Imagine this: you’re staring at a mountain of dirty dishes, the sink overflowing. The thought of scrubbing them all by hand makes you groan. A dishwasher sounds like a dream, but a brand-new one can cost a lot of money. What if there was a way to get that kitchen helper without breaking the bank? That’s where used dishwashers come in!
Choosing a used appliance can feel like a gamble. You worry about hidden problems, if it will work well, or if you’re just buying someone else’s headache. It’s tough to know what to look for and what questions to ask. This can make the whole process feel overwhelming and stressful.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to help you navigate the world of pre-owned dishwashers. We’ll share smart tips and tricks to help you find a great machine that fits your budget. You’ll learn how to spot a good deal, what to check before you buy, and how to make sure your used dishwasher will be a reliable friend in your kitchen for years to come. Get ready to discover how to get sparkling clean dishes without the high price tag!
Our Top 5 Used Dishwasher Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Used Dishwasher Detailed Reviews
1. COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher
Rating: 9.5/10
Say goodbye to washing dishes by hand with the COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher. This sleek black dishwasher is designed for convenience and efficiency, making it a perfect addition to any dorm room, RV, or apartment. It’s compact enough to fit on your countertop but large enough to handle a good amount of dishes.
What We Like:
- Its 6-place setting size is ideal for 2-3 people, holding up to 70 pieces of tableware. Even larger plates up to 10 inches fit comfortably.
- Installation is simple! You can connect it directly to your faucet, and it’s flexible enough to sit on a table or tuck into a cupboard.
- With 8 washing programs, you have plenty of options. Choose from Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, and Speed cycles, plus Speed, Mini-party, and Rinse.
- The Heavy program tackles tough messes with 12 spray nozzles and a 360° wash, using hot water up to 154℉ for serious cleaning power.
- Need clean dishes fast? The Speed program gets them done in just 45 minutes, perfect for when you’re in a hurry.
- It’s Energy Star compliant, meaning it uses very little water, as low as 2.77 gallons per cycle, saving you money.
What Could Be Improved:
- The note about water being present from factory testing might surprise some users initially.
- While flexible, you’ll need to ensure you have the correct adaptor for faucet connection.
This COMFEE’ dishwasher offers a smart solution for keeping your kitchen clean. It’s a practical and efficient appliance that simplifies dishwashing.
2. Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings
Rating: 9.1/10
The Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s designed to be slim and save space while still holding a good amount of dishes. This dishwasher makes cleaning up after meals easier and more efficient.
What We Like:
- This dishwasher has a slim design. It fits easily into small spaces.
- It has a large capacity for its size. It can hold up to 8 place settings.
- You can wash big plates and pots. They can be up to 11 inches tall.
- It offers 6 different washing programs. This means you can pick the best one for your dishes.
- The Heated Dry feature works well. Your dishes will be dry without needing a towel.
- The HI TEMP program cleans really well. It gets water up to 136°F (58°C). This is great for tough grease and for sanitizing baby bottles.
- It has a stainless steel tub. This makes it durable.
- It’s Energy Star certified. This means it saves energy and money.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dishwasher is 18 inches wide. Some kitchens might have slightly larger openings.
- You must use special dishwasher detergent. Using regular dish soap can cause problems.
This Midea dishwasher is a smart choice for busy households. It offers excellent cleaning power and convenient features in a compact package.
3. Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher with 8 Place settings
Rating: 9.2/10
The Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a smart way to handle your dishes. It’s designed for busy households, making cleanup a breeze. This dishwasher fits neatly into your cabinetry, and its stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern. You’ll love how much it can hold and how many ways you can clean your dishes.
What We Like:
- It holds up to 8 place settings, so you can wash a good amount of dishes at once.
- You have six different washing programs to choose from, like heavy-duty for tough messes or a quick wash when you’re in a hurry.
- The stainless steel tub is tough and helps the dishwasher work better.
- It’s Energy Star certified, meaning it uses less electricity and saves you money on your bills.
- The 24-hour delay start timer lets you set it to run when it’s most convenient for you.
- It’s ADA-compliant, making it easier for everyone to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it fits 8 place settings, very large pots or pans might be a tight squeeze.
- The 18-inch width means it might not fit in every existing dishwasher space without some minor adjustments.
This Honeywell dishwasher is a solid choice for those seeking efficiency and flexibility in their kitchen. It’s a great way to keep your dishes sparkling clean with minimal effort.
4. EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable
Rating: 8.6/10
Tired of washing dishes by hand? The EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher is a compact and portable solution for small kitchens, apartments, RVs, and dorm rooms. It offers a no-hookup design, meaning you can set it up and start washing in minutes. With its multiple wash programs and advanced features, it makes dishwashing easier and more hygienic.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to set up with its built-in water tank or a simple faucet connection.
- You get 8 different wash programs, including special ones for baby items and even fruit!
- The self-clean function keeps the dishwasher fresh and odor-free.
- It’s surprisingly spacious, fitting over 30 items, including larger plates.
- The child lock feature adds an extra layer of safety.
- It uses less water than washing by hand, making it eco-friendly.
- The compact size means it won’t take up much counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- You might need to buy a faucet adapter if your faucet isn’t a G3/4 inch size.
- It’s recommended to use specific dishwasher-safe detergent, so keep that in mind.
- The manual mentions water droplets might be inside from testing, which could be a little confusing at first.
This EUHOMY dishwasher is a convenient and efficient way to handle your dishes. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to save time and effort in the kitchen.
5. Midea MDF18A1ABB Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings
Rating: 9.5/10
The Midea MDF18A1ABB Built-in Dishwasher is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially if you’re short on space. This sleek, black dishwasher packs a lot of cleaning power into its slim design. It’s perfect for smaller households or apartments, giving you sparkling clean dishes without taking up too much room.
What We Like:
- The slimline design fits easily into tight spaces, but it still holds a lot of dishes – up to 8 place settings!
- It has six different washing programs, so you can choose the best one for whatever you need to clean, from delicate glasses to really dirty pots and pans.
- The heated dry feature means your dishes come out ready to put away, no extra towel drying needed.
- The high-temperature wash option is great for getting baby bottles and kids’ dishes super clean and germ-free.
- It’s Energy Star certified, so it’s good for the planet and can help save on your electricity bill.
- The stainless steel tub is durable and easy to keep clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- Make sure you only use dishwasher detergent; regular dish soap can cause problems.
- The dimensions are for an under-sink model, so confirm it fits your specific under-sink space.
This Midea dishwasher offers a great balance of size, features, and cleaning performance. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for an efficient and effective way to keep their kitchenware clean.
Your Guide to Buying a Used Dishwasher
Buying a used dishwasher can save you money. It’s a great way to get a good appliance without the high price of a new one. This guide will help you find the best used dishwasher for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you look at used dishwashers, check for these important features.
- Capacity: How many dishes can it hold? Most dishwashers fit 10-14 place settings. This is good for families. Smaller ones work for apartments.
- Wash Cycles: Look for different wash options. Normal, heavy-duty, and quick wash are common. Some have special cycles for delicate dishes or sanitizing.
- Energy Efficiency: Check for an Energy Star label. This means it uses less electricity and water. It saves you money on bills.
- Noise Level: Dishwashers can be loud. Look for models with low decibel (dB) ratings. Under 50 dB is considered quiet.
- Third Rack: Some dishwashers have a slim third rack at the top. This is great for silverware and small utensils.
- Adjustable Racks: Being able to move the racks up or down helps fit tall pots and plates.
2. Important Materials
The materials inside a dishwasher affect how well it cleans and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel Interior: These dishwashers are durable. They resist stains and odors. They also look modern.
- Plastic Interior: Plastic interiors are cheaper. They can sometimes hold onto smells. They might not be as strong as stainless steel.
- Rack Coating: The racks have a coating to prevent rust. Look for intact coating without chips or rust spots.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a used dishwasher better, and others can make it worse.
What Improves Quality:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands like Bosch, KitchenAid, and Whirlpool often make reliable dishwashers.
- Good Maintenance History: If the seller can show you it was cared for, that’s a big plus.
- Few Signs of Wear: Look for minimal scratches or dents. Check that doors and racks open and close smoothly.
- Recent Model: Newer models usually have better features and are more energy-efficient.
What Reduces Quality:
- Rust or Corrosion: Any rust inside or outside is a bad sign. It means water damage or poor materials.
- Strange Noises: Listen for grinding or loud banging sounds when the dishwasher runs.
- Leaking: Check for water around the base. Leaks can be hard and expensive to fix.
- Smells: A musty or rotten egg smell means bacteria or mold. This can be cleaned, but it’s a warning.
- Damaged Racks or Spray Arms: Broken parts make the dishwasher less effective.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the dishwasher.
- Families: A larger capacity dishwasher with a heavy-duty cycle is best for busy families.
- Couples or Singles: A smaller, energy-efficient model might be all you need.
- Entertainers: Look for quiet operation and a sanitize cycle if you host often.
- Small Kitchens: A slimline or countertop model could be a good fit.
Always try to see the dishwasher in action if possible. Ask the seller questions. A little research goes a long way to finding a great used dishwasher.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How old is too old for a used dishwasher?
A: Dishwashers usually last 10 years. A model that’s 5-7 years old is often a good bet. Older than that might have more wear and tear.
Q: What should I inspect before buying?
A: Inspect the door seal, racks, spray arms, and the interior for rust or damage. Check the control panel for working buttons.
Q: Can I test a used dishwasher before buying?
A: Yes, if possible. Ask the seller to run a short cycle. Listen for unusual noises and check for leaks.
Q: What if it doesn’t fit my space?
A: Measure your space carefully before you shop. Make sure you know the exact width, height, and depth needed.
Q: How much should I expect to pay?
A: Prices vary widely based on brand, age, and features. You might pay anywhere from $100 to $400 or more.
Q: Are there hidden costs with used dishwashers?
A: You might need to pay for delivery or installation. Some older models might use more energy or water.
Q: What if I buy it and it breaks soon after?
A: Most private sales are “as-is.” Some sellers might offer a short return window. Always try to buy from someone reputable.
Q: How do I clean a used dishwasher?
A: Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner. Clean the filter and spray arms.
Q: Are used dishwashers safe to use?
A: Yes, if they are in good working condition. Ensure there are no leaks and that it cleans dishes properly.
Q: Where can I find used dishwashers?
A: Look on online marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or at appliance repair shops that sell used items.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.