The cheap ones we bought never lasted. My current dishwasher is a Kenmore we bought 9 years ago. No complaints and it still works well. We paid about $450 then. Similar model now is about $579.

What you get with the higher end dishwashers is Energy Star Rated for electricity and water savings. I didn't set out to spend $1100 on a dw :o but wanted those two things. Let's just hope it lasts long enough to recoup the initial expense! You might do better with this particular question over on the kitchen forum :)
Monica

My 10 year old lower-end Kenmore was still running strong when we moved last year.

When I was looking for DW another big difference between low and high end seemed to be the sound ratings. The quieter they were the more expensive.

YES! faith2009, thanks for that. I was trying to remember the other reason I had to spend so much on a dw....quietness. OP can probably find a less spendy dw that'll clean just as well but will use more energy, water and be louder.
Monica

We just bought a Bosch Ascentia to replace a decade-old Maytag and are pretty happy with it. It is quieter in some ways, and more noticeable in others -- think a babbling brook vs. a driving rainstorm; you can tune out the rain storm. We like that it doesn't have an exposed heating element so that it is a lot more plastic-friendly.

We went to Lowes and bought a GE for $329. Very very quiet and cleans dishes very well. Energy star rated -- costs $36 a year to run.

I have a Kenmore (Whirlpool) in this house and a GE in the last house. Both of them are quiet and Energy Star rated. I bought the Kenmore from Sears (of course) and the GE from HD. No problems with either one. If you ask me, a dishwasher is a dandy place to economize. The one I have now has multiple cycles -- only one of which I have ever used.

We replaced a 12 year old GE with a Kenmore in the 300 dollar range. It cleans very well, is quiet, energy star rated. I don't know how much water it uses. Good luck, Norm

I don't see any reason to spend a lot of money on a new dishwasher, either.

They are all good now. The technology has matured.

Just go for a quiet one, not an ultra-quiet one, and you'll hit your budget range.
You may find the high-end stores will sell you what you want.
That's where I got a stainless steel tub, condensing, non-venting, quiet DW for very little money.
I believe this is how I specified what I wanted: any basic DW, modern, medium high quality and quiet. No special cycles, no special features.
I sent that in by email and called after that.
The one they were ready to deal with me on, had the water-stop feature, a drip pan that spots leaks and turns off the incoming water so it won't keep coming and overflow from the pan. Protects floors.
It's also a built-in. Takes panels.

hth

davidro1, it would be even more helpful if you included the namebrand of the dishwasher you described. TIA.

I just had a new dishwasher installed, I went with a Kitchenaide (KUDE60FVSS.) I am very happy with it but ended up spending more than I had originally planned. What I learned in the hunt for a dishwasher is that things aren't what they used to be. The expectation of a workhorse DW that'll last forever, wash quickly, dry well....well, the new ones aren't neccessarily like that. Compliance with Energy Star guidelines (not to mention corporate buy outs) have changed the world of dishwashers. I have no doubt there are lots of economy DWs that you'll be very happy with, but expect some trade-offs. On your question about stores, we bought all our appliances from Lowe's--an assortment of brands-- and were very pleased. Best advice I can give you about Lowe's....in the appliance dept. ask to speak with and work with their Appliance Specialist. The specialists in the store are very knowledgable. But,like other big box stores the dept. may get staffed with an assortment of employees who may or may not know appliances. Don't be shy to ask for their "Specialist." It's a position they have in most departments and it's the best way to take advantage of their expertise. That said, there's no substitute for doing your own research (like on this forum!). Good luck to you!

Well, we finally decided on a Kenmore - with today's discount, it was $600 in black, has a stainless steel tub, is made by Kitchenaid/Maytag/Whirlepool etc., and virtually identical to the Kitchenaid. It has the power jet thingies in the back, no cutlery rack (we wouldn't use it - would have been $300 more I think), an optional dry cycle, a grinder and is 58 decibels at its loudest point (if you use the grinder).

Husband looked it over, liked that it vented directly out the front and not under the lip of the countertop, turned out he also wanted controls on the front (says the top controls consistently get crusted with stuff) and since no dishwasher looks as cool as our unfortunate F & P that is half-dead, we went ahead and went with black.

It will be quieter than the F & P during much of its operation, and hopefully, being basic, it will just do its job (does have several different cycles - and those pot scrubbing jets look impressive).

I'll try and let you know how we like it - it will be installed next week.

Which Kenmore model did you purchase? They rated over 20 Kenmore models at the below site, and selected the 13443 as a Best Value (MSRP $429)

Here is a link that might be useful: Kenmore Dishwasher Reviews

my only clear message to you all is this:
be willing to tell the high end stores that you are looking to buy :
-- any modern Quiet DW of medium high quality. No special cycles, no special features. Low price. --

If you get Only One bite, you will have a high end retailer selling you something that in my view will be a good DW.

In mass market retail stores I have often seen them selling Old old technology as if it were new and acceptable. Yuk.
I have often seen them put a huge price tag on something basic and then reduce it to make you think you are getting a deal. Okaaay...

When we began our never ending kitchen remodel back in June, we moved into our "in-law suite." The only appliance I had to replace was the dw and, not wanting to spend top $ on that end of the house, I went to Lowes and spent $349 for a Frigidaire (model FGBD2431).

It's been over 6 months and I'm still amazed at how well it performs! Dishes come out sparkling clean, it is relatively quiet, features air dry as well as heated dry, and is not a water hog.

All in all, highly recommended for an inexpensive dw.