The best dishwasher under $800 depends on what matters most: washing, drying, noise, efficiency, or fit. Three models worth shortlisting are the Bosch 300 Series SHE43C75N, Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ, and LG LDFC2423—but the evidence does not establish a single overall winner. Prices and local availability change, so check the exact model and installation details before buying.
Which dishwasher should you buy for under $800?
Use these as shortlist leads, not a definitive ranking: the cited coverage differs in its testing and specifications, and the prices are not guaranteed current offers.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher, 8 Place Settings, Stainless Steel Tub | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Kenmore 24" Built-In Dishwasher - White | $449.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher, 8 Place Settings, Stainless Steel Tub | $448.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| Model | What the available evidence says | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Bosch 300 Series SHE43C75N | Consumer Reports’ 2026 report describes it as a less expensive alternative to a premium Bosch Benchmark model, at about $800. Its lab assessment found very good cleaning and decent drying. | Current price, stock, finish, fit, and whether its drying performance meets your needs. |
| Whirlpool WDP540HAMZ | Tom’s Guide’s 2026 guide names it as its budget choice. Its comparison table lists 12 place settings, two racks, 55 dB, and 270 kWh. These are editorially reported specifications, not independently confirmed current manufacturer figures. | Current manufacturer specifications, price, availability, and installation requirements. |
| LG LDFC2423 | LG’s U.S. product page says Consumer Reports rated it the best dishwasher for $500 or less. This is LG’s summary of Consumer Reports’ recommendation, not a standalone independent test detail presented here. | Exact model suffix, current price, independent test details, and local availability. LG says prices, promotions, and availability vary. |
Consumer Reports says its dishwasher ratings are based on retail-purchased models assessed in laboratory tests for washing, drying, noise, and energy. Its washing tests use baked-on food; its drying assessment includes inspecting ceramic, glass, and plastic items. The specific Bosch results above are the findings reported for that model, not a guarantee of identical results in every home.
How to compare dishwashers before choosing
A low price is only one part of value. Compare performance and ownership costs against your kitchen and typical loads.
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- Slimline Design with Large Capacity : The Midea built-in dishwasher boasts a slim body that takes up minimal space and is easy to fit. It features a digital control panel with an LED display and has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height.
- 8 Place Settings Dishwasher : With dimensions of 22.6D x 17.6W x 32.4H with adjustable legs, this under sink dishwasher provides a spacious and flexible interior for maximum dishware loading.
- 6 programs+3 functions : The 18-inch dishwasher offers six programs, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse washing programs. It also features Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions that meet all your daily needs. Note: ONLY use detergent specially for dishwasher because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems.
- Heated Dry : Smart dishwasher ensures the best drying performance. The extra drying function offers a thorough drying performance (except for the Rapid and Self-clean cycle) with no additional towel drying required.
- HI TEMP : The HYGIENE wash cycle maintains the water temperature at 136°F (58°C) max , which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes. It is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children's dinner sets.
- Cleaning and drying: Treat them as separate strengths. A dishwasher can clean very well and still leave plastics or other items damp.
- Noise: Compare the stated decibel rating with your kitchen layout and how often the dishwasher runs while people are nearby. The Whirlpool figure above is Tom’s Guide’s reported specification.
- Capacity and flexibility: Check place settings, rack layout, and whether the interior accommodates the dishes and cookware you use. Consumer Reports includes controls, racks, and helpful features in its ease-of-use assessment.
- Energy and water: Use the yellow EnergyGuide label to compare estimated energy use and annual operating cost between similar models. ENERGY STAR also recommends considering auto-sensing cycles or multiple cycle options.
- Price and total purchase logistics: Confirm the exact model, finish, current price, stock, delivery, and installation locally. A price reported in a guide or review is a snapshot, not a live quote.
Check fit, capacity, and installation first
Measure the opening and compare it with the exact model’s dimensions before ordering. Most built-in dishwashers are roughly 24 inches wide and 35 inches high, but compact appliances and local configurations vary. Confirm required hookups and installation needs as well as the unit’s capacity; a model that fits the price ceiling is not a practical choice if it does not fit the space or the household’s loads.
What ENERGY STAR figures mean for a budget dishwasher
ENERGY STAR’s dishwasher criteria, effective July 19, 2023, set maximum consumption thresholds by size category. Use the category that matches the appliance rather than comparing a compact model with a standard-size one as if their limits were interchangeable.
Rank #2
- 3 Stage Ultra Wash Filter: The 3-stage UltraWash Filter captures particles as small as a grain of fine sand and drains them away, so they can’t redeposit on dishes - for a sparkling clean every time. The filter removes easily for monthly cleaning
- SmartWash Adjusts to the Mess: Sensor technology detects soil levels and automatically adjusts the water temperature, pressure, and cycle time. Leak detection prevents damage before it starts
- SmartDry Technology: SmartDry drying selects the best drying cycle and adjusts for optimized drying performance. Hot water forces condensation onto the stainless tub, and down the drain
- Roomy Interior & Adjustable, Removable Rack: Fit up to 14 place settings or just a few items using the Half Load option. The MoreSpace Adjustable Upper Rack raises, lowers, or removes entirely to make room for pots, tall items, or delicate stemware
- Sani Rinse Option: This ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher has a UL-certified Sani Rinse option for seriously clean dishes
| ENERGY STAR category | Capacity definition | Maximum energy use | Maximum water use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | At least 8 place settings plus 6 serving pieces | 240 kWh per year | 3.2 gallons per cycle |
| Compact | Fewer than 8 place settings plus 6 serving pieces | 155 kWh per year | 2.0 gallons per cycle |
ENERGY STAR estimates that a standard-size certified dishwasher costs about $50 per year to run and can save about 5,800 gallons of water over its lifetime. Those are general program estimates, not a guaranteed bill or a model-specific comparison; household use and local utility rates affect actual costs.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How much should you rely on brand reliability scores?
Consumer Reports’ 2026 report says its reliability and owner-satisfaction measures draw on a survey of members’ 77,011 dishwasher purchases from 2015 through 2025. The responses inform predicted first-five-year reliability. Consumer Reports also cautions that brand-level scores are not model-specific, so a brand score cannot guarantee how a particular dishwasher under $800 will perform.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Slimline Design with Large Capacity : The Midea built-in dishwasher boasts a slim body that takes up minimal space and is easy to fit. It features a digital control panel with an LED display and has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height.
- 8 Place Settings Dishwasher : With dimensions of 22.6D x 17.6W x 32.4H with adjustable legs, this under sink dishwasher provides a spacious and flexible interior for maximum dishware loading.
- 6 programs+3 functions : The 18-inch dishwasher offers six programs, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse washing programs. It also features Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions that meet all your daily needs. Note: ONLY use detergent specially for dishwasher because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems.
- Heated Dry : Smart dishwasher ensures the best drying performance. The extra drying function offers a thorough drying performance (except for the Rapid and Self-clean cycle) with no additional towel drying required.
- HI TEMP : The HYGIENE wash cycle maintains the water temperature at 136°F (58°C) max , which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes. It is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children's dinner sets.
Sources
- ENERGY STAR dishwasher buying guidance
- ENERGY STAR dishwasher criteria
- Consumer Reports: Best Dishwasher Brands of 2026
- Tom’s Guide: Best dishwashers in 2026
- LG LDFC2423 product page
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
