Best cheap dishwashers for 2024

Whether you're replacing an old one or installing a whole new kitchen, a dishwasher is a big purchase. However, we’ve found Great Value dishwashers to suit all budgets, and even a few bargain Best Buys.  

Our testing has shown that price is no indicator of quality – in fact, our most expensive Don’t Buy dishwasher costs just over £1,000, while our cheapest Best Buy dishwasher will set you back under £300. 

We also have a number of Great Value recommendations, which don't quite perform as well as Best Buys, but come close, and cost less.  

Here we take a look at the best budget machines from our tests, and picked out three to avoid. And keep reading to find out what you might be missing out on by opting for a bargain, and what features to look out for. 

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Not found the product for you? Browse all of our dishwasher reviews.

Cheap dishwashers to avoid

There are some great dishwasher bargains to be had, but we’ve also found plenty of cheap options that simply aren’t worth the money. These Don't Buys will leave you stuck at the sink rewashing grubby crockery and cutlery by hand, or reaching for a tea towel when unloading wet dishes. 

What do you miss out on by going cheap?

Cheaper dishwashers often have fewer programs. This has no effect on how well the dishwasher cleans or dries, but it does limit your choices. 

For example, some expensive dishwashers have a 'silent' wash, which reduces the noise made by the machine during the rinsing and washing cycles. This makes it ideal to use when you have friends round, or on a timer overnight.

Other programs that are often missed out on basic dishwashers include:

• Delicate wash: uses a lower temperature for glassware and china
• Higher temperature wash: for an extra hygienic clean, often recommended for items like baby bottles
• Two zone wash: where the top or bottom rack will get a more intense wash, so you can wash a baking tray in the same load as glassware

Occasionally very cheap dishwashers even scrimp on the display. This means you won’t be able to check how long you have left before the cycle completes.

Not sure what you do and don't need? Read our expert advice on the best dishwashers.