Not Whirlpool, Not KitchenAid: Consumer Reports' Top-Rated Dishwasher For Under $500

Buying a dishwasher on a tight budget can feel risky. The cheaper models often skip premium features, and they also sometimes lack the sturdy, durable build you get from higher-end models. However, that doesn't mean every affordable dishwasher is a bust. There are some good options, too, like the Midea MDF24P2BWW. This dishwasher might not be as well-known as Whirlpool or KitchenAid, but it was the strongest under $500 in a recent Consumer Reports test, where the magazine compared it against other similarly priced dishwashers. The dishwasher costs $479 on Lowe's, though it sometimes goes on sale for $329, and it has a 24-inch front-control design.

Consumer Reports found that the Midea MDF24P2BWW performed well and washed dishes in both upper and lower racks properly. Drying can be a weak spot for budget dishwashers, but its drying results were good as well. And it offers a few other advantages. For instance, it has an adjustable upper rack, child safety locks, leak detection, and an NSF-certified sanitize cycle, among other things. Plus, it has a stainless-steel body and internal lights — not something you often see in budget dishwashers. 

That said, the Midea MDF24P2BWW has a few negatives, too. For instance, it only has two racks, and its filters must be cleaned manually. Furthermore, it lacks many smart features like voice control and Wi-Fi connectivity that people often want these days. So if any of these things is a deal breaker, you might want to look into some other highest-rated dishwashers before making the purchase.

The Midea MDF24P2BWW has hundreds of ratings on Lowe's. Based on those ratings, it holds a strong overall score, with a large share of reviewers giving it the highest rating possible and many others awarding it 4 stars. Taken together, those ratings indicate that customers have responded quite positively to the dishwasher. The comments left by reviewers reflect that sentiment as well. Buyers consistently mention that the Midea MDF24P2BWW is a good value for the money and has good cleaning power. In fact, one reviewer at Lowe's said, "I did not expect this quality for such an affordable cost." Some buyers also praised it for its stainless-steel build and for having physical control buttons instead of touchscreens.

However, not all of its user reviews are positive. Several dozen buyers gave the Midea MDF24P2BWW 1-star reviews as well. These negative reviewers often cited two things: noise and inconsistent performance. Users mentioned that it sounded louder than expected, and it sometimes left the dishes wet. One reviewer also noted that its lower spray arm didn't work at first, and they had to fix it themselves. All these things are definitely worth keeping in mind before you choose a dishwasher for your kitchen. And we should also note that Consumer Reports gave Midea MDF24P2BWW an average owner satisfaction score. 

Finally, if you choose to go with this model, double-check that its dimensions match the space available in your kitchen or wherever you are planning to install it. Taking the wrong dimensions is one of those common mistakes you need to avoid when installing a dishwasher.