The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Dishwasher for Your Home

02 Feb 2023 Goods
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Dishwasher

The Types Of Dishwashers

There are various types of dishwashers available on the market, but the best dishwashers under $400 are typically built-in or portable models. 

  • Built-in dishwashers are integrated into the kitchen cabinetry, providing a seamless look and saving counter space. 
  • Portable dishwashers, on the other hand, can be easily moved and stored, making them a great option for renters or those with limited space. Both of these types of dishwashers come in different sizes and styles, with various features such as adjustable racks, delayed start, and multiple wash cycle options. 

When choosing a dishwasher, it's important to consider your needs and preferences. A built-in model is ideal for those who have a larger kitchen and are looking for a permanent solution, while a portable dishwasher may be more practical for those who have a smaller kitchen or limited space. 

Ultimately, the best dishwasher under $400 will depend on your specific needs, but with the right research, you're sure to find a model that meets your expectations and budget.

What To Look At When Choosing A Dishwasher

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In this article, we'll help you choose the best dishwasher for your home by discussing the most important features to consider.

Dishwasher Capacity

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a dishwasher is capacity. If you have a large family or entertain often, you'll want a dishwasher with a high capacity to accommodate all of your dishes. Look for a dishwasher with adjustable racks and a third-level rack to maximize space. You may also want to consider a model with a flexible loading system that allows you to load larger items like pots and pans.

Energy Efficiency

Another important factor to consider is energy efficiency. Dishwashers can be major energy consumers, so it's important to choose a model that is energy efficient. Look for models with the ENERGY STAR label, which means that they meet strict energy efficiency standards. You can also check the dishwasher's energy usage ratings to determine how much it will cost you to run on a monthly basis.

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Wash Cycles and Options

Different dishwashers come with different wash cycles and options. Some common wash cycles include normal, heavy, and delicate. You may also want to consider a model with a sanitizing cycle that uses high heat to kill bacteria and germs. Other options to consider include a delayed start, a child lock, and a rinse aid dispenser.

Noise Level

Another factor to consider is the noise level of the dishwasher. If you have an open floor plan or your kitchen is adjacent to your living room, you may want to choose a model with a low decibel rating. Look for dishwashers with a rating of 44 decibels or lower for quiet operation.

Dishwasher Price

Finally, you'll want to consider the price of the dishwasher. Dishwashers can range from budget-friendly to high-end models with advanced features. Determine your budget and consider the features that are most important to you to find a dishwasher that fits your needs and budget.

Best Dishwasher Under 400: Top Picks

Here is our list of the best options for dishwashers under $400 that you can buy in 2023. This list features top-rated dishwashers that offer efficient cleaning, adjustable racks, and modern features without breaking the bank. These options are perfect for budget-conscious buyers looking for reliable and high-quality dishwashers.

Best Overall: Farberware Professional FCD06ABBWHA Compact Portable Countertop Dishwasher

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Easily attaches to your sink's spout with a quick-connect assembly that comes with all necessary parts and fittings. Folding rack shelves and a cutlery basket complement the six-place setting capacity, allowing you to clean a wide range of dish sizes (up to 10 inches in diameter). 

This feature may be utilized with the heavy, Normal, light, glass, and infant care programs to increase the drying time of the final rinse. Automatic cycle and speed wash for when you're in a rush to get your plates clean. The speed cycle cleans your dishes in only 45 minutes. 

The dishwasher's internals is thoroughly cleaned by the self-cleaning feature.

You can prevent youngsters from starting the dishwasher by mistake by using the "kid lock" feature.

Technical Features:

  • Door shut depth (with handle): 21.7"
  • Door shut depth (without handle): 20"
  • Door open depth at 90 degrees: 29"
  • Dishwasher size: 21"
  • Maximum height: 17.2"
  • Minimum height: 17.2"
  • Product depth: 21.7"
  • Product height: 17.2"
  • Product width: 19.7"
  • Product weight: 44.1 lb
  • Wash programs:
  • Heavy
  • Normal
  • Baby care
  • Light
  • Glass
  • Speed 45 min
  • Self-clean.

Pros:

  • Quick-connect assembly for easy attachment to sink spout.
  • Folding rack shelves and cutlery basket for a wide range of dish sizes (up to 10 inches in diameter).
  • Can be used with various wash programs (Heavy, Normal, Light, Glass, Infant Care) to increase drying time.
  • Automatic cycle and speed wash option for quick cleaning (45 minutes).Self-cleaning feature for thorough cleaning of internals.
  • "Kid lock" feature to prevent accidental usage by children.
  • Variety of wash programs to choose from.

Cons:

  • Limited height range (17.2 inches).
  • Limited product depth (21.7 inches).
  • Weight of 44.1 lbs may be difficult for some to handle during installation.

Energy-Efficient Pick: EdgeStar DWP62SV Portable Countertop Dishwasher

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The stainless steel inside ensures durability, and the 52 dB of noise is hardly audible over the bustle of a typical kitchen. Includes dish rack, cup shelf, and cutlery basket; can hold six (6) conventional place settings.

Dishes up to 10.5" in diameter fit, and there are seven cycles to choose from. The universal quick-connect adaptor works with most kitchen sinks. The stunning digital visual display is clear to understand and easy to use.

Stainless Steel Ideal for use under most kitchen and bathroom cabinets 3.15 liters per load.

Technical Features:

  • 6 place setting capacity.
  • Includes dish rack, cup shelf, and cutlery basket.
  • Plates up to 10.5" in diameter can be held.
  • 7 wash cycles available.
  • Quick connect adapter fits standard-sized kitchen faucets.
  • Beautiful digital display.
  • Stainless steel interior.
  • Fits under most cabinetry.
  • Water consumption (normal wash): 2.85 gallons.
  • Power: 1160 W/5.7 A.
  • Input voltage: 120 V/60 Hz.
  • Dimensions: WxDxH 21 5/8" (550mm) x 19 5/8" (498mm) x 17 5/16" (440mm).
  • Warranty: 1-year parts, 90 days labor.

Pros:

  • Durable stainless steel interior.
  • Low noise level (52 dB).
  • 6 place setting capacity.
  • Includes dish rack, cup shelf, and cutlery basket.
  • Fits plates up to 10.5" in diameter.
  • 7 wash cycles to choose from.
  • The universal quick-connect adapter fits most kitchen sinks.
  • Clear and easy-to-use digital display.
  • Fits under most kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
  • Water efficient (3.15 liters per load).
  • 1-year parts warranty and 90 days labor warranty.

Cons:

  • The normal wash cycle uses 2.85 gallons of water.

Compact Option For Dorms: Hermitlux Store Portable Dishwasher

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When compared to hand washing dishes, using a countertop dishwasher not only saves time and effort but also a significant quantity of water. Standard Cleaning, Fast Cleaning, ECO Cleaning, Strong Cleaning, and Fruit Cleaning are the five excellent cleaning programs available on this countertop dishwasher's water tank. 

Dishes may be thoroughly cleaned with no streaks thanks to the dual spray arms that use high water pressure. The water supply may be switched between the sink and the countertop. When in water tank mode, the 5 L internal tank is ready for use in an instant. 

Easy-to-use and recognize top-mounted touch button. The compact size is ideal for tight quarters, whether in a home, apartment, dorm, boat, or recreational vehicle.

Technical Features:

  • Dimensions: 16.85 x 16.73 x 18.03 inches (W x D x H).
  • Capacity: 4 place settings, fits up to 11" dishes loaded at an angle.
  • High Temperature: 167°F with PTC Hot Wind technology.
  • Water tank capacity: 5 liters.
  • Special Feature: Heated Dry.
  • Color: white.
  • Control Type: full panel.
  • Material: Plastic.
  • Noise level: 50 dB.

Pros:

  • Saves time and effort compared to hand-washing dishes.
  • Uses significantly less water.
  • 5 different cleaning programs are available: Standard Cleaning, Fast Cleaning, ECO Cleaning, Strong Cleaning, and Fruit Cleaning.
  • Thorough cleaning with no streaks thanks to dual spray arms and high water pressure.
  • Water supply can be switched between the sink and countertop.
  • 5L internal water tank ready for use instantly.
  • Easy-to-use touch buttons.
  • Compact size suitable for tight quarters (e.g. home, apartment, dorm, boat, recreational vehicle).
  • High temperature (167°F) with PTC Hot Wind technology.
  • Heated dry special feature.

Cons:

  • Limited capacity (4 place settings, fits up to 11" dishes loaded at an angle).
  • Made of plastic.
  • Full panel control type.

Space Saving And Efficient: COMFEE' Portable Dishwasher Countertop

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You may set the dishwasher wherever you choose since it doesn't need a connection to running water, as long as you fill the 5L internal water tank with water before using it. With the provided water hose, it may also be connected directly to the sink (Adapter included). 

Child lock and leak protection together with a see-through viewing window and an LED digital display make it simple and secure to use. The AIR REFRESH supplemental drying mode and the NORMAL, RAPID, STEAM, FRUIT, and GLASS washing routines will take care of your laundry and dishwashing demands on a daily basis.

A long life for your plates and machine is ensured by the odor- and moisture-removing properties of AIR REFRESH. It utilizes just 5 liters of water every cycle, which is about a third of the quantity required when washing by hand, and only 0.35 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

Technical Features:

  • Product Dimensions: 17.1"D x 18.1"W x 17.1"H
  • Capacity: 2 Place Settings
  • Special Features:
  • Touch Panel
  • Free Installation
  • Hi-temp Wash
  • Quick Wash Cycle
  • Air Refresh Function
  • 360° Range Cleaning
  • See-through Window
  • Ultra-Compact Design
  • 1/3 Water Consumption Compared to Handwashing
  • Adjustable Rack
  • Color: Whole Black
  • Controls Type: Full Panel
  • Material: Plastic
  • Noise: 62 dB

Pros:

  • Can be placed anywhere without a connection to running water, as it has a 5L internal water tank.
  • Can also be directly connected to the sink using the provided water hose.
  • Child lock and leak protection for safety.
  • See-through viewing window and LED digital display for ease of use.
  • AIR REFRESH supplemental drying mode and multiple washing routines (NORMAL, RAPID, STEAM, FRUIT, GLASS) to cater to daily laundry and dishwashing needs.
  • AIR REFRESH helps remove odor and moisture, ensuring a long life for plates and the machine.
  • Uses only 5 liters of water per cycle and 0.35 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, reducing water and energy consumption compared to handwashing.
  • Touch panel and full panel controls.
  • Hi-temp wash and quick wash cycle options.
  • 360° range cleaning for effective cleaning.

Cons:

  • Capacity limited to 2 place settings.
  • No information about water hose quality or length.

Versatile And Reliable: BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher

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This fantastic portable dishwasher from BLACK+DECKER allows you to pick the perfect wash cycle for you and your dishes from among seven different options. Easy cycle and time selection are at your fingertips with this dishwasher's LED control panel. 

The electronic touch controls are simple to use, and they show you the time left in the cycle and allow you to postpone the machine from turning on. Eliminates the need for a plumber or a permanent fixture. This portable dishwasher is easy to set up whenever you need it and take apart when you're done. 

This portable dishwasher has a large capacity and stainless steel inside, so your dishes will always come out spotless. The dishwasher's easy-to-grasp handle facilitates both loading and unloading.

Technical Features:

  • Product Dimensions: 21.5"D x 21.7"W x 17.2"H
  • Capacity: 4.25 Cubic Feet
  • Color: White
  • Controls Type: Fully Integrated
  • Material: Metal
  • Noise: 60 dB

Pros:

  • Seven different wash cycle options to choose from.
  • LED control panel with simple electronic touch controls.
  • The time left in the cycle is displayed.
  • Can be postponed.
  • No need for a plumber or a permanent fixture.
  • Easy to set up and take apart.
  • Large capacity.
  • Stainless steel interior for spotless dishes.
  • Easy-to-grasp handle for easy loading and unloading.
  • 4.25 cubic feet capacity.

Cons:

  • The capacity is low.

Spacious And Useful Option: COSTWAY 6 Place Settings Built-in Countertop Dishwasher

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The portable dishwasher features two baskets: one for silverware, and another for dishes and glasses, for a total of 72 items. There are enough dish loads for everyone in the family in the countertop dishwasher. 

The upper and lower spray arms can rotate around a full circle, allowing you to thoroughly cleanse every inch of the stained area. The forceful water spray of the countertop dishwasher is provided by its 26 individual water ports. The compact dishwasher's 3-layer, removable filter technology guarantees efficient sewage filtering and makes it easy to keep things clean on a regular basis. 

The tiny dishwasher's hot air dry feature makes it easy to dry your dishes after each cycle by circulating hot air at a comfortable 158 °F. In addition, the dishwasher's control panel buttons may be locked with a child safety lock to prevent accidental activation.

Technical Features:

  • Dimensions: 19.7"D x 21.7"W x 17.7"H
  • Capacity: 6 Place Settings
  • Special Features:
  • 5 Washing Programs
  • 24 H Timer
  • Child Lock
  • 360° Double Spray Arms
  • 6 Place Settings
  • Color: Black
  • Controls Type: Full panel
  • Material: Stainless Steel and Glass
  • Noise Level: 56 dB

Pros:

  • Large capacity: holds up to 72 items (silverware and dishes/glasses) and can accommodate the needs of a whole family.
  • Thorough cleaning: the upper and lower spray arms can rotate around a full circle, ensuring every inch of the stained area is cleansed.
  • Efficient sewage filtering: with a 3-layer, removable filter technology that guarantees efficient sewage filtering and easy maintenance.
  • Hot air drying: the hot air dry feature circulates hot air at 158°F to easily dry dishes after each cycle.
  • Child safety lock: control panel buttons can be locked to prevent accidental activation.
  • Five washing programs and 24-hour timer: provides flexibility and convenience.

Cons:

  • Limited size: with dimensions of 19.7"D x 21.7"W x 17.7"H, it may not be suitable for large families or for those with a lot of dishes to wash.

Editor’s Choice: hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher

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With a user-friendly interface that includes lights and buttons. The dishwashing demands of each household are accommodated by the program selector's six wash cycle options: heavy, regular, ECO, glass, speed, and rinse. 

A compact and energy-efficient dishwasher, perfect for washing dishes just after using them. Put your dirty dishes in the dishwasher's white basket and cutlery rack and press start. For water lines that are compatible with circular faucet outlets that have detachable aerators and 55/64"-27 male or 15/16"-27 female threads beneath, this fast-connect assembly comes with accessories such as an input and drain hose and a faucet adaptor. 

Plates, mugs, and glasses may be rapidly dried off with no streaks or markings when you use the rinse aid from the dispenser.

Technical Features:

  • Dimensions: 19.68"D x 21.65"W x 17.24"H
  • Capacity: 6 Place Settings
  • Special Feature: Energy Star Certified
  • Color: White
  • Control Type: Push Button
  • Material: Stainless Steel

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface with lights and buttons
  • Six wash cycle options to accommodate different dishwashing demands (heavy, regular, ECO, glass, speed, and rinse)
  • Compact and energy-efficient design
  • Easy to use (just put dirty dishes in basket and cutlery rack and press start)
  • Fast-connect assembly included for compatible water lines
  • No streaks or markings on dishes after use with rinse aid dispenser
  • Energy Star certified for energy efficiency
  • The control type is a push button

Cons:

  • May not be compatible with all water lines (requires circular faucet outlets with detachable aerators and 55/64"-27 male or 15/16"-27 female threads).

Best Dishwasher Under 400: Our Conclusions

Choosing the best dishwasher for your home requires careful consideration of several factors, including capacity, energy efficiency, wash cycles and options, noise level, and price. Take the time to research and compare different models to find the dishwasher that meets your needs and budget. With the right dishwasher, you can enjoy clean and sanitized dishes with minimal effort. 

Erica Hendricson

Erica Hendricson is a true tech enthusiast! With a New Hampshire origin and a strong technical background, she loves sorting things out.

Let her guide you to the correct shelf in picking the perfect devices and gadgets for you.