In today’s fast-paced world, who has time for hand-washing dishes? If you’re on a budget but still want the convenience of a dishwasher, options under $300 are more accessible than ever—especially with the rise of compact, portable, and countertop models. These aren’t your bulky built-in units; they’re designed for apartments, RVs, dorms, or anyone short on space. As of December 2025, the market favors efficient, energy-saving designs that don’t skimp on performance. While full-size dishwashers often start at $400+, budget picks focus on countertop portability, making them ideal for renters or small households.
Why Choose a Dishwasher Under $300?
Budget dishwashers offer surprising value. Most hold 2-6 place settings, perfect for 1-2 people, and many feature built-in water tanks to skip faucet hookups. Key benefits include:
- Space-Saving Design: These units sit on your counter or roll away when not in use, no installation required.
- Energy Efficiency: Many are Energy Star certified, using less water (as low as 3-5 liters per cycle) than hand-washing.
- Versatile Cycles: Expect options like quick wash, high-temp sanitize, fruit/veggie rinse, and even air-dry functions.
- Quiet Operation: Noise levels hover around 50-60 dB, comparable to a normal conversation.
- Affordability Without Sacrifice: Lab tests show they tackle tough stains like dried egg or sauce, often rivaling pricier models in cleaning power.
Factors to consider when buying: Check capacity for your needs, installation type (faucet hookup vs. tank), cycle times (30-150 minutes), and extras like UV sanitizing or auto-door opening for better drying. User reviews highlight ease of use and reliability from brands like Comfee, Danby, and Hermitlux. Always verify current prices, as sales can dip even lower.
Top Picks for 2026
Based on expert tests from sites like Serious Eats, The Spruce, and Good Housekeeping, plus Amazon listings, here are standout models. These prioritize cleaning effectiveness, user-friendliness, and value.
FAQs About Dishwashers Under $300
Here are some common questions to help you make an informed decision:
- Are dishwashers under $300 reliable? Yes, many portable and countertop models from brands like Comfee and Danby are reliable for light use. They may not match the durability of built-in units, but user reviews often highlight good performance for 2-3 years with proper care.
- What features should I prioritize in a budget dishwasher? Focus on built-in water tanks for flexibility, capacity (at least 4-6 place settings for small households), multiple cycles (including sanitize and quick wash), and ease of setup. Energy Star certification is a plus for efficiency.
- How do budget dishwashers compare to more expensive ones? They excel in portability and affordability for small spaces but have smaller capacities and fewer advanced features like smart controls or larger spray systems. For everyday cleaning in apartments, they’re often sufficient.
- Can I get a quiet dishwasher under $300? Definitely—most operate at 50-60 dB, quiet enough for open kitchens. Look for models with insulated designs to minimize noise during cycles.
- What about installation and maintenance? These are plug-and-play; connect to a faucet or use the tank, no professional installation needed. Maintenance involves regular cleaning of filters and using dishwasher-safe detergent.
- Are there energy-efficient options under $300? Yes, many are Energy Star rated, consuming minimal water and power. This can save on utilities compared to hand-washing, especially in water-scarce areas.
- Which brands are best for budget dishwashers? Trusted ones include Comfee, Danby, Hermitlux, Hava, and EUHOMY. They balance price, features, and positive reviews for compact models.
List of 5 Dishwasher Products Under $300
- EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable with 6 Programs Price: $269.99 Rating: 4.5/5 (512 reviews) Key Features: 6 washing programs including eco and baby-care, built-in water tank or faucet hookup, high-temp wash, air-dry function, compact design. Pros: High rating for cleaning efficiency, versatile for small loads, energy-saving. Cons: Newer model with fewer long-term reviews, limited capacity for families. Ideal for apartments or solo users.
- Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher with 5-Liter Built-in Water Tank Price: $269.99 Rating: 4.1/5 (3,590 reviews) Key Features: 5L water tank, no hookup needed, 5 programs with high-temp and fruit wash, compact for countertops, quiet operation. Pros: Proven reliability with many reviews, affordable and portable, good for daily use. Cons: Slightly lower rating due to occasional drying issues, small silverware basket. Ideal for RVs or tiny kitchens.
- Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher, 7 Washing Programs Portable Mini Dishwasher Price: $299.99 Rating: 4.4/5 (4,109 reviews) Key Features: 7 programs including rapid and hygiene, 5L built-in tank, no hookup required, LED light, glass door for monitoring. Pros: Excellent cleaning on tough residues, user-friendly, strong customer satisfaction. Cons: Higher price in the range, may need manual drying for some items. Ideal for small households needing versatility.
- COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank Price: $299.99 Rating: 4.0/5 (5,153 reviews) Key Features: 5L tank, 360° dual spray, 162°F high-temp wash, air-dry, 6 programs including speed and glass. Pros: Budget-friendly with solid performance, easy setup, large number of positive reviews. Cons: Average rating due to noise complaints, limited to small loads. Ideal for dorms or renters.
- HAVA Countertop Dishwasher, 6 Programs Portable Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank Price: $289.00 Rating: 4.4/5 (832 reviews) Key Features: 6 programs with eco and sanitize, built-in tank or faucet, enhanced energy efficiency, child lock, delayed start. Pros: Good balance of features and price, efficient water use, quiet for its class. Cons: Fewer reviews than some competitors, hoses can be cumbersome. Ideal for modern small spaces with varied needs.