The 6 Best Cheap Dishwashers of 2026

ProsQuiet operationStainless steel tubFingerprint-resistant finishHalf-load cycleConsWiFi connectivity requires part sold separatelyThis affordable GE dishwasher earns the top spot on this list for its lineup of features and quiet noise rating. Highlights include a one-hour quick wash among the dishwasher’s five cycles, plus a steam option to loosen grime before a cleaning cycle begins. The upper rack is adjustable and can move up or down to accommodate different dish heights.The only drawback is that if you were looking for smart capability, the part required for enabling WiFi is sold separately.Key SpecsCapacity16 place settingsNumber of Cycles4Noise Level52 dBAProsLarge capacity for the priceFlexible lower rackHard food dispenserConsLouder than other comparable modelsLimited amount of wash cyclesFinding an affordable dishwasher with decent cleaning capability is no easy feat, but we feel confident this Frigidaire model will get the job done.This cheap dishwasher has two cleaning cycles, including normal and heavy, with the option to use high-temp water and high heat for drying. Similar to other models we recommend, the Frigidaire has a hard food disposer to prevent gunk from building up. This dishwasher has a noise rating of 62 dBA, and that’s relatively high compared to other dishwashers, but shouldn’t be louder than normal conversation or your air-conditioning unit.Key SpecsCapacity12 place settingsNumber of Cycles2Noise Level62 dBAAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsQuiet operationLarge capacityThoughtful cleaning featuresConsSome wash cycles may take longer for a thorough cleanYou can’t beat this GE Profile dishwasher for smart capability, quiet operation, and thoughtful design. The dishwasher holds up to 16 place settings, which is more than any other selection on this list. And with built-in WiFi and the SmartHQ companion app, you’re able to customize cleaning cycles, receive status notifications, and more.It has an impressive 44-dBA noise rating and six cycles—including quick wash and delay—plus a third rack, stainless steel tub, and four jets in the upper rack for washing taller dishes such as water bottles.Key SpecsCapacity16 place settingsNumber of Cycles6Noise Level44 dBAProsStainless steel tubHeated dry cycleEasy operationFor a compact model, this 18-inch dishwasher is still packed with enough features to make it a worthwhile investment for apartments and smaller kitchens.There are six wash cycles, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse programs, and there is a heated dry cycle. It also has a stainless steel tub and self-cleaning filter, plus the dishwasher is Energy Star–certified. The digital control panel has an LED display for easy navigation. Even though this is a smaller dishwasher, it doesn’t skimp where it counts.Key SpecsCapacity8 place settingsNumber of Cycles6Noise Level52 dBAAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsBuilt on wheelsIncludes a third rackHas a hard food disposalIf a built-in dishwasher isn’t an option for you, consider this portable GE model instead. It’s set on four casters for easy transport around your kitchen and comes loaded with features including a third rack, an adjustable top rack, and a hard food disposer to prevent clogging.There are five wash cycles, it accommodates 12 place settings, and there’s a delayed start option. If you have a small kitchen or limited storage, you may want to consider the 18-inch version of this model.Key SpecsCapacity12 place settingsNumber of Cycles5Noise Level54 dBAPros8 different wash cyclesFits up to six place settings per washRelatively low water useConsMay not be able to fit certain sized dishesYou’d be surprised by the level of cleaning customization you get with this countertop dishwasher from Comfee. It offers eight different cycle types, from a quick 20-minute rinse for glasses to a 100-minute wash for soiled dishes with caked-on grime.Even though it has a smaller capacity than your typical front-load dishwasher, this model still fits up to six place settings per wash and is a great pick for smaller families or those living in apartments. It uses as little as 2.7 gallons of water for each cycle and is Energy Star–certified, helping to maximize efficiency to cut down on resource use.Key SpecsCapacity6 place settingsNumber of Cycles8Noise Level52 dBAAmber is a Reviews Editor with bylines on Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Best Products sites. Specializing in kitchen gadgets, small appliances, lifestyle, and consumer tech, she brings hands-on testing and a detail-oriented approach to every review. In her free time you can likely find her trading trinkets at an EDM festival, searching for hidden gems at thrift stores, or cuddling with her two cats.Colin Aylesworth attended Binghamton University and is a Deputy Editor with the Gear team at Popular Mechanics and Runner’s World, where he has been since 2022. Prior to joining Hearst Magazines, he worked for 11 years at U.S. News and World Report on the autos team. His personal pursuits fit in well with the work he does for PM and RW. Aylesworth was on his college’s club rowing team and has maintained a routine running habit through most of his adult life as a means of getting exercise and spending time outdoors. Running creates a hearty appetite, which brings us to Popular Mechanics. That publication's expertise in the area of grilling is relatable to Aylesworth, who is an adherent to charcoal grilling. In fact, he’s been primarily using the same Weber charcoal kettle he bought on Craigslist in 2012. Aylesworth also has experience in the lawn mower industry. Not only has he been mowing his and neighbor’s lawns during adolescence, one of his more recent endeavors is a side gig of repairing and restoring gas lawn mowers given up by their previous owners. Since joining PM, he has gotten more involved with the publication’s mower testing efforts and especially enjoys testing out new electric and zero turn mowers.