Why are Some Dishwashers So Expensive and Some Are Not? (The MAIN Differences!)

Everyone has seen the dishwashers at their local appliance store that cost hundreds of dollars. But what if I told you a big box store in your area had an inexpensive one, and it was actually pretty good?

Almost every household in America has a dishwasher. These machines come in at a range between $300 and over $1000 or more and have top-notch features such as stainless steel exteriors with an extra large capacity, ultra noise dampening, and high performance cycles that can wash up to 16 place settings!

The question remains: why are some dishwashers so expensive while others seem budget-friendly?

Why are some dishwashers so expensive compared to others?

There are a few reasons why dishwashers can vary in price so much. The most important factor is the type of dishwasher. Some dishwashers, like Frigidaire and Whirlpool, are more affordable because they are not considered “premium” brands. However, there are some people who mistakenly believe that expensive dishwashers are automatically better quality than cheaper ones.

Another reason for the price discrepancy is the features offered by different models. For example, some dishwashers come with an extra drying cycle or a longer warranty than others. Finally, size also affects the cost of a dishwasher. The larger the model, the more it will cost.

However, that’s not to say that buying yourself an outrageously expensive dishwasher will give you the same level of performance and features as one that is more on the affordable side. Many of the more expensive dishwashers include features that are highly in demand and useful to someone who would rather have a machine that is strong enough to get rid of the dirtiest dishes without having to go back and rinse them off by hand one more time.

How much do dishwashers cost?

Dishwashers can range in price from around $200 to $1,000 or more, depending on the features you want. Some of the most important factors that will affect the cost are how big of a dishwasher you get (measured in cubic feet), whether it has an Energy Star certification, and what special features it includes (like a built-in water softener).

If you’re looking for a new dishwasher, it’s important to consider all of your options and find one that fits both your needs and your budget. Luckily, there are plenty of great dishwashers out there that don’t break the bank!

How do dishwasher prices compare?

Dishwashers are actually anywhere from $200 to $3,000 for a single unit. Most of the time, they average around $800 to $1,000. Shipping and installation are sometimes extra.

This is all thanks to several factors, which include the internal hardware capabilities and performance, the sizes, the features that are offered, the functions that they are capable of, and the brand that sells them.

What are the features of dishwashers?

Dishwashers are great. There are a range of features that are common on most models that do tend to affect the overall cost of the machine.

Wash cycles

Most have a normal wash, a super hot wash, a sanitized wash, and a light wash cycle.

Drying systems

Some machines have drying systems to help dry the dishes between cycles.

Jets

Most machines have several jets and different water configurations to help make sure that the dishes are washed from all sides and from all angles.

Dividers and Baskets

The last feature that might affect cost are the dividers and basket setups that are inside the actual dishwasher.

What goes into the cost of making a dishwasher?

1. Heating element

The first feature that certainly does affect cost is the heating element itself. The size of the element, the number of elements, and the overall quality of the element will differ between machines. For very expensive machines, you may have a bigger heating element or even a second heating element that helps to dry the dishes and also helps to get the water hotter during the wash cycle.

2. Internal dividers

Another key difference is the way that the baskets and racks are set up. With cheaper machines, it is less likely that you are going to have dividers or separate compartments in the baskets, as it costs more to make these divided baskets than it does to make a basket that is just one part.

3. Spray arms

The arms of your dishwasher may also be different. They are likely not going to be as strong or as pressurized as a cheaper machine, and they may also be smaller. With a more expensive machine, the sprayer arm is going to be a bit stronger and is also likely to be larger.

4. Circulation motor

The motor that works to circulate the water through the machine is also likely to be less powerful in cheaper machines. Though it is still going to be able to circulate the water, it is not going to have the same force or the same power as a more expensive machine.

5. Control panel and settings

This is a bit more of an obvious difference. With more expensive machines, you are more likely to have a larger control panel that does have more options. You are also more likely to get a control panel that is touch-screen or that does have more options than you would if you were purchasing a cheaper machine. You may also notice that you are going to have a machine with a much more straightforward panel if you are opting for a cheaper machine.

6. Filtration system

More expensive machines are also more likely to have built in filtration systems that are going to help filter the water and filter out things like hard water, calcium, and other minerals that might be in the water that came in through the water lines. This is going to help keep the machine clean and is also going to keep your dishes from getting water spots and buildup from the water coming in.

7. Design and aesthetics

Still, another difference is going to be the overall look of the machine. With cheaper machines, you may end up with a machine that looks less expensive. You may notice that the machine does not have finishing trim, it may not be stainless steel, and so on. These machines that are cheaper are designed for function over beauty. They are not designed to look great; their main focus is on how the machine works.

8. Brand

This is perhaps the biggest factor in price. The brand name is going to affect the overall cost of the machine greatly. If you go for a brand name like GE or Samsung, you are going to pay more than you would for a store brand dishwasher or for a smaller name brand.

9. Accessories

This also affects cost. If you buy a machine that has extras, they are going to cost more than if you buy a basic machine that does not have extra items included.

10. Internet connectivity

Some machines do have connectivity that makes them a bit more high tech. These machines may be able to connect to your phone or other devices so that you can set them to work while you are away or while you are in another room.

Why should using an expensive dishwasher save you money?

Many people think that the upfront costs for dishwashers are about the same as hand washing dishes, but that’s not actually true. Dishwasher water use is lower than hand-washing, saving money in the long run. That’s because when you use an ENERGY STAR® certified dishwasher with a qualifying cycle, your home will use less energy than if you were hand-washing dishes 7 days a week.

Many of the more expensive dishwashers are powerful enough to get rid of the most difficult stains on your plates. That means that you won’t have to run it through a second cycle, wasting water and energy; nor will you have to rinse the dishes one more time with your hands, wasting water and time.

Powerful dishwashers can also use a fraction of the amount of water needed compared to inexpensive brands. It can certainly use less water than if you were to hand wash your dishes.

How do I choose a dishwasher?

When it comes to dishwashers, there are a lot of things to consider before making your purchase. How much space do you have in your kitchen? What type of detergent do you want to use? Are you looking for an ENERGY STAR certified model that will save you money on your energy bill?

Once you’ve answered those questions, it’s time to start thinking about what features are important to you. Do you need a dishwasher that can hold large pots and pans or one with a Quick Wash setting for when you’re short on time? Maybe noise is a big concern for you and you want to choose a model with an eco-friendly setting that runs quietly.

Whatever your needs, keep in mind that some factors may be more important to you than others, so don’t feel like you have to compromise on everything. Just make sure the dishwasher has your must-haves and deal-breakers!

What are the benefits of expensive dishwashers?

There are some benefits to buying a more expensive machine. The first is that more expensive machines are going to be built with more features; they are going to be built with better materials; and they are also going to be made with more expensive parts.

For the most part, investing in a higher priced dishwasher is going to get you a better machine overall and is also going to get you a machine that does a better job and lasts longer.