is that it has a child’s lock function. With this lock function, you can lock the control panel buttons so children cannot start the dishwashers by themselves when you are not around. So if you have children, this might be the choice for you.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

People love this dishwasher, especially because of its size. Overall, this dishwasher is a great countertop dishwasher at a very reasonable price as it is easy to use, reliable and efficient. With all its features, this dishwasher can serve its purpose to the best of its ability.

SPT SD-2224DW Dishwasher

Sunpentown (SPT) is a brand popularly known for the kitchen appliances they manufacture, and the SPT SD-2224DW ENERGY STAR Compact Countertop Dishwasher is on our list today. 

The SPT SD-2224DW cleans your dishes wonderfully and with ease. This dishwasher is powerful enough to blow out hard stains from your dishware with ease. If you ask me, I would say this one is a great value for its price.

The SPT SD-2224DW is an amazing machine that presents itself in an attractive, sleek design. Its size makes the dishwasher an excellent fit for the average-sized apartment. Despite its compact size, it is bigger than it looks. The dishwasher offers full-size power despite its small size. It has much space on the inside, and even when the dishwasher is full, all your dishes will come out completely clean.

The dishwasher is built so that the input and output hoses are positioned vertically. This way, gravity is used to distribute water, making the dishwasher energy efficient efficiently. The best feature you will find in the SPT SD-2224DW is the jets that come with it, as these jets are extremely powerful. They also have an Energy Star badge, making them energy efficient.

You don’t want to keep adding detergents yourself? This dishwasher features an automatic detergent and a rinse aid dispenser. Its rinse aid warning indicator allows you to be notified when the rinse aid needs to be filled. With seven wash cycles, you are sure to give your dishes a thorough washing that will leave them sparkling after.

In case you are worried about connecting it with your kitchen faucet, the dishwasher has been built with a universal faucet adapter and quick connect so you can easily fix it into most kitchen faucets quickly and easily. 

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

Wash your dishes with little or no manual input in no time. The SPT SD-2224DW comes with a lot of features that make dishwashing with a dishwasher a breeze. Generally, it is very useful, efficient, and undoubtedly one of the best dishwashers. It is simply a must-have device in the home kitchen.

BLACK + DECKER BCD6W Dishwasher

If you want a high-performance blender that can also enhance your kitchen’s aesthetics at the same time at the most budget-friendly price possible, then this dishwasher is the right one for you.

The BLACK + DECKER BCD6W is made of good quality stainless steel that is all white with a stainless front handle. This dishwasher’s highly durable and compact design makes it easy to fit in almost any kitchen cabinet design and sits pretty on countertops. 

With space the dishwasher has for its compact size, you can soak the dishes or even ‘rapid wash’ them. With this space, you can wash dishes with a diameter of up to 10 inches. With this dishwasher comes a cutler basket, extra space for glasses, and even shelving for cups.  You can load and unload the dishwasher easily because of the presence of the slide-out dish rack and the utensil basket that is removable.

The seven different wash cycles feature enables you to customize the cleaning to suit your dishwashing needs. The 24 hours delayed start option gives you the flexibility to do cleaning however it fits in your schedule. When it comes to cleaning the dishes, the Black + Decker BCD6W Dishwasher is top rated.

The LED display and electric controls enhance the overall beauty of the dishwashing unit and make it very convenient to use. The electronic LED display can also be used to monitor the seven wash programs easily. 

Do you want a dishwasher with safety features? Apart from its affordable price tag, it also comes with child lock features that make it an excellent pick for families with children and toddlers and helps to avoid accidents.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

This dishwasher brings efficiency, style, and flexibility into your kitchen. Without a doubt, the BLACK + DECKER BCD6W is the standard dishwasher. In more ways than one, this appliance satisfies nearly all the needs of every homeowner.   

Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Dishwasher

If you live in a small apartment and you want to make sure your use of space is maximized, a Farberware FDW05ASBWHA dishwasher can be the best choice for you. Behind its unique, integrated handle is an efficient but quiet dishwasher that has been made with stainless steel. The dishwasher has been manufactured with a lot of features and unique cycles.

Are you bothered about your variety of dishes? This dishwasher has been made for convenience so that it can fit a wide range of dish sizes, even up to 12 inches, when placed at a particular angle. Its compact design makes the dishwasher ideal for dorms, small-sized houses, dorms, and even boats.

If you have new-borns in the house, this is the dishware for you. The Farberware FDW05ASBWHA has a Baby care cleaning cycle. During this cleaning cycle, steam is generated and can be used to sanitize baby bottles and even give your glassware the sparkling finish it needs. Its rapid wash cycle lets you get your dishware clean in only 40 minutes, which is quite fast for a dishwasher this affordable.

Unlike other dishwashers under $400 that are out there, this model comes with an air exchange function. When used with any of the washing programs, this air exchange function helps improve the drying performance and prevents any peculiar smells.

The dishwasher comes with a fruit basket. This way, you can clean your fruits and vegetables with confidence in no time and serve directly from the dishwasher. 

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

This compact countertop dishwasher provides you with extra flexibility and comfort, just in case you were wondering. It is a very powerful dishwashing machine. It is one of the top rated dishwashers under $400. Even though it is recommended for small-sized families, it doesn’t exactly matter as it is suitable for anyone and everyone.

Danby DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher

In need of a simple and user-friendly dishwashing machine? Then the Danby DDW621WDB is one you can go for. Get an affordable dishwasher whose options and functions are on the face of the device and can even be operated by kids, with the right training, of course.

Don’t be fooled by its simplicity. This dishwasher is Energy Star compliant, and it consumes water in relatively low quantities. In this way, you wash your dishes with ease and speed and save money in the process.

With this dishwasher, you are able to maintain ambiance in your kitchen because it is very quiet. It operates at a 52-decibel level, which is even a lower sound level than a normal conversation. You can also freely schedule your washing with the delay start option of up to 8 hours.

The Danby DDW621WDB comes with six washing cycles that are very convenient to use and make sure your washing is perfectly done. Its lightweight makes it easy to place on a cabinet or your countertop. 

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The Danby DDW621WDB is, without doubt, the model dishwasher. Its washing cycles and silence are everything you need to have a worthwhile dishwashing experience. If you don’t want anything fancy, you should go for this dishwasher.

Buying Guide to Best Dishwasher Under $400

While the thought of purchasing a dishwasher that might be able to serve all your needs might excite you, you need to take a chill pill. There are quite a several important factors to consider before purchasing that dishwasher you have in mind. Considering these factors would make sure that you are getting value for your money.

Capacity

Though most of the best affordable dishwashers are usually compact, it doesn’t mean that they do not have enough space to accommodate dishes to be washed. Check out the different options for the one that is suitable for the type of dishes you have at home. 

If you have a variety of dishes, you should opt for a dishwasher with a wider inner space of up to 10 inches or more. There are even dishwashers that can wash dishes that are up to 18 inches in diameter. Make sure you peruse the specifications and each dishwasher’s features carefully, so you don’t buy the wrong option. Removable or foldable sections are an added advantage. 

Washing Cycles

Different dishwashers come with at least three cycles, and the most recommended ones can have up to 7 washing cycles. Suppose the number of cycles the dishwasher has doesn’t matter to you. In that case, you can go for a dishwasher with any number of washing cycles, especially if it has the combination of features you are particular about.

Quick and light programs, sometimes called rinse and speed, are usually the washing cycles to look out for as quick and light programs, sometimes called rinse and speed, are usually the washing cycles to look out for as they are essential. These washing cycles would help you clean various stains off your dishes at quick speeds. They even help you to save money on utility bills at the end of the day.

For example, special washing cycles, the Babycare cleaning cycle found in the Farberware dishwasher, make it suitable for families with new-borns. If you have special needs for your dishware, be sure to take a good look at its washing cycles.  

Drying options

How do you like your dishes after they have been washed? Dried completely, half-dried, or dripping wet? Normally, dishwashers don’t always dry your dishes perfectly, and you might have to towel dry these dishes, which could be frustrating most of the time. 

However, some manufacturers have taken this factor more seriously and have started to include features that can do a good job in drying your dishes in the latest models. Sometimes, a simple circulation drying option may be available for the dishwasher you can afford, and that’s okay. It is also effective.

Sound Range

This factor is usually the selling point for most dishwashers as many people would not want additional noise in their homes in the form of a dishwasher. If you don’t know already, you should go for dishwasher options with a lower sound rating. Dishwashers could have a sound level as low as 37 dBA but could be a bit pricey. It is good you go for a dishwasher with a low enough dBA value and is within your budget.

Efficiency

Whether you are on a budget or capable of buying dishwashers at any price, one thing is certain, and the dishwasher must make your dishes effectively. Putting aside price as a factor, you must ensure that your dishwasher of choice must be able to do a really good job of removing food stains. 

Your dishwasher should also save energy, so you are not wasting money on bills. Dishwashers that are Energy star compliant are usually the recommended option. Water, too, should be conserved with the use of a dishwasher. Look for dishwashers that encourage water conservation.

FAQs

Which Dishwasher Cleans the Best?

Many of the dishwashers available put out a good enough cleaning performance, so it is up to the individual to define the best cleaning performance. There is no doubt of the fact that some dishwashers do a terrible job at cleaning actual dirty dishes, so you have to be careful when making your purchase.

Is a Dishwasher Worth Buying?

Even though not an essential addition to the home, the dishwasher would do great good to the family members. Dishwashers improve the kitchen experience. With dishwashers, you can save your time and energy, which you can put to other good uses.

You might think that these appliances are quite expensive, but if you purchase the right dishwasher, you are sure to get value for your money.

How long should a dishwasher last?

As most manufacturers claim, your dishwashers should last between 6 and 12 years. But as it with other home appliances, the frequency of usage and how it is being maintained determines its lifecycle. 

Therefore, handle your dishwashers with care, and they can even last longer than the average life span.

Is it cheaper to use a dishwasher than to wash dishes by hand?

Even though it might seem cheaper to you at first, when you consider the time you would have saved yourself, using a dishwasher is relatively cheaper. When you also think that humans can’t wash dishes at increased temperatures and tend to waste more water when we wash dishes ourselves, you would see that dishwashers are cheap. 

Final Thoughts

That you are on a budget doesn’t mean you have to purchase dishwashers that won’t serve you. This list of the best dishwashers under $400 in 2025 has been made just for you. Feel free to do some more research for the best dishwashers before you make a choice suitable for you and your family. The best affordable dishwashers can save you a whole lot of money, time and energy, if only you purchase them!