A great dishwasher doesn't have to cost you more than $1,000. Consumer Reports tested budget models on washing and drying to find five worth buying
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Dishwashers can cost well over $1,000, pushing budget-minded shoppers toward cheaper models that often skimp on performance. Those trade-offs often show up as slower drying, louder cycles and fewer racks once the price drops below $600.
Consumer Reports tested dozens of dishwashers on washing, drying and reliability to identify five strong picks for $1,000 or less. Shoppers can compare them below.
Credit: Bosch
The Bosch 300 Series SHE53C85N costs $999, runs quietly and rates as energy-efficient, with a stainless steel interior, a third rack and an adjustable upper rack. Consumer Reports rated it a strong overall performer, citing solid washing results on both the upper and lower racks. CR's tests found the drying performance weaker, with plastic items coming out with visible water droplets. CR also pointed to Bosch as one of the more dependable brands in its member surveys.
Credit: Bosch
Shoppers who want a cheaper Bosch can turn to the 300 Series SHE3ADF5N, priced at $649 through Lowe's. Consumer Reports found it washed just as well as the pricier 300 Series SHE53C85N, while using less energy and finishing a cycle in about 145 minutes. CR rated its drying only middling, noting some moisture left on plastic items after the cycle ended. The dishwasher includes a third rack and an adjustable upper rack, though it skips adjustable tines, and its delayed start works only through a smartphone app.
Credit: LG
Sold exclusively at Lowe's, the LG LDNFC33LS pairs a $549 price with foldable tines, an adjustable upper rack, a third rack and Energy Star certification. Consumer Reports rated it excellent at both washing and drying, with a very good score for energy efficiency in its lab tests. CR found it ran louder than other models in its tests and took close to three and a half hours to complete a cycle. CR also rated LG as a fairly dependable brand overall, though its marks trailed Bosch's in member surveys.
Credit: LG
The LG ADFD5448AT distinguishes itself with a door that opens automatically once the wash cycle finishes, releasing trapped humidity to speed up drying. Consumer Reports gave it strong marks for washing performance and rated it highly efficient, citing its Energy Star certification for water and energy use. The ADFD5448AT costs $799, is ADA-compliant and includes a display for remaining cycle time, a delayed-start function and an adjustable upper rack, though it lacks a third rack. CR also rated its drying strong, though a standard cycle ran close to 205 minutes, longer than many competing models.
Credit: LG
Value drives the case for the LG LDNPQ445S, which costs $649 and includes a third rack, an adjustable upper rack and foldable tines on both racks. Consumer Reports rated its washing and drying performance very strong in lab testing. CR also found the dishwasher fairly quiet, Energy Star certified and equipped with a door that opens once the cycle ends, helping dishes dry more fully. CR positioned it as a well-rounded pick at this price, supported by its full set of convenience features.
