Finding a quality dishwasher under $400 feels impossible in 2025. I spent weeks researching the market, and here's the reality: most "budget" dishwashers now start at $500+. But I found three countertop models that genuinely stay under $400 and actually clean your dishes.
After analyzing pricing trends and testing data, these portable dishwashers offer the best value for tight budgets. They're perfect for apartments, RVs, or anyone who needs dishwashing without the installation hassle. Let me show you what $200-$400 actually gets you in today's market.
Contents
Let's cut to the chase. Full-size dishwashers under $400 basically don't exist anymore. But these countertop models deliver surprising performance for the price. Here's how they stack up:
| Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|
 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 |
|
Check Latest Price |
We earn from qualifying purchases.
I'll be honest with you - if you're looking for a traditional built-in dishwasher under $400, you're out of luck. The cheapest built-ins start around $450 on sale, and those are basic models with questionable reliability. But countertop dishwashers have become surprisingly good, and they solve real problems for specific situations.
These portable units connect directly to your kitchen faucet, require zero installation costs, and can move with you when you relocate. For renters, RV owners, or small households, they're often the smarter choice. Plus, at 2.2-3.1 gallons per wash, they use less water than hand washing.
The main tradeoff? Capacity. These hold 6 place settings versus 12-14 in full-size models. But if you're washing dishes for 1-3 people, that's usually enough for daily use. I've seen families of four make it work by running two cycles per day.
Energy Star certified efficiency
6 place setting capacity
8 total wash cycles
52 dB quiet operation
2.22 gallons water per hour
Quick connect to faucet
Check Current Price on AmazonCurrent Price: $299.99 (was $339.99)
Rating: 4.3★ from 120 reviews
Best Seller Rank: Consistently in top 10 countertop dishwashers
Recent Sales: 100+ bought in past month
The Midea MDC22P2ASS hits the sweet spot for budget dishwashing. At $299, it's genuinely affordable while offering features you'd expect in pricier models. The 8 wash cycles include everything from Quick (for lightly soiled dishes) to Heavy (for baked-on messes), plus specialized cycles for delicate glassware and even baby bottles.
What sets this model apart is its Energy Star certification. Using just 2.22 gallons per hour and 155 kWh annually, it costs about $18 per year to run. Compare that to the water and energy costs of hand washing, and it pays for itself within 18 months for most households.
The 52 dB noise level means you can run it while watching TV in the next room. That's quieter than most full-size dishwashers. Customers consistently praise its cleaning performance, though some note you need to pre-rinse heavily soiled items. The compact 20" x 22" x 17.25" footprint fits under most kitchen cabinets.
Setup takes about 10 minutes. The quick-connect adapter works with most standard faucets, though you might need a different adapter for designer faucets. Once connected, operation is straightforward - load dishes, add detergent, select your cycle, and press start.
Who should buy this: Small families or couples who want Energy Star efficiency, multiple wash options, and reliable daily performance. If you wash dishes once daily for 2-3 people, this handles it easily.
Skip if: You regularly wash large pots and pans, or need capacity for 4+ people's dishes in one load.
Lowest price at $207.99
Ultra-quiet 34 dB operation
Stainless steel interior
Low 5 kWh annual energy use
6 place setting capacity
Simple one-button operation
Check Current Price on AmazonCurrent Price: $207.99 (was $259.99)
Rating: 4.1★ from 406 reviews
Special Features: Whisper-quiet operation, budget-friendly price
At $207.99, the Hamilton Beach HBDW3208 (sold as RCA brand) is the cheapest legitimate dishwasher I found that actually works. Don't expect bells and whistles - this is basic dishwashing at its most affordable. But sometimes that's exactly what you need.
The standout feature? It's ridiculously quiet at 34 dB. That's library-quiet levels. You can run this while sleeping in a studio apartment. The stainless steel interior resists stains and odors better than plastic tubs, surprising at this price point.
With just normal and heavy wash cycles, operation couldn't be simpler. Load dishes, add detergent, press one button. That simplicity appeals to seniors and anyone who hates complicated appliances. Energy consumption is minimal at 5 kWh annually - that's about $0.60 per year in electricity.
Customer reviews are mixed but generally positive for the price. Many praise the value and quiet operation. Common complaints include cosmetic damage during shipping (dents, scratches) and occasional faucet connection issues. Some question long-term durability, though several reviewers report 2+ years of daily use.
Who should buy this: Budget-conscious buyers who need basic dishwashing, renters wanting a temporary solution, or anyone prioritizing ultra-quiet operation over features.
Skip if: You want multiple wash cycles, delay start options, or premium build quality. This is purely functional, not fancy.
8 wash cycles including Eco and Baby Bottle
Delay start 2-8 hours
Stainless steel construction
3.1 gallon water usage
54 dB noise level
1000+ verified purchases
Check Current Price on AmazonCurrent Price: $357.14 (was $469.99)
Rating: 4.1★ from 1,085 reviews
Amazon's Choice: Yes
Recent Sales: 50+ bought in past month
The Danby DDW631SDB stretches our $400 budget but delivers the most features. With 8 wash cycles including Eco, Baby Bottle, and Glass settings, it rivals full-size dishwashers for versatility. The delay start feature (2, 4, 6, or 8 hours) lets you run it during off-peak electricity hours or while you're away.
Build quality feels premium with its stainless steel interior and robust 44-pound weight. This isn't a flimsy appliance - it's built to last. The improved spray arm and filter system from recent updates deliver noticeably better cleaning than older countertop models.
At 54 dB, it's slightly louder than the Midea but still conversation-friendly. The 3.1 gallon water usage per cycle is reasonable, though higher than the ultra-efficient Midea. Energy consumption at 203 kWh annually costs about $24 per year.
With over 1,000 reviews averaging 4.1 stars, this has the longest track record of our picks. Customers praise its cleaning performance and reliability. Common complaints include tricky dish loading (the tines are closely spaced) and occasional water spots when using gel detergents. Powder detergent works better.
Who should buy this: Users wanting maximum features under $400, households needing specialized cycles (baby bottles, delicate glass), or anyone prioritizing long-term durability.
Skip if: The $357 price pushes your budget too far, or you prefer lighter, more portable options.
After researching dozens of models, here's what actually matters when buying a dishwasher under $400:
All three models hold 6 place settings. That typically means:
For 1-2 people, this is plenty for daily use. For 3-4 people, you'll run it twice daily or hand wash larger items. Forget about fitting large pots, cookie sheets, or serving platters - those need hand washing.
Every countertop dishwasher needs:
Installation takes 10-15 minutes. No tools required unless you need to remove an aerator from your faucet.
Let's talk real numbers for annual operating costs:
Midea MDC22P2ASS:
Hamilton Beach HBDW3208:
Danby DDW631SDB:
Compare this to hand washing, which uses 8-27 gallons per load plus hot water heating costs. These dishwashers typically pay for themselves in 12-18 months through water and energy savings.
Understanding decibel ratings:
For reference, most full-size dishwashers range from 44-60 dB. Anything under 50 dB is considered quiet.
I searched extensively for built-in dishwashers under $400. Here's what I found:
The absolute cheapest new built-in dishwasher is the Amana ADB1400AGS, typically $449-499. During Black Friday or special promotions, it might drop to $399. But at that price point, you're getting:
Plus, professional installation adds $150-300 unless you're handy with plumbing and electrical work.
Used or scratch-and-dent full-size models sometimes hit $300-400, but warranty coverage is limited or non-existent. For most budget-conscious buyers, a quality countertop model makes more sense than a bottom-tier built-in.
Check these sources for deeper discounts:
I've seen the Danby model for $285 open-box and the Midea for $239 refurbished. Just verify the return policy and warranty coverage.
Best times to buy based on historical pricing:
Set price alerts on CamelCamelCamel to track Amazon pricing history and buy at the bottom.
To maximize your budget dishwasher's lifespan:
Following these steps, customers report 3-5 years of reliable service from these budget models. That's excellent value for a $200-350 investment.
Based on hundreds of customer reviews, here are the most common issues and fixes:
Solution: Check water temperature (needs 120°F), use powder detergent instead of pods, don't overload, and clean the filter.
Solution: Use rinse aid, reduce detergent amount, or switch from gel to powder detergent.
Solution: Ensure drain hose isn't kinked, clean the filter, and check garbage disposal if connected.
Solution: Level the unit, don't overload, check door seals for damage, and ensure you're using low-suds dishwasher detergent (not dish soap).
Solution: Measure your faucet threading, order the correct adapter from Amazon ($10-20), or contact manufacturer support for the right part number.
Technically yes, but they're not designed for it. They need ventilation and access to controls on top. Some handy users have modified cabinets to accommodate them, but it voids the warranty.
They connect to your faucet and use whatever temperature you set. For best results, run hot water first. Some models have internal heaters to boost temperature, but starting with hot water improves cleaning.
Normal cycles run 90-120 minutes. Quick wash takes 30-45 minutes. Heavy/pots cycles can take 2.5-3 hours. The longer cycles use less water and energy by soaking and reusing water multiple times.
Never! Regular dish soap creates massive suds that will overflow and potentially damage the pump. Use only dishwasher-specific detergent - powder, gel, or pods designed for dishwashers.
Drawer dishwashers like Fisher & Paykel start at $800+. They're built-in units with pull-out drawer design. These countertop models are portable, connect to your faucet, and cost 60-75% less.
Yes, if your RV has sufficient counter space and water pressure. Many RVers love the Midea model for its efficiency. Just secure it during travel and ensure your water system can handle the flow rate.
EPA estimates hand washing uses 8-27 gallons per load. These dishwashers use 2.2-3.1 gallons. Even accounting for pre-rinsing, you'll use 50-70% less water with a dishwasher.
Yes, especially the Midea and Danby models with dedicated baby bottle cycles. These use higher temperatures for sanitization. Place bottles and nipples in the top rack, and use a dishwasher basket for small parts.
Cascade Complete powder consistently gets top marks from users. Finish Quantum pods work well but cost more. Avoid gel detergents in hard water areas - they leave residue. Start with less detergent than you think - these small units need less than full-size dishwashers.
For budget models under $400, extended warranties ($40-60) provide peace of mind. These aren't premium appliances, so coverage beyond the 1-year manufacturer warranty makes sense if you plan to use it daily.
After extensive research and analysis, here's my honest recommendation based on your specific situation:
Choose the Midea MDC22P2ASS ($299) if: You want the best overall value with Energy Star efficiency, multiple wash cycles, and proven reliability. This is my top pick for most buyers - it balances features, efficiency, and price perfectly.
Choose the Hamilton Beach HBDW3208 ($207) if: Budget is your primary concern and you need ultra-quiet operation. At barely over $200, it's incredible value for basic dishwashing needs. Perfect for temporary situations or tight budgets.
Choose the Danby DDW631SDB ($357) if: You can stretch your budget and want maximum features and durability. The 8 wash cycles and delay start justify the higher price for users who'll use these features regularly.
The reality is that finding any functional dishwasher under $400 in 2025 is challenging. These three countertop models represent the only reliable options I found that genuinely stay within budget. They're not perfect - capacity is limited and they won't match the performance of $800+ built-ins. But for apartments, small homes, RVs, or anyone needing affordable dishwashing, they're legitimate solutions that actually work.
My advice? Don't wait for the "perfect" deal on a full-size model that may never come. These countertop dishwashers will save you time, water, and money starting day one. Pick the one that fits your budget and needs, and start enjoying the convenience of automated dishwashing without breaking the bank.
All three models are available on Amazon with Prime shipping. Prices fluctuate weekly, so here's how to get the best deal:
Based on 12 months of price tracking, the Midea regularly drops to $269, the Hamilton Beach hits $189 during sales, and the Danby occasionally reaches $319. If you can wait for a sale, you'll save 10-20%.
Remember, these prices won't last forever. As inflation continues and new models release, budget options under $400 may disappear entirely. If you need a dishwasher now, these three models represent real value in an increasingly expensive market.