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Finding a dishwasher that fits a tight budget often means guessing whether you are buying a real workhorse or an expensive headache. That question hits hardest in the under-$800 range, where a load of features hides behind every tempting price tag, but so do build shortcuts that leave you hand-washing caked-on pans a year later.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
You want a dishwasher that cleans well, runs quietly, and dries dishes while staying affordable. These nine reviews cover real-world cleaning performance, noise levels, and drying ability so you can confidently choose the best dishwasher under $800.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Dishwasher Under $800
Within the under-$800 bracket, you are balancing width, capacity, noise level, and drying performance. Getting the match right means thinking about your kitchen layout first.
Width matters first — 18-inch vs 24-inch
An 18-inch dishwasher (sometimes called a “slimline”) fits into a standard 18-inch cabinet opening and is the only choice when a full-size unit simply will not fit. It holds around 8 place settings. A 24-inch dishwasher holds 12 or more place settings and fits a standard full-size cutout. Measure your opening before shopping — an 18-inch unit in a 24-inch space leaves an ugly gap, and a 24-inch unit will not squeeze into an 18-inch space.
Noise level — how quiet is quiet enough?
Noise is measured in decibels (dBA). A reading around 52 dBA is noticeable but background-level — you can hear it running, but a conversation in the same room is fine. A rating around 47 dBA is genuinely library-quiet: you might forget it is running. For open-concept kitchens, spending a little more on a quieter model pays off daily.
Drying — heated dry vs condensation dry
Heated dry uses a heating element at the bottom of the tub to evaporate water, which works well on most dishes but sometimes leaves plastics wet. Condensation drying (often found in models with a stainless steel tub) relies on the cool exterior to draw moisture off hot dishes, and it is more energy-efficient. Within this budget, most models use a heating element — the question is how effective it is, especially on plastic items.
Place settings — the real measure of capacity
A “place setting” is a standard industry measure that includes a dinner plate, saucer, bowl, cup, glass, fork, knife, spoon, and teaspoon. An 8-place-setting dishwasher comfortably serves a 1-2 person household or small family. A 12-place-setting unit handles a family of four or more and accommodates larger pots and baking sheets more easily.
Tub material — stainless steel vs hybrid
A stainless steel tub is the standard for durability, better heat retention, and quieter operation. Some budget models use a “hybrid” design — stainless steel walls with a plastic base — to lower the cost. A full stainless steel tub generally dries dishes better because the metal holds heat longer, aiding condensation drying.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Place Settings | Noise Level | Tub Material | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honeywell 18★ Best Overall | Budget compact installs | 8 | — | Stainless Steel | Amazon |
| Kenmore 24-inchAlso Great | Smart sensors + large capacity | 14 | — | Stainless Steel | Amazon |
| Sharp SDW6726MSPremium Pick | Near-silent 24-inch cleaning | 12 | 47 dB | — | Amazon |
| Midea 18-inch | Small families on a budget | 8 | — | Stainless Steel | Amazon |
| Sharp SDW6504MS | 24-inch quiet value | 12 | 52 dB | Hybrid | Amazon |
| SPT SD-9254W | White unit for small kitchens | — | — | Stainless Steel | Amazon |
| SPT SD-9254SSA | 18-inch stainless value | 8 | — | Stainless Steel | Amazon |
| Frigidaire 18-inch | Sanitize cycle in a slim fit | 8 | 52 dBA | Stainless Steel | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher
The cheapest 18-inch pick on the list — and it punches well above its weight on cleaning.
If you are on a tight budget and need an 18-inch built-in dishwasher, the Honeywell delivers excellent value. At 8 place settings, it is perfect for a small family or a couple, and the stainless steel tub helps with heat retention and durability. The 6 washing programs — pots & pans, normal wash, china, quick wash, rinse only, and energy saver — cover the bases, and a 24-hour delay start lets you run it overnight when energy rates are lower.
What wins people over is that it simply cleans well. Owners mention that it “outperforms expectations for size and price,” and many emphasize the easy installation and quiet operation. A recurring theme is that it fits a standard 18-inch opening nicely and holds a surprising amount of dishes. The main trade-off reported is build-related: a few units have arrived with dents or a small broken part, though Honeywell customer service has been responsive for some. One owner notes the lower basket wheel occasionally derails. For the price, the cleaning performance is hard to fault.
Surprisingly strong cleaner: Cleaning performance is the most-praised aspect by far — owners consistently say it gets dishes and silverware spotless, often outperforming much more expensive models.
Reach for it if: you want the lowest entry price into a built-in 18-inch dishwasher and value cleaning power over premium fit-and-finish. Watch for: occasional cosmetic dents on arrival — inspect the box before installing.
2. Kenmore 24″ Built-In Dishwasher
A large-capacity workhorse with smart sensors that adjust the wash to how dirty your dishes really are.
If you have a standard 24-inch opening and a family of four or more, the Kenmore leads this list on sheer capacity alone — it fits up to 14 place settings, which is more than any other pick here. The SmartWash sensor (a soil sensor that measures how dirty the dishes are) detects how much soil is on the dishes and then automatically changes the water temperature, pressure, and cycle time to match. Leak detection is built in as a safety layer, shutting things down before water hits the floor.
The 3-Stage UltraWash Filter captures particles as small as a grain of fine sand and washes them away so they do not redeposit on your plates. What wins people over is the SmartDry drying system, which uses condensation against the stainless steel tub rather than just relying on a heating element, and the Sani Rinse option is UL-certified (a safety standard from Underwriters Laboratories) for those who want an extra sanitizing step. The MoreSpace Adjustable Upper Rack can raise, lower, or be removed entirely to make room for pots, tall items, or delicate stemware. Owners consistently praise the quiet operation, the efficient smart wash, and the large, well-designed racks. The honest trade-off is build feel — the construction is not heavy-duty, and a small number of units have stopped working after a few months, but the vast majority of experiences are positive.
Smart capacity: At 14 place settings plus a half-load option, this Kenmore holds a full household’s worth of dishes in one cycle, dwarfing the 12-place-setting Sharp SDW6504MS.
Reach for it if: you want the largest capacity in this price bracket plus sensor-driven wash adjustments that save water and energy. Think twice if: you are installing into an 18-inch opening — this unit needs a full 24-inch cutout.
3. Sharp SDW6726MS 24-inch Dishwasher
The quietest pick here — a genuine library-silent 24-inch machine that you can run while watching a movie.
At 47 dB (about as loud as a quiet library), the Sharp SDW6726MS is the quietest dishwasher in this roundup, and that alone changes your daily life if your kitchen opens into a living area. It includes an adjustable third rack that gives flatware and serving utensils a dedicated home, freeing up space on the lower racks for larger pots. The three-sprayer system includes a specialized Power Wash sprayer for heavily soiled dishes, and built-in soil sensors automatically adjust the wash cycle to match the mess — saving water when the load is light and adding power when it is not.
The 12-place-setting capacity is paired with front touch controls and a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish that stays cleaner-looking between wipes. Owners consistently praise the quiet operation — “I ran it while my daughter and I watched TV and she didn’t know it was on” — and the excellent cleaning performance. The water inlet is 3/4-inch and front-mounted, so you may need a new hose kit depending on your setup. A couple of owners have had issues with the drain and water hookup, so a quality installation matters.
What stands out
- 47 dB noise level — genuinely quiet enough for open-concept living
- Adjustable third rack for utensils and flatware
- Power Wash sprayer targets heavily soiled pots
Watch out for
- Drain and water hookups reported as fiddly by some installers
- May require a new hose kit for the 3/4-inch front-mounted inlet
Best for: anyone who hates hearing the dishwasher while watching TV or holding a conversation in the same room. skip it if: you have an 18-inch opening or want a top-touch control panel (this model uses a front panel).
4. Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher
A slim 18-inch dishwasher that holds 8 place settings and still fits plates up to 11 inches tall.
The Midea is among the most popular compact dishwashers in this price range, with a large base of owners who confirm it cleans and dries dishes well. It fits into an 18-inch opening — dimensions are 22.6 inches deep, 17.6 inches wide, and 32.4 inches tall with adjustable legs — and can accommodate larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height. The 6 programs include Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse, and the Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions add flexibility.
The HYGIENE wash cycle holds the water temperature at 136°F (58°C) maximum, which is suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children’s dinner sets. Cleaning performance is the most-praised feature, and owners frequently call it quiet and easy to clean. The honest catch is that it does not come with any hoses or an installation kit, so you need to have those ready when it arrives. A small number of units have arrived with defects — a hole in the sump pump housing or water leak — but these appear to be isolated cases considering the large review base.
What owners love
- Cleans and dries well — dishes come out shiny, buyers report
- Heated Dry and Sanitize functions for thorough cleaning
- Fits large plates up to 11 inches tall
Real caveats
- No hoses or install kit included — buy those separately
- Occasional reports of leaks or E4 error codes
Best for: small households with an 18-inch opening who want a compact machine with a strong sanitize cycle and a large, loyal owner base. Look elsewhere if: you need a full 24-inch capacity or prefer a model that comes with installation parts.
5. SPT SD-9254SSA 18″ Built-In Dishwasher
An 18-inch stainless steel workhorse that cleans perfectly for two people without breaking the budget.
The SPT SD-9254SSA is a direct competitor to the Midea above, offering the same 8-place-setting capacity in a slim 18-inch body with a stainless steel tub and a 1-24 hour delay start. It includes a rinse aid warning indicator that reminds you to refill, plus a heating function during the drying cycle to help with drying. Owners praise the value for money — “great price for what you get” — and note that the internal components are the same as what you find in a double-price brand.
What gives this model an edge over some cheaper slimlines is that the water is heated internally to sanitize, and many owners confirm the dishes come out spotless. The latch on earlier models had a reputation for failing after about 6 years, but the newer design has an improved latch. The honest note here is drying: a number of owners find the heated dry ineffective, with everything still wet after a cycle, so you may need to let dishes air-dry or use a rinse aid. The installation manual is also known to be poor, so be patient when setting it up.
Expect to hand-dry: The most common owner feedback is that the heated dry function does not fully dry dishes — plan on using a rinse aid or leaving the door open after the cycle.
Reach for it if: your priority is cleaning performance and value in an 18-inch stainless steel unit — owners call it a great value for the money. pass on it if: a truly dry load, including plastics, is non-negotiable for you.
6. Frigidaire 18 in. ADA Compact Dishwasher
A name-brand 18-inch dishwasher with an NSF-certified sanitize cycle and a brand you likely already trust.
At the premium end of the 18-inch compact segment, the Frigidaire offers a dual spray arm system — one on the top rack and one on the bottom — which gives a thorough clean across every level. The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified sanitize cycle removes 99.9% of common household germs, making it a strong choice for households with babies or anyone who wants that extra hygiene step. It fits up to 8 place settings and operates at 52 dBA, which is quiet enough to hold a conversation in the same room.
The heated drying system uses a heating element to dry dishes, the 6-cycle panel includes Energy Saver, Heavy Wash, and Rinse, and the unit is ADA compliant. Owners say it fits perfectly in cabinets, holds regular plates and bowls, and is easy to install if you have basic plumbing skills. The most common real-world feedback is that the newer model has a smaller heating coil than previous Frigidaire versions, which affects drying performance — some dishes, especially plastics, come out wet. For a small kitchen where an 18-inch unit is the only option, this is a reliable choice.
Pros
- NSF Certified Sanitize cycle removes 99.9% of household germs
- Dual spray arms for top and bottom rack cleaning
- ADA compliant and Energy Star certified
Cons
- Heating coil is smaller than older models — drying plastics may require extra time
- Installation can be tricky if you need an air gap for local codes
Best for: Anyone who wants a trusted compact brand with a certified sanitize cycle and quiet 52 dBA operation. Think twice if: drying performance is your top priority — this model’s smaller heating element struggles with plastics.
7. SPT SD-9254W 18″ Built-In Dishwasher
A white 18-inch built-in with a stainless steel tub that delivers quiet operation and easy installation.
The SPT SD-9254W is the white-finished version of the stainless steel model above, but it merits its own spot because white appliances often suit apartment kitchens and rental properties better than stainless. It has an Energy Star rating, a stainless steel tub, a heated drying function, and a built-in top-mount design. The recessed handle keeps a clean look. Owners who have installed it in small kitchens and replaced cupboards with this unit report that it fits exactly as listed and works reliably.
Noise level is the most-praised aspect — owners describe it as extremely quiet. The rack layout is good, and the filter is accessible for easy cleaning. The main real-world complaint is about soap residue: a few owners find that a soap film stays on dishes, altering the taste of food. Others note the drain hose is short and there is no top sprayer, so some dishes may need hand-finishing. Heated dry has also been called ineffective. For the price, it gets the job done for small households, but you may need to experiment with detergent brands.
Good points
- Very quiet operation — owners highlight this more than any other feature
- Stainless steel tub with accessible filter for easy maintenance
- White finish fits rental kitchens and smaller spaces
Not so good
- Some customers note a soap film on dishes that affects food taste
- No top sprayer and a short drain hose
Best for: anyone who needs a white 18-inch unit for a rental property or small apartment — the quiet operation and stainless tub are strong points. Look elsewhere if: you need reliable drying or a top sprayer for upper-rack dishes.
8. Sharp SDW6504MS 24-inch Dishwasher
A full-width 24-inch entry-level Sharp that brings 12 place settings and pocket-handle styling to a low-ish price.
It runs at 52 dBA, which is quiet enough for open-concept homes, and uses a hybrid tub: a durable stainless steel interior combined with a heavy-duty plastic floor. The pocket handle gives it a clean, modern look.
The top rack has a 2-inch height adjustment to fit taller dishes, and fold-down tines give you flexible loading for odd-shaped items. The half-load option lets you wash smaller loads while reducing water and energy. Owners say it is quiet and does a fine job, and installation is easy. The honest limitation is that cleaning performance is inconsistent — some owners find it struggles with the top rack, and dishes do not always dry completely. The bottom sprayer arm has been known to stop rotating on some units, requiring a manual fix. For the money, it is a true 24-inch machine, but the cleaning and drying are less reliable than the Kenmore at the top of this list.
Half-load efficiency: The half-load option is genuinely useful for smaller households — it cuts water and energy usage while still getting the dishes clean.
Reach for it if: you need a 24-inch machine at the lowest possible cost and you are comfortable with the possibility of hand-drying or tweaking the spray arm. Think twice if: spotless cleaning and full drying are absolute requirements — the Kenmore at the top of the list is the safer bet.
Understanding the Specs
Place Settings vs Real Capacity
A place setting is a standardized measure that includes one dinner plate, one saucer, one bowl, one cup, one glass, one fork, one knife, one spoon, and one teaspoon. An 8-place-setting dishwasher comfortably serves a 1-2 person household. A 12-place-setting unit handles a family of four. The difference between 8 and 12 is the difference between running one load per day and running two — or needing to hand-wash large pots after dinner.
Noise Level — dBA Explained
Decibels (dBA) measure the sound pressure of the dishwasher during operation. A rating of 52 dBA is roughly the level of a normal conversation — you can hear it but it does not stop you from talking or watching TV. A rating of 47 dBA is noticeably quieter, often described as “library quiet” — you may not realize it is running unless you stand next to it. For open-concept floor plans where the kitchen blends into the living room, the extra – for a 47 dB model is worth considering.
Tub Material — Stainless Steel vs Hybrid
A full stainless steel tub holds heat longer than plastic, which improves drying through condensation. It is also more durable and tends to be quieter. “Hybrid” tubs combine stainless steel walls with a plastic base — they are cheaper to manufacture but do not dry as well and can be a bit louder. For a dishwasher you plan to keep for 7-10 years, a stainless steel tub is the stronger choice.
Sanitize Cycle
A sanitize cycle raises the water temperature high enough (usually around 150°F-155°F) to kill 99.9% of common household germs. Some models in this price range offer a heater-assisted sanitize that is UL-certified or NSF-certified (a public health standard from NSF International). If you have a baby, elderly family members, or anyone with a weakened immune system, a sanitize cycle adds confidence. If not, it is a nice-to-have but not essential.
FAQ
Will an 18-inch dishwasher fit where my old 24-inch unit was?
Do I need to buy a separate installation kit for a compact dishwasher?
Can I fit a 24-inch dishwasher in a 24-inch opening if the height is only 34 inches?
Is heated dry on a budget dishwasher worth it?
What is a hybrid tub, and is it worse than full stainless steel?
How long does a dishwasher under $800 typically last?
What does Energy Star certification mean for a dishwasher?
Can I use a regular liquid dish soap in a dishwasher under $800?
How many decibels is too loud for a dishwasher in an open kitchen?
What is the advantage of a third rack in a dishwasher?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the overall best dishwasher under $800 is the Kenmore 24″ Built-In Dishwasher because it packs the largest capacity (14 place settings), smart-sensor washing, a 3-stage UltraWash filter, and a Sani Rinse option into a package that still fits under the $800 cap. If you need a quiet 18-inch unit, the Frigidaire 18-inch delivers a dual spray arm system and a certified sanitize cycle in a slim profile. And for a modestly priced full-size machine, the Sharp SDW6726MS gives you near-silent 47 dB operation, a third rack, and a Power Wash sprayer that makes short work of baked-on pans.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.