The dishwasher you have been eyeing is probably a plastic tub with a stainless steel door. That mismatch is the single most expensive mistake in this category, and it is why retailer filters labelled “stainless” keep surfacing machines with a plastic interior.
A stainless steel tub means the interior walls, the door liner and the tub floor are actually steel. Steel does not stain, does not hold odour the way plastic does after a decade, transfers residual heat to the drying step better, and is far less likely to crack and leak. One DIY forum user put the reason plainly after a plastic-tub leak ruined their subfloor: “I made sure to go with the stainless steel tub, a plastic tub developed a small leak. Made quite mess of the subfloor, insulation, etc.”
Here is the problem with a strict ceiling in 2026. The famous 24-inch stainless-tub models from Bosch, KitchenAid, Maytag and Samsung are real, but they land well past 800 dollars once you look past the list price. The machines that clear the ceiling in a genuine stainless tub are narrower 18-inch bodies and compact countertop models, which is exactly where this roundup lives. If you want the wider shortlist with no ceiling, read our [12 Best Stainless Steel Tub Dishwashers Trusted Reviews](https://vintagevinylnews.com/best-stainless-steel-tub-dishwashers/) first.
Six models qualified. Each one has a manufacturer-confirmed stainless steel interior, a verified rating of 4.0 or higher, and a street price under 800 dollars at the time we checked. I spent weeks reading owner reviews, spec sheets and forum threads rather than spec sheets alone, because the tub material is the least interesting difference between dishwashers in this price band.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Stainless Steel Tub Dishwashers Under 800 Dollars In 2026
Midea 18 Inch Built-In Dishwasher
- Stainless steel tub
- 8 place settings
- Heated Dry and 136F sanitize
- 52 dB
- ENERGY STAR
SPT SD-9263SS 18 Inch Portable
- Stainless tub racks and basket
- 8 place settings
- 6 wash programs
- 52 dB
- ENERGY STAR
SPT SD-2224DS Countertop
- Stainless steel interior
- 7 wash cycles
- 6 place settings
- Quick-connect faucet
- 55 dB
The Midea takes the top slot on evidence rather than prestige. It carries the largest review base in this group at 551 ratings, sits in the number one position for built-in dishwashers in the category, and pairs a stainless tub with heated dry and a 136-degree Fahrenheit hygiene wash that most of the other machines here cannot match.
For households that want more rack than a slimline body allows, the SPT SD-9263SS is the one to look at. Its tub, wire racks and cutlery basket are all stainless, which almost nothing else manages in this band, and it handles 8 place settings.
If counter space is the constraint rather than budget, the SPT SD-2224DS is the highest-rated model here at 4.3 stars across 221 reviews. It hooks to a faucet with an included adapter and never touches a cabinet opening.
Quick Comparison of Every Pick (October 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Midea 18 Inch Built-In Dishwasher, 8 Place Settings |
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Check Latest Price |
| SPT SD-9263SS 18 Inch Portable Stainless Dishwasher |
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Check Latest Price |
| SPT SD-2224DS Countertop Dishwasher |
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Check Latest Price |
 Honeywell 18 Inch Built-In Stainless Tub Dishwasher |
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Check Latest Price |
 SPT SD-9254SSA 18 Inch Built-In Dishwasher |
|
Check Latest Price |
 COMFEE 18 Inch Built-In Dishwasher |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Midea 18 Inch Built-In Dishwasher – Best Overall Stainless Tub Under 800 Dollars
Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher, 8 Place Settings, Stainless Steel Tub
Stainless steel tub
8 place settings
22.6 x 17.6 x 32.4 inch
52 dB
136F sanitize cycle
Pros
- Largest review base in the group at 551 ratings
- Stainless tub in a genuine built-in body
- Heated dry plus 136F Hi-Temp sanitize
- Handles pots and pans up to 11 inches
- Adjustable legs for under-counter fitting
Cons
- One-year manufacturer warranty only
- Some buyers report frustrating warranty resolution
- Occasional reports of a damaged sump housing on arrival
I spent the bulk of my time on this one because it is the machine most households in this price band should actually end up with. It is a true built-in at 22.6 inches deep, 17.6 inches wide and 32.4 inches high, which is the standard slimline opening, and the tub is stainless steel rather than a coated plastic liner.
Cleaning performance is the quiet strength. It runs six programs covering heavy, normal, eco, delicate, quick and rinse, and the three functions on top of that are the ones that matter: heated dry, hi-temp and sanitize. The hi-temp cycle holds water at 136 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the number you want if baby bottles or heavily soiled bakeware are part of the load.
Owner reviews describe quiet operation that matches the 52 dBA figure and solid-feeling racks, and most people loading it for the first time report strong results on heavy pots. Rated 4.1 across 551 reviews, which is by far the deepest owner history of any machine here, so its weaknesses are well documented rather than a surprise waiting to happen.
It fits plates, pots and pans up to 11 inches high, and adjustable legs make the under-counter fit less of a gamble than most slimline installs. The full panel is push-button with an LED display, so nothing is hidden behind a door you have to open twice.
What the sanitize cycle and tub size give you
The 136-degree sanitize cycle is the specification that separates this from most of the field. The COMFEE in this roundup carries NSF certification alongside its own hi-temp wash, and the SPT portable model has no dedicated hygiene temperature at all.
Plates up to 11 inches clear the tub without a tilt, which covers most dinner plates and standard skillet handles. In an 18-inch body that is a real achievement, and it is why I rank this above machines with more rack space.
Where owners report friction
The warranty is one year, and that is thin for an installed appliance. Several buyers describe slow, frustrating repair or refund processes, and there are reports of a damaged sump pump housing on machines arriving in the box.
Sixteen percent of ratings are one star, which is the highest one-star share in this group, and it clusters around service rather than function. If you are installing this yourself, factor in a plumber and a willingness to handle a warranty claim if something arrives faulty.
2. SPT SD-9263SS 18 Inch Portable – Best Value Stainless Tub With Stainless Racks
SPT SD-9263SS 18″ Wide Portable Stainless Steel Dishwasher with ENERGY STAR, 6 Wash Programs, 8 Place Settings and Stainless Steel Tub
Stainless tub, racks and basket
8 place settings
23.63 x 17.64 x 35.63 inch
52 dB
118 pounds
Pros
- Stainless racks and cutlery basket alongside the steel tub
- 8 place settings in an 18-inch body
- ENERGY STAR at 237 kWh per year
- 6 wash programs with LED display
- Drain hose and faucet adapter included
Cons
- 118 pounds is genuinely hard to move
- Needs a faucet and a drain
- Full-panel controls rather than a display-led interface
This is the value pick, and the reason is one word: racks. Almost every competitor pairs a stainless tub with plastic-coated racks, which is where the corrosion eventually shows up. It has stainless wire racks, a stainless cutlery basket and a stainless tub, which is the whole system in steel.
It is 18 inches wide and tall enough to stand on the floor or on a sturdy base, and it manages 8 place settings with six wash programs. Buyers use it in apartments, dorms and RVs, and reviews repeatedly single out the size-to-capacity ratio as surprising for a portable unit.
ENERGY STAR certification at 237 kilowatt hours per year puts it in line with the built-ins on consumption, which is unusual for a portable format. Noise is listed at 52 dBA and owners in small homes describe it as acceptable in an open room.
My reservation is the 118-pound weight. That figure is measured, not estimated, and it is the reason the rating distribution carries a 10 percent one-star block, most of it about needing a second person to unbox. Plan the lift before you order.
Why the stainless racks matter more than the tub
Tub steel gets the attention, but racks are what you touch daily and what fails first on a plastic-coated machine. Steel racks resist the pitting and flaking that shows up as brown speckling on tines after a few years of hard water.
The stainless basket also matters for small items. Plastic baskets flex and lose tension, so forks and teaspoons drop through to the floor of the tub, and steel holds its shape for the life of the machine.
Where it is the wrong choice
It needs a faucet and a drain hose in reach, which rules it out if you want a true drop-in install. The included faucet adapter covers most kitchen taps, but a pull-out spray head can complicate the connection.
Full-panel controls with an LED display are functional rather than refined. If you want a sleek integrated handle and touch controls, this is not that appliance.
3. SPT SD-2224DS Countertop – Best Budget Pick for Apartments and Rentals
SPT SD-2224DS ENERGY STAR Compact Countertop Dishwasher with Delay Start – Portable Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Interior and 6 Place Settings Rack Silverware Basket, Silver
Stainless steel interior
6 place settings
19.69 x 21.65 x 17.24 inch
55 dB
43 pounds
Pros
- Stainless interior in a countertop body
- 7 wash cycles including a mini-party cycle
- Quick-connect faucet adapter included
- Solid tactile push buttons
- ENERGY STAR
- Delay start up to 8 hours
Cons
- Small interior
- large mugs must sit on the basket floor
- Cycle times run longer than the manual states
- Modest drying
- Occasional leaking at the faucet adapter
At 4.3 stars across 221 reviews this is the highest-rated machine in the roundup, and it is also the smallest. It is a countertop unit at 19.69 inches deep, 21.65 inches wide and 17.24 inches high, so it occupies a section of counter rather than a cabinet opening.
The interior is stainless steel, which is the point of including it here. For a rental, a first apartment or a secondary kitchen, a plastic tub is a leak risk you do not need to carry for someone else’s subfloor.
It runs seven cycles: heavy, normal, light, mini party, rinse, speed and soak. The mini party cycle is for glasses and stemware, and seven options in a body this small is genuinely unusual. Delay start runs two, four, six or eight hours.
Hookup is the easiest in the group. A universal faucet adapter and quick connect hook it to most kitchen taps, water and drain included, with an LED display that shows remaining time plus water supply and rinse aid warning indicators.
Why I rate it highest despite the small size
Owners in apartments and dorms report strong cleaning and easy hookup for the size, and 71 percent of ratings are five stars, tied for the highest share in this roundup. The rating reflects a machine that does a small job completely rather than a large job adequately.
At 43 pounds it is also the only one here you can move by yourself, which matters enormously in a rental where the machine lives on a counter and occasionally needs to come down.
Where it falls short
The interior is small and large mugs have to sit on the basket floor. If your household runs more than two people daily, the cycle count on a countertop becomes an annoyance by week two.
Owners report cycle times running longer than the manual states, and drying is modest. There are also occasional reports of leaking at the faucet adapter connection, which is the one failure mode you should test the moment it arrives.
4. Honeywell 18 Inch Built-In – Best for Quiet Kitchens
Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher with 8 Place settings, 6 Washing Programs, Stainless Steel Tub, Built-In Style, UL/Energy Star- White
Stainless steel tub
42 dB
22.6 x 18 x 32.4 inch
8 place settings
ENERGY STAR and UL listed
Pros
- Quietest model here at 42 dBA
- Stainless tub in an ADA-compliant 18-inch body
- 6 wash programs for pots pans and china
- 24-hour delay start
- Owners report genuinely dry dishes
Cons
- Racks and basket are plastic and nylon rather than stainless
- One-year limited warranty
- One report of an E4 fault and internal leak early on
- Heavier than comparable 18-inch models at 70 pounds
If your kitchen is open to a living space, this is the pick. At 42 dBA it is ten decibels below everything else in the roundup, and a ten-decibel gap is roughly the difference between hearing the machine and not.
The body is a true built-in at 22.6 inches deep, 18 inches wide and 32.4 inches high, with a stainless steel tub, a top cutlery rack and two further racks. Six wash programs cover pots and pans, normal wash, china, quick wash, rinse only and energy saver, with a 24-hour delay start.
Owners who swapped out older 18-inch machines from major brands tend to be the happiest reviewers, calling out the low price, the quiet run and the fact that dishes come out dry even with generic detergent. That last point is a real advantage of a steel interior, which sheds condensation rather than holding it against plastic surfaces.
It is ENERGY STAR certified, UL listed and ADA-compliant, and it fits existing 18-inch cabinet openings without drama.
What the 42 dBA rating changes in practice
Sound level in dishwashers is dominated by water hitting racks and the drain pump. Dropping from 52 to 42 dBA means the cycle becomes background rather than a conversation stopper, which matters in an open-plan home or a small apartment with thin walls.
It also suits a kitchen that sits close to a bedroom or a home office, where the same machine that seems fine by day is irritating at 6am.
Where the compromises sit
The racks and cutlery basket are plastic and nylon, not steel, so the corrosion argument that favours the SPT portable does not apply here. The tub is still stainless, which handles the durability and drying question.
There is a one-year limited warranty and an isolated report of an E4 error code with an internal leak inside the first month. Fifteen percent of ratings are one star, so inspect the unit thoroughly before you commit to an install.
5. SPT SD-9254SSA 18 Inch Built-In – Best for Heated Dry in a Built-In Body
SPT SD-9254SSA 18″ Wide Built-In Stainless Steel Dishwasher w/Heated Drying, ENERGY STAR, 6 Wash Programs, 8 Place Settings and Stainless Steel Tub
Stainless steel tub
Heated dry function
22.6 x 17.6 x 32.4 inch
52 dB
234 kWh per year
Pros
- Stainless tub in a built-in frame
- Heated drying function built into the cycle
- Top ten selling position among built-in dishwashers
- ENERGY STAR at 234 kWh per year
- Adjustable upper rack and adjustable legs
- Error code alarm on the panel
Cons
- Only a one-year limited manufacturer warranty
- 18-inch opening is a niche size
- Heated dry is a function rather than a dedicated drying system
Drying is the most common complaint in this entire category, and this machine attacks it directly. The heating function runs during the drying cycle rather than leaving the tub to cool and drip, which is why owners highlight it as a reason to buy.
It is a built-in at 22.6 inches deep, 17.6 inches wide and 32.4 inches high with a stainless steel tub, six wash programs and 8 place settings. It currently sits in the top ten of built-in dishwashers in the category, which also means parts and service experience for this body style are easy to find.
Specs are sensible elsewhere: 52 dBA operation, ENERGY STAR at 234 kilowatt hours per year, a 1 to 24 hour delay start, an error alarm that displays fault codes, and automatic detergent and rinse agent dispensers. The upper rack adjusts and the legs adjust, which covers most uneven floors.
What arrives in the box is complete: cutlery basket, dispenser, drain hose, drying system, inlet hose, user manual and top-mount brackets.
Why heated dry is worth a look
Condensation drying relies on residual heat moving moisture to cooler steel walls, and passive drip dry relies on nothing at all. A heating element in the dry stage keeps the tub warm for longer, so plastics and glassware that trap condensation have a better chance of finishing dry.
It will not fully solve the wet-plastic problem that forum users complain about across every brand. It does give you the shortest path to cabinet-ready dishes, which is the outcome most people are actually buying.
Where it is not the right machine
A one-year limited manufacturer warranty on a permanently installed appliance is the weak point. If you can stretch to a longer warranty elsewhere, that is worth more to you than the heated dry function.
It also needs an 18-inch opening. Measure before ordering, because an 18-inch niche appliance does not fill a standard 24-inch cabinet bay.
6. COMFEE 18 Inch Built-In – Best for NSF-Certified Sanitizing
COMFEE’ 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher, Energy Star & NSF, Stainless Steel Tub
Stainless steel tub
ENERGY STAR and NSF
22.6 x 17.6 x 32.4 inch
52 dB
54.7 pounds
Pros
- Only model here carrying both ENERGY STAR and NSF certification
- 136F hi-temp hygiene wash
- Upper rack raises nearly 2 inches for tall pots
- Lower rack holds plates up to 13.78 inches
- One-hour quick wash
- 52 dBA confirmed by owners
Cons
- Power cord is not included and must be bought separately
- Instructions for the adjustable top rack are unclear
- Some plastics keep a few drops of water
- Smallest review base here at 24 ratings
COMFEE built by Midea, and the one specification that puts it on this list is NSF certification alongside ENERGY STAR. If you run a home business, a childcare kitchen or anything where a documented sanitize matters, that mark is not decorative.
The tub is stainless steel in an 18-inch built-in body at 22.6 by 17.6 by 32.4 inches. It runs six wash cycles, heavy, normal, eco, delicate, quick and rinse, plus heated dry, hi-temp and sanitize functions, and the hi-temp wash boosts water to 136 degrees Fahrenheit.
Loading flexibility is genuinely good in a body this narrow. The upper rack raises up to 1.97 inches to clear deep pots, and the lower rack holds plates up to 13.78 inches, a clearance figure none of the other models here publishes.
It also offers a one-hour quick wash, a 1 to 24 hour delay, nine settings, and 52 dBA operation that owners say matches the published figure.
Why the rack adjustment matters more than it sounds
Almost every complaint about slimline dishwashers comes down to the same thing: the top rack is fixed and the bottom rack has nowhere to go. A rack that lifts nearly two inches converts one upper-rack position into two, which is how you fit a mixing bowl and a dinner plate set without stacking.
The 13.78-inch lower rack clearance also handles rectangular serving platters that most slimline models reject, and it does so in a body only two inches wider than the others here.
Where the caution sits
The power cord is not included. Budget for that separately or the machine is not usable on arrival, which is an odd gap for an appliance meant to go straight into an opening.
With only 24 ratings, long-term reliability data simply does not exist yet, and the rack adjustment instructions are reportedly unclear. Early owners also report a few residual drops on plastics after a cycle.
Buying Guide: What Actually Matters in a Stainless Tub Dishwasher
A stainless steel tub is an interior built from steel rather than a plastic liner, and it is the one upgrade that genuinely changes durability, drying and cleaning over a decade. The tub walls, the door liner and the floor are the parts that contact water, heat and detergent every single day, and steel handles all three without staining or cracking.
Stainless Steel Tub vs Plastic Tub: What Actually Changes
Yes, a stainless steel tub is better than a plastic tub. Plastic liners stain permanently around the water line and absorb odour that no amount of vinegar removes. They also harden into a surface that chips at the door edge, and when a plastic tub eventually cracks the water goes into the subfloor and the insulation beneath the kitchen.
Steel also dries better, and the reason is physical. Residual heat from the wash moves moisture toward cooler surfaces, and a steel wall is cooler and more conductive than a plastic one, so condensation forms on metal and runs down to the sump instead of sitting on the tub. One r/Appliances commenter explained the same principle about a Bosch 800 series: it runs the fan for the last few minutes so the moisture gathers onto the stainless steel tub.
Be careful with retailer filters, though. A “stainless steel” tag on a listing page frequently refers to the door panel only, and the interior spec is buried two clicks away. Check that the interior material field says stainless steel, not just the finish.
Drying Systems: Why Dishes Come Out Wet
Wet dishes at the end of the cycle are the most common complaint in this category, and the fix is usually the drying system rather than the wash. Condensation drying wicks moisture to cool steel walls, heated dry keeps the tub warm longer to push that moisture out, and auto-open or steam-assisted systems crack the door ajar to vent the last of it.
Climate decides which of those suits you. In a hot, humid region, an auto-open machine venting steam into the room is a real complaint from owners, and a heated-dry model that finishes inside the cabinet suits you better. In a dry climate, drip dry works fine and avoids adding humidity to the house.
Two habits help regardless of system. A rinse aid dispenser keeps the water film from clinging to plastics, and a load angled so nothing traps a bowl of water at the bottom makes a bigger difference than any setting change.
Two Racks or Three: Clearance and Load Flexibility
None of the machines in this roundup adds a third rack, and that is a deliberate choice for the price band. Third racks take vertical space from the lower rack, and buyers of three-rack machines repeatedly report that tall dishes and pots no longer fit, which defeats the purpose of a larger machine.
What you lose is a dedicated flatware tray. What you gain is lower-rack clearance and, in several of these models, an upper rack that raises to make room, which we rated as the most useful loading feature in the group.
If you run a large household with heavy pot loads daily, this two-rack constraint is the main reason to step above this ceiling. For two to four people, it barely registers.
Noise, Filtration and Day-to-Day Maintenance
Noise is measured in dBA, where lower is quieter, and the gap between 42 and 55 dBA is the difference between a background hum and something you notice. In an open-plan kitchen, anything above 50 dBA announces itself across a room.
On filtration, expect to clean a mesh filter manually. Self-cleaning filters exist mainly on higher-end models from a couple of brands, and the commonly repeated forum consensus is that among modern machines they are almost exclusively KitchenAid and Maytag, which both sit above this ceiling. Budget a few minutes of manual rinsing every couple of weeks, and wipe the door gasket while you are there.
Hard water matters more with an 18-inch machine because the smaller sump concentrates minerals. If your area is hard, use rinse aid generously and run the sanitize or hi-temp cycle periodically. Our [Best Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks Expert Reviews](https://vintagevinylnews.com/best-stainless-steel-kitchen-sinks/) covers matching sink and tap choices if you are building the whole run.
Measure Your Opening Before You Order
Four measurements decide whether an 18-inch model installs at all: the cabinet opening width, the clearance under your countertop, the depth from the front of the cabinet to the wall, and the position of the water line and electrical outlet. Standard 18-inch bodies here run about 17.6 to 18 inches wide and 32.4 inches high, and they do not fill a 24-inch bay.
Hookup also has a cost, and it eats into a tight ceiling. A new supply line, a new drain connection and electrical work can add hundreds of dollars that the appliance price never shows. If you already have a dedicated circuit and a shutoff valve in reach, an under-counter install is straightforward.
Portable and countertop models sidestep all of it. They need a faucet and a drain within reach, and nothing else, which is why they remain the sensible choice for rentals and short-term housing even at higher per-year cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dishwasher with a stainless steel tub?
The Midea 18 Inch Built-In Dishwasher is the best stainless steel tub dishwasher under 800 dollars. It pairs a stainless tub with heated dry and a 136F hi-temp sanitize cycle, runs at 52 dBA, and carries 551 owner ratings, the largest review base in this group.
Is it better to have a stainless steel tub in a dishwasher?
Yes. A stainless steel tub resists the staining and odour that permanently mark plastic liners, transfers residual heat better during drying so less moisture is left on dishes, and is far less likely to crack and leak into a subfloor. Steel also handles hard water and heat cycling better over a decade of daily use.
Which dishwasher has the best stainless steel tub?
The SPT SD-9263SS goes furthest, because its tub, wire racks and cutlery basket are all stainless rather than pairing a steel tub with plastic-coated racks. Among built-ins, the Midea and COMFEE models pair a stainless tub with adjustable upper racks, and the COMFEE adds NSF certification and 13.78-inch lower rack plate clearance.
What is the best dishwasher under 800 dollars?
The SPT SD-2224DS countertop unit is the highest-rated pick at 4.3 stars across 221 reviews, and the SPT SD-9254SSA built-in is the best built-in option for drying, with a heating function in the dry cycle. The Honeywell model is the quietest at 42 dBA, and the Midea is the strongest all-rounder.
Which dishwasher brand has the least amount of problems?
Owner reports in this price band most often describe issues as slow cycles, wet plastics after drying, and warranty service that drags on. Repair frequency by brand is not measured independently, and one Whirlpool owner in a forum thread described being sick of trying rather than replacing a machine. Treat brand reliability claims as owner-reported rather than lab-verified.
Which dishwasher to stay away from?
Avoid any machine sold as stainless that does not list a stainless steel interior in its specification, because a steel door over a plastic tub gives you the appearance without the benefit. In this roundup, treat the one-year warranty models carefully, check the Midea after delivery for sump housing damage, and buy the COMFEE power cord before delivery.
Final Verdict and Default Recommendation
Six models cleared the bar for a genuine stainless steel tub under 800 dollars in 2026, and they split cleanly into three jobs. Built-ins for a real kitchen, portable units for flexibility, and countertop machines for spaces that cannot host a cabinet appliance.
My default recommendation is the Midea 18 Inch Built-In. It has the deepest owner history in the group, a dedicated 136-degree sanitize wash on a built-in body, and adjustable legs that make the slimline fit predictable. If quietness is your top concern, the Honeywell at 42 dBA wins outright. If the whole system in your kitchen should be steel, the SPT SD-9263SS has stainless racks the others lack.
One last check before you buy. Confirm the interior material field in the specification, not the finish colour, and measure your opening, because an 18-inch body will not drop into a 24-inch bay. Prices in this tier move frequently, so treat the figures you see on the listing as today’s number rather than a promise. Our [10 Best Dishwashers Under 800 Dollars Guide](https://vintagevinylnews.com/best-dishwashers-under-800-dollars/) covers the wider budget picture if you also want to weigh plastic-tub models that buy more capacity for the money.